[Perioperative risk from the viewpoint of the surgeon. Analysis and clinical use].

General definitions are proposed in this paper for the terms of risk and risk factor. Risks are then analysed, with reference to the literature, on the basis of the defined terminology. Possible approaches are then demonstrated for clinical translation of risk analyses into appropriate therapeutic concepts, with reference being made to a study of oesophageal carcinoma. The benefit has been persuasively reflected in reduced lethality.