Advances in perinatology and neonatology over the last 2 decades have improved the survival of premature, especially extremely premature (< 1500 g) and critically ill, newborn babies. Most of the disorders that were considered neonatal surgical emergencies in the past no longer require immediate surgery because of new technology and new methods of treating sick neonates. This article describes the more common neonatal disorders that require semi-elective or emergency surgery, and focuses on factors that affect the anesthetic management of patients with these disorders.