question: PURPOSE OF REVIEW To outline key points for perioperative ICU optimization of nutrition, airway management, blood product preparation and transfusion, antibiotic prophylaxis and transport. RECENT FINDINGS Optimization entails glycemic control for all, with specific attention to type-1 diabetic patients. Transport-related adverse events may be averted with surgery in the ICU. If moving the patient is unavoidable, transport guidelines should be followed and hemodynamic optimization, airway control, and stabilization of mechanical ventilation ensured before transport. Preinduction preparation includes assessment of the airway and high-flow oxygen to prolong apneic oxygenation. Postintubation, a protective positive ventilation strategy, should be employed. Ideal transfusion thresholds are 7 g/dl for hemodynamically stable adult patients, 8 g/dl in orthopedic/cardiac surgery/cardiovascular disease and higher in specific disease states. Antimicrobial prophylaxis within 120 min of incision prevents most surgical site infections. Antibiotic therapy depends on the antibiotics being received in the ICU, the time elapsed since ICU admission, local epidemiology and the type of surgery. Tailored antimicrobial regimens may be continued periprocedurally. If more than 70% of the nutritional requirement cannot be met enterally, parenteral nutrition should be initiated within 5-7 days of surgery or earlier if the patient is malnourished. SUMMARY ICU patients who require surgery may benefit from appropriate perioperative management.