A review has been made of mortality statistics associated with surgery in patients with recent myocardial infarction. The overall mortality figures compare closely with those of coronary-disease patients not involved in surgery or anesthesia. Our findings support the concept that elective surgery should be postponed until the end of the healing stage (three months). Essential surgery performed during the early postinfarction period carried a very high risk. The prognosis following surgery performed after the first 15 days postinfarction was significantly improved.