Surgery in cirrhotic patients is reported to bear a high risk of operative morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have attempted to identify the risks associated with certain procedures in these patients. So we have investigated numerous factors that may influ- ence the postoperative mortality and morbidity following the general surgical procedures in 80 cirrhotic patients admitted to the Chung Ang University Hospital during the period between August 1984 and December 1992. There were 11 postoperative deaths, a mortali- ty rate of 13.8% and 23 postoperative complications, a morbidity rate of 28.8% in cir- rhotic patients. The preoperative risk factors that affected the postoperative mortality and morbidity significantly were the total bilirubin(P3.5 mg/dl), SGOT(P40 unit), SGPT(R40 unit), PT activity(<70%), albumin(3.0 gm/dl), intraoperative blood loss(23 pints), nurmber of previous variceal bleeding, Child class C and emergency operation. The post- operative complications were hepatic failure, wound infection, acute renal failure and respiratory complication in the oder of frequency with the overall complication rate of 28. 8%. In the view of above result, we consider that the high postoperative mortality and morbidity of celiotomy in cirrhotic patients can be minimized by intensive preoperative preparation and by avoiding emergency operation.(Korean J Gastroenferol 1994; 26: 937- 943)