To identify preoperative indicators of outcome following surgery for postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm, the authors have analysed the clinical course of 67 consecutive patients who underwent operation from 1970 to 1982. Follow-up extended to 12 years (mean 4.6 years) and was 97% complete. Postoperative mortality was 8.9%. Factors that were associated with a significantly (p less than 0.05) increased risk of early death included emergency surgery, the presence of ventricular arrhythmias preoperatively and a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of more than 25 mm Hg on cardiac catheterization. Patients who underwent myocardial revascularization concomitantly had a lower mortality (7.1% v. 18.2% for aneurysmectomy alone), decreased postoperative morbidity and increased longevity. Marked functional improvement was noted in all groups. Actuarial survival (including operative mortality) was 66% at 6 years, and was significantly (p less than 0.05) better in patients operated upon for angina (83.6% +/- 8.1%) than in those operated upon for congestive heart failure (53% +/- 13%). The authors conclude that the most important predictor of outcome following postinfarction aneurysm surgery is the preoperative hemodynamic status of the left ventricle. Since functional recovery and prognosis after operation have been excellent, an aggressive surgical approach to symptomatic left ventricular aneurysms is warranted.