Aortic root infection remains a challenging problem in the surgical treatment of both native and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Between 1980 and 1991, 73 patients with active aortic valve endocarditis and paravalvular infection underwent operation. Indications for operation included congestive heart failure and uncontrolled sepsis. Aortic root abscesses were located in the noncoronary anulus or in the aorticomitral junction in 45% of cases, followed by the subannular interventricular septum in 23%. Two patients had an aorticoatrial fistula, seven an interventricular septal defect. Total or partial left ventricular-aortic dehiscence was observed in 27 patients. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement, nine with simultaneous mitral valve operations. Two of the latter required patch reconstruction of the destroyed aorticomitral septum with double valve replacement. Reconstruction of the aortic base was possible in 16 patients, whereas in 12 total replacement of the aortic root was necessary. In one patient, supracoronary aortic valve replacement was used. Recently, topical application of antibiotics in fibrin sealant was used in 25 patients. The operative mortality rate was 21% and correlated to preoperative uncontrolled sepsis and the presence of extensive root destruction. Operation for active endocarditis of the aortic root requires radical, individualized techniques and results in an acceptable operative and long-term risk. The use of an antibiotic fibrin compound appears to be a useful prophylactic tool to prevent postoperative residual endocarditis.