We have developed a questionnaire to assess patients' peri-anaesthetic satisfaction. We recruited 1398 patients and 59 health care professionals for construction and validation. Relevant items were rated for preferences. The resulting questions underwent a cognitive and a standard pretest. The resultant Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire consists of 38 questions about five identified themes: trust and atmosphere; fear; discomfort; treatment by personnel; and information and waiting. Internal consistency was demonstrated for the sum score (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and the five factors (Cronbach's alpha = 0.42-0.79). Multivariate analysis found significant influences of age, school education, marital status and duration of anaesthesia. Dissatisfied patients had a median (IQR [range]) of 73% (66-76% [35-83]), and satisfied patients 92% (90-94% [88-100]) of the sum score. The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire offers a valid and reliable way to identify dissatisfied patients and generate quality improvement and also has use as a benchmark tool.