[Why is surgery risky?]

Abstract

Major surgical procedures are still beset with morbidity and hospitalisation. This short survey discusses different pathogenic factors that may contribute to morbidity, with an emphasis on surgical stress responses, pain relief and all-over perioperative care in accordance with the principles of fast-track surgery. It is emphasized that further advances require a multi-disciplinary approach with a focus on process organization and where sufficient quantity is available to secure anaesthesiological, surgical and nursing care expertise.