Abstract: A medical drive unit receives and rotationally drives a medical, preferably surgical tool, by a motor, preferably an electric motor, housed in the drive unit which can be operated via a control or regulation unit. The medical drive unit includes a sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting or determining a movement of the drive unit or a holding movement of the user which is triggered by the motor corresponding to the power applied to the tool and a kickback control which automatically effects a reduction of the driving power or turning off of the motor upon detection of a predetermined drive unit or holding movement or a predetermined drive-unit or holding-movement amount.