This volume is a truly comprehensive treatise on the subject of abdominal wall hernia. Starting with a concise historical review, the author takes the reader from the basic anatomy involved, through preoperative care, diagnosis, surgical techniques, postoperative care, complications, and anesthesia. He combines a thorough review of the literature with his own experience to evaluate alternative techniques, and gives due credit to other authors while stating his own preferences and the reasons therefor.
The two chapters on local anesthesia for groin hernias are the result of the author's long interest in this technique, and as such are classic and well worth reviewing.
Experienced surgeons can be expected to have some differences of opinion with some of the author's preferences in technique of hernia repair, but few could fault the sound surgical principles he advocates. For example, I am more enthusiastic about McVay's techniques in groin hernias and less enthusiastic about