Complications following surgical procedures are not only associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but also add immensely to the psychological burden of the patient and are disappointing for the surgical team. Recent research has led to a greater understanding of the response to surgery and anaesthesia, and great advances have been made in pre-operative preparation with appropriate investigations and pharmacological prophylaxis. These have reduced the incidence of manycomplications, but the risks are impossible to remove completely. This wide-reaching and practical handbook covers a