Although the procedures for severe intraoperative complications have largely been defined, in everyday life less dramatic but equally important problems and issues arise which are controversially debated between treating surgeons and the anesthesiologists. Preoperative anemia, transfusion therapy, fluid management, patient positioning, hypothermia and neuromuscular blockade are the focus of the occasionally conflicting interests of anesthesiologists and surgeons. Good reciprocal communication and mutual understanding are a requirement for proactive management of complications. The overall objective is the reduction of intraoperative risks thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. This can be achieved through modern fluid management, blood conserving techniques and maintenance of normothermia. Surgeons further require an optimal view during minimally invasive surgery even by complex patient positioning and adequate neuromuscular blockade.