Current Surgical Therapy, 14th Edition

By: John L. Cameron, M.D, and Andrew M. Cameron, M.D.

ISBN: 9780323796835 

Publication Date:  January 8, 2023

Reviewer: Carol Scott-Conner, MD, Ph.D., MBA (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics) 

Description 

This book is a comprehensive yet relatively compact text that covers the entire spectrum of general surgery. The emphasis throughout is on current surgical therapy, with abbreviated content devoted to diagnosis. Surgical procedures are briefly described or shown in figures. The book has been in continuous publication for around 40 years. This edition aims “to reflect the continuing evolution of the field,” updating the previous version, which was published in 2020. The rapid pace of advancement in the field amply justifies the publication of a new edition. Purchase of the paper copy enables access to a fully searchable and annotateable ebook with links to references and several videos. 

Purpose 

According to the back cover, the purpose of the book is to serve as “an essential resource for written, oral, and recertifying board study, as well as an excellent reference for everyday clinical practice.” The book amply fulfills this promise. The ebook provides portability, searchability, and accessibility (it can read the text aloud), as well as access to references and videos. 

Audience 

The book is intended for trainees and practicing surgeons. While medical students may find it useful, “a more classic surgical textbook [may be] more appropriate.” The book is especially valuable for surgeons preparing to take an American Board of Surgery examination — up to and including the Certifying Examination. It will also be a useful reference for surgeons not immediately facing such an exam. The book excels at meeting the needs of the intended audience. The authors and contributors are all highly qualified authorities. A different panel of authors serves for each three-year revision, ensuring a wide variety of perspectives and making the previous edition still valuable (as it contains other points of view). 

Features 

The book covers topics of significance for general surgeons. It begins with a new chapter, “The American Board of Surgery Certifying (Oral) Examination,” which provides a wealth of information about this exam. All prospective examinees should read it. The book then delves directly into sections devoted to surgical sites (e.g., Esophagus), organ systems, or problems (e.g., Trauma). 

Sections on perioperative care and critical care conclude the book. All of the features in the paper copy — more than 2000 excellent illustrations (including hundreds of new ones in this edition), charts, algorithms, text, and references — are also available in the ebook. 

Assessment 

This book is an invaluable resource for trainees, surgeons preparing to take any of the American Board of Surgery examinations, and practicing surgeons who need rapid, concise, yet authoritative information on specific topics. It is routinely updated every three years, and the use of different chapter contributors means that each new edition — like this one — is not only amply justified by rapid progress in the field, but also provides information that is complementary to the previous version. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2023, Carol Scott-Conner, MD, Ph.D., MBA (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics): Doody’s Score: 99 – 5 Stars! 

Purchase your copy of Current Surgical Therapy, 14th Edition here!