The Physiologic Basis of Surgery

David J. Dries

This is the second edition of a hardbound text reviewing basic science considerations in general surgery. The editor has assembled a series of reviews of basic science concepts necessary for optimal treatment of patients with surgical disease. As such, these reviews also provide an introduction to the various surgical disciplines. Surgical trainees preparing to take Board and In-Training Examinations are the optimal audience for this work. Teachers of various surgical disciplines may also find this a worthwhile tool. The authors are surgeons of various degrees of seniority throughout the United States. For the most part, the material is presented according to organ system. Additional sections describe broad considerations such as fluid and electrolytes, developmental concerns, cell biology, nutrition, and surgical infections. Chapters are concise, with major subheadings indicated by texture of type. Some chapters include reference numbers and cite original work while others present only secondary references in a short list at the conclusion. Illustrations have excellent pedagogic value but reproduce with average quality in the black-and-white production technique employed. Chapter titles and authors are provided in the table of contents while a more detailed index with separate citation for figures is included. In its second edition, this book has progressed significantly beyond the authors' original efforts. Appropriate inclusions are topics such as shock and resuscitation. Retained chapters have, in most cases, been significantly updated. Unfortunately, inconsistent format and use of references is noted among the chapters, and in some cases presentation is needlesslyinformal. Good illustration selection is compromised by inconsistent production quality. Inclusion of text material and review questions on CD-ROM to accompany this volume is a valuable feature.

Reviewer: Bruce E Jarrell, MD (University of Maryland School of Medicine)
Description: This is the second edition of the authoritative text on surgical basic science for residents. This edition is more comprehensive than the first and includes new topics in shock, fluid and electrolytes, reproductive physiology, and geriatrics. It also has a companion computer CD program.
Purpose: The purpose is to assemble the basic science information necessary for surgeons, particularly for surgeons in training. The basic science material is interlaced with clinical care principles, enabling surgeons to integrate basic science into their day-to-day clinical care.
Audience: Residents in training and practicing surgeons are the intended audience.
Features: There are 26 chapters that deal with broad areas of basic science. Each chapter is written by an authority in the topic. The chapter covers all of the pertinent basic science issues related to a particular problem with in-depth discussion, tables, and diagrams to help understand the concepts. It is also well referenced with certain excellent references called out in the text.
Assessment: This is a significant improvement over the first edition. It has more detail and is more comprehensive in its coverage of topics. I read several of the new chapters as well as some of the revised chapters. The geriatrics chapter is an excellent addition and is very well presented. This is a topic that is not commonly covered in resident education. The new fluids, electrolyte, and shock chapters are clear and concise. The oncology chapter has also been improved, taking a very difficult and comprehensive topic and clarifying it well. I was also impressed with the surgical infection chapter. In fact, every chapter has significant revisions that are improvements over the previous edition. This edition is much more readable than the first. This is an outstanding contribution to our resident basic science education and will continue to be the benchmark for basic science requirements in surgery.

From The Critics

New edition of a text that presents basic science information needed for the study of surgery. The 26 chapters proceed from cell biology, growth, and development through fluids and electrolytes, shock and hypoperfusion states, wound healing, nutrition and metabolism, immunology and neuroscience, pharmacology principles, the various systems and organs of the body, hemostasis, thrombosis, hematopoiesis, blood transfusion, anesthesia, selected technologies in general surgeries, and a new chapter that addresses physiologic changes associated with aging. Edited by O'Leary (Louisiana State U. Health Sciences Center) and Capote (The U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Booknews

A synthesis of basic science concepts inherent in disease treatment, organized and written for surgeons-in-training by surgeons. The 25 selections cover topics in cell biology, fluids and electrolytes, shock, nutrition, wound healing, surgical infection, the breast, the cardiovascular system, hematology, basic neuroscience, and anesthesia. The discussions focus on information conveying the "process" of disease so that the doctor can better understand underlying principles and concepts of treatment. Includes photographs and diagrams. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

4 Stars! from Doody