Evaluation of the surgical risk in cirrhotic patients undergoing emergency operations must take into account potential anesthesia-related problems, the specific type of operation, and altered liver function. Therefore, (a) the generic surgical risk, (b) the specific surgical risk and (c) the anesthetic risk, must be distinguished. The factors which affect the generic risk are the conditions which can worsen pre-existing liver failure (e.g. cardiopulmonary disease, area of surgical intervention, stage of liver cirrhosis). Splanchnic reflexes as well as lower venous return to the heart are the potential factors which may lead to reduced hepatic blood perfusion and, therefore, represent the specific surgical risk. The anesthetic risk is due to negative interference with the splanchnic circulation by both artificial ventilation and direct pharmacologic vasoconstrictor effects. Finally, the possibility that the patient is positive for HBV or HIV markers must be considered in order to carry out the necessary measures to avoid direct contact with the blood.