  We review a recently proposed framework for studying axially symmetric
dissipative fluids \cite{Ref1}. Some general results are discussed at the most
general level. We then proceed to analyze some particular cases. First, the
shear-free case is considered \cite{3}. We shall next discuss the perfect fluid
case under the geodesic condition, without impossing ab initio the shear--free
condition \cite{2}. Finally a dissipative, geodesic fluid \cite{4}, is analyzed
in some detail. We conclude by bringing out the attention to some open issues.
