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Purpose: To analyze the instructions for authors of Brazilian scientific journals in the surgery field, in order to describe the present situation, as well to make recommendations for editors and authors. Methods: Instruction for authors of 20 journals were analyzed and classified following Vancouver requirements. Instructions were taken from SciELO, from the journals' homepage, or from the last printed issue available in BIREME's collection. Results were descriptively analyzed, considering the frequency of each variable. Results: 75% of the journals recommended ICMJE Uniform Requirements, although not always the newest version was indicated; 90% of the journals mentioned ethical research principles, 80% the peer-review process and 70% the conflict of interests and the author rights transfer agreement. Foreign languages frequently accepted were English (80%) and Spanish (30%). All journals publish original papers, followed by reviews (90%), case reports (80%), letters to the editor (70%), and clinical updates or continuing education (55%). The nomenclature for the sections varied among journals. Conclusion: Even though publishing freedom and independence of each publisher must be respected, there are internationally accepted criteria that must be observed. The current trends, towards the prioritization of open access electronic journals, will lead to important changes in the process of publishing scientific journals.