[Preoperative evaluation, preparation and outcome prediction. II: preface and comments].

In this special issue, essential points in preoperative evaluation are presented on the basis of up-to-date information. Myasthenia gravis should be evaluated according to individual severity. Muscular dystrophies may lead to rhabdomyolysis perioperatively. Schizophrenia is predisposed to developing torsade de pointes. Depression could be a risk factor of acute myocardial infarction. Infants may be influenced by anesthesia with respect to brain development. Elderly patients should be evaluated on the basis of age, physiological states, coexisting diseases and the type of surgery. Difficult airway management can be predicted by Mallanpati classification and thyromental distance. Jehovah's Witness of ages below 15 should be informed about the policy of life-saving blood transfusion. Oral contraceptive is associated with a fivefold-increased risk of perioperative venous thromboembolism.