Background　Mesenteric traction syndrome(MTS), a common phenomenon during abdominal surgery, which is manifested as hypotension and tachycardia, make a great challenge to the anesthesiologist on intraoperative management.　Objective　To elucidate the mechanism of MTS and the strategies of prevention and treatment.　Content　Prostacyclin and histamine play a key role in MTS. Non-selective cyclooxygenase(COX) inhibitors, histamine receptor blockers, and vasoactive drugs are administered for prevention and treatment of MTS in the clinical practice.　Trend　Further studies of MTS will help to find out the patients susceptible to MTS and implement more effective strategies for prevention and treatment.