Problems and limitations of medical management for infective endocarditis were studied and surgical indications were discussed based on the retrospective analysis of 55 episodes. Since perioperative complications still occur during highly active infection, antibiotic treatment was suggested as the primary management. Intractable or progressing heart failure appeared to be a definite indication for emergency surgery, but medical therapy was recommended for mild to moderate heart failure. For uncontrolled infection of more than one month duration despite the best available antibiotics, surgical debridement of the infected tissue was indicated. Occurrence of peripheral or fatal emboli was difficult to predict from clinical features and echocardiogram and therefore presented a therapeutic dilemma. Since major or fatal emboli frequently occurred during highly active infection, early initiation of effective antibiotic therapy was considered to be of primary importance. Demonstration of vegetation by echocardiography alone did not seem to justify urgent surgery. In addition, disseminated intravascular coagulation appeared to be a serious complication and thus sedimentation rate should be followed carefully. In the healed stage, prophylactic surgery seemed unnecessary for prevention of recurrent infection or embolization, as they were relatively rare.