Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen and helium, and it is the fundamental substance upon which life on Earth depends. Oxygen plays a crucial role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within mitochondria. Glucose is converted into pyruvate through glycolysis, which is then transformed into acetyl-CoA. This latter compound subsequently enters the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, where oxidative phosphorylation generates ATP. During this oxidative phosphorylation process, oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor. This physiological process is essential for the survival of most cells in the body, with the brain and heart being particularly susceptible to hypoxia. Therefore, maintaining stable oxygenation in patients entering the operating room is a key management goal for anesthesiologists. This article reviews the effects of perioperative oxygen therapy on vital organs, surgical site infections, and long-term outcomes. It aims to discuss the important clinical value of oxygen during the perioperative period and provide guidance for further clinical research and application.

Song Junli, Zeng Jingzheng, Shi Qin, Gong Gu. Advances in the Application of Oxygen Therapy in the Perioperative Period. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 6: 85-90. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2025.070610.

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