Objective To investigate the relationship between surgical operation and hypophosphatemia, to observe the possible damage of hypophosphatemia and to assess the value of postoperative phosphate supplementation. Methods Sixty four male SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, Group Ⅰ, drinking a specially prepared solution to reduce their phosphate storage, Group Ⅱ, drinking water as a control. All received common bile duct ligation 3 weeks later. The serum biochemical data including phosphate level were obtained before and after operation. Then half of rats in each group were supplied with NaH2PO4 5-day survival rates were analyzed with statistic methods and their vital organs were observed under electron microscope. Results The phosphate level of each group was descended after operation. The group with phosphate shortage before operation (group Ⅰ) had a greatest fall of phosphate and average arterial pressure. The phosphate-supplied rats had a minor change of vital organs under electron microscope scan and higher 5-day survival rate compared to others in this group.Conclusion Abdominal surgery may induce postoperative hypophosphatemia, especially when the phosphate has been lacking before operation. Severe hypophosphatemia, superimposed on surgical trauma, enhances the damage to the body. Prompt supplement of phosphate will improve the prognosis of surgical operation.