This is the sixth edition of a familiar, pocket-sized book that has been a handy reference for many medical students and house officers since its first edition appeared two decades ago. However, despite its familiar appearance, a number of changes have been made, including a new publisher and editor, more legible type, and major revisions of many chapters.
This is the most comprehensive text in the "peripheral brain" genre, and it boasts an impressive list of distinguished contributors whose names are not often seen in handbooks. The introductory chapters, on shock and trauma by Dr Trunkey, preoperative and postoperative care by Dr Schrock and others, anesthesia by Dr Guadagni, and surgical infections by Drs Jawetz and Flora, give a solid grounding in basic surgical care. There are fourteen specialty chapters, on endocrine, head and neck, breast, pulmonary, cardiac, alimentary tract, gynecology, urology, vascular, hand, plastic, orthopedic, pediatric, and neurologic surgery.