[The role of the physician in assessing fitness for surgery (author's transl)].

The decision regarding fitness of a person to undergo surgery and anaesthesia is made by the surgeon and anaesthetist according to agreed criteria. The physician takes part in the decision only in those cases where additional information regarding the type and extent of the disorder is required or when doubtful findings need further clarification. Closer co-operation between anaesthetist and physician regarding the indications for pre-operative tests and investigations is desirable.