Current Surgical Therapy, 12th Edition

By John L. Cameron, MD, FACS, FRCS(Eng) (hon), FRCS(Ed) (hon), FRCSI(hon)

ISBN: 9780323376914

Pub Date: 12 Dec 2016

Reviewed by: Carol Scott-Conner, MD, PhD, MBA (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)

Description

This is the 12th edition of a true classic reference that is used by surgeons at all levels of their careers. Purchasing the book allows access to an accompanying ebook version containing the complete text and all of the illustrations (powered by Inkling) as some ancillary material. The previous edition was published in 2014 and clearly the rapid pace of advancement in the field amply justifies a revision. This is particularly germane for a book like this, which many surgeons use as a “latest update” or in preparation for board examinations.

Purpose

For 33 years and 12 successive editions, this book has remained true to its stated mission. It serves both as a ready reference and as a review before the boards. The ebook enables easy portable access on a variety of devices. The ebook can be highlighted and annotated, and the text is nicely organized to fit the usual screen format as well as for print. Given the weight of the print book, the ebook is quite welcome. Some additional resources supplement the text (e.g. excellent videos of a few subjects, including ultrasound).

Audience

The intended audience is “surgical residents, fellows, and fully trained surgeons in private practice or in an academic setting.” The book is appropriate for general surgeons (and surgeons in the specialties which flow from general surgery, such as vascular surgery) at all levels of training. As the editors note in their preface, medical students are probably better served by a textbook that delves more deeply into pathophysiology. This is a book that provides just enough pathophysiology and then lavishly explores diagnosis, therapy, and complications. The editors are highly credible authorities and have drawn from a wide host of stellar surgeon-writers.

Features

Almost 300 chapters cover the full gamut of general surgery and the surgical specialties contained within it. Thus, one of the new chapters deals with islet cell transplantation. Another covers ERAS for colon surgery. The editors have done a superb job of identifying important topics that may not be found, as such, in standard (and larger) books. For example, a wonderful chapter (supplemented by videos) has detailed information on “The Surgeon’s Use of Ultrasound in Thoracoabdominal Trauma.” The editors and authors provide just enough information about each topic — some topics deserve more information and others can be handled with concise text and references.

Assessment

Over the decades, this has become the go-to book for surgeons in training and those reviewing for the boards, as well as those in practice. This latest edition remains true to the purpose envisioned by the writers of the first edition. It is on a three-year revision cycle, and this rapid editorial revision is totally appropriate for the material. The primary value of the electronic resource is ready access to a heavy, thick book. Some videos are available and will undoubtedly be supplemented as the electronic resource develops.

Doody’s Review Service Weighted Numerical Score: 94 – 4 Stars!