As a result of cooperation existing between Hospital and out-Patient Department the offwork time required before hospitalisation for routine operations can be limited to two days. A necessary preparation of the patients by remedies and physiotherapeutic methods should be done without interrupting their professional duties. The offwork time after the operation will depend on the kind of the surgical intervention, on the age and the condition of the patient and his profession. Data, obtained from a large number of patients treated in the Surgical Department of the Friedrichshain-Hospital in Berlin are discussed.