The Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the Inflammatory Response After Lung Lobectomy

Systemic inflammation is a potentially debilitating complication of thoracic surgeries that can result in significant physical and economic morbidity for afflicted patients. There is compelling evidence for the role of central nervous system in the regulation of systemic inflammatory responses through humoral mechanisms. Activation of afferent vagus nerve fibers by cytokines triggers anti-inflammatory responses. Direct electrical stimulation of the peripheral vagus nerve in vivo during lethal endotoxemia in rats inhibited Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) synthesis in liver preventing the development of shock. The vagal regulatory role of systemic inflammation after lung lobectomy is unknown.