SABISTON TEXTBOOK OF SURGERY: THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF MODERN SURGICAL PRACTICE, 18TH EDITION

Abstract

SABISTON TEXTBOOK OF SURGERY: THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF MODERN SURGICAL PRACTICE, 18TH EDITION Authors: Courtney M. Townsend Jr, MD; R. Daniel Beauchamp, MD; B. Mark Evers, MD; Kenneth L. Mattox, MD Bibliographic Data: Elsevier, 2008. Imprint: Saunders. ISBN: 978-1-4160-5233-3, 2353 pages, hard cover, $250.00. Reviewer's Expert Opinion: Description: This is the 18th edition of a comprehensive textbook of surgery last published in 2004. Purpose: A review of general surgery and related subspecialties is provided. The book is intended to prepare the reader for the American Board of Surgery qualifying examination. Audience: Trainees and practitioners at all levels with an interest in surgery are an appropriate audience for this work originating from leading medical centers throughout North America. Features: The book is divided along traditional lines, beginning with principles common to surgical specialties including fluid and electrolyte management, metabolic support, and wound healing. Subsequent sections review the management of injury, transplantation, oncology, breast, endocrine, and abdominal procedures. Typically, content is organized by organ. Other, larger sections describe surgical subspecialties, including head and neck, thoracic, vascular, urology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, and gynecology. Chapters flow well with multicolored illustrations, tables, and subheadings that allow easy identification of transitions. Radiographs are effectively presented. Apart from occasional black-and-white clinical photographs which do not reproduce well, the authors replace photography and line drawings with elegant multicolor drawings. Each chapter contains an ample reference list with citations of original work, dating to within three to four years of publication. The most important references are annotated in a selected references group immediately after the chapter summary. An extensive index of over 60 pages includes separate citations for data boxes, figures, and tables. Finally, the publisher has replaced the CD provided with the 17th edition with access to a website containing the text and illustrations as well as links to PubMed. Assessment: This textbook has matured significantly with the transition in editorial leadership which took place over the two previous editions. Retained chapters have been appropriately updated. New chapters reflect the current emphasis on surgical safety, new technologies, and unconventional civilian disasters. Redundancy is limited to topics crossing chapters, such as shock. Sabiston is a worthy tool for any student of surgery. Reviewer: David J. Dries, MD (University of Minnesota Medical School)