Two textbooks concerning complications of pediatric surgery were published in 1982. DeVries and Shapiro's book is coauthored by 44 contributors. Chapter 19 was unbound. The quality of print and illustrations are good.
The majority of the chapters are well written, concentrating on complications rather than a description of the disease; notable exceptions include the chapters on necrotizing entercolitis and congenital anomalies of the anorectum. Many chapters lacked statistical data on complications, which are often helpful in evaluating and discussing surgical risk. While the discussions of various complications usually contained a treatment plan, many were quite abbreviated.
This book is primarily useful for the pediatrician who lacks a general understanding of surgical complications. The lack of statistics is a major detriment. The brevity of the text makes it less useful for the practicing pediatric surgeon, except in those areas with which he may not be familiar.