Evidence-Based Practice of Anesthesiology, 4th Edition

By: Lee A. Fleisher, MD 

ISBN: 9780323778466

Pub Date: June 2, 2022

Reviewed By: Robert R. Gaiser, MD (Yale School of Medicine)

Description  

This book examines current controversies and teachings in anesthesiology, providing the evidence to address the question. The book does an incredible job in achieving this goal. Given the rapid pace at which studies are completed, the references and the knowledge are up to date. More importantly, the various topics presented are true controversies that require an in-depth examination of the literature.  This accomplishment is a credit to the publisher, editor, and author, all of whom updated this textbook in a quick fashion to allow a comprehensive review of each subject that is truly evidence-based. 

Purpose  

The goal of the book is to provide the current literature about controversies and teachings in anesthesiology. With this approach, an individual may practice evidence-based anesthetic care. The book exceeds its goals through a comprehensive list of controversies that merit an in-depth examination. A similar approach is used in each chapter, which assists readers — define the controversy, present the literature, make evidence-based conclusions, and outline further controversies. An enjoyable aspect of the book is the inclusion of authors’ recommendations to allow readers to learn how an expert in this subject would synthesize the information. 

Audience  

The book is useful to all who practice anesthesiology. New learners in anesthesiology will identify certain concepts they have been taught along with the literature upon which they are based. Furthermore, the recommendations from the authors will influence practice. Experienced individuals will also find the book useful in that the evidence of the current controversies is presented while correcting many misconceptions previously held. The book should be read by all individuals who provide anesthesia. Certain chapters in the book should be read by surgeons as the controversies in their respective fields are presented and current viewpoints are challenged by the literature. The editor is a clear expert and the contributing authors are also well versed in their respective areas. Impressively, the universal writing style allows for non-experts, too, to understand and to learn from each chapter despite their lack of expertise. 

Features  

This book presents the current status of knowledge of controversies and major concerns in anesthesiology. This is the fourth edition, and it ensures that each chapter represents a topic that requires a review of the literature. As such, this is the only book that presents the current knowledge for each subject. The authors not only present the current knowledge of the topic, but also challenge current dogma. The writing style is fairly uniform. A highlight to the chapters are the author recommendations, which synthesize the information and give useful hints to the practice management.  Unfortunately, not every chapter has these author recommendations. Each chapter also includes controversies and areas of uncertainty to set the stage for future editions of the book. There are no books that focus solely on the evidence in anesthesiology. As such, any individual who provides anesthesia, from beginner to expert, will learn from this book. There are many figures throughout the book to enhance learning. 

Assessment   

This is the definitive book for addressing evidence-based anesthesiology. The goal of this book is to provide evidence to the various “hot topics” in anesthesiology. The goal is clearly worthwhile to ensure providers understand the literature discussing the topics. The chapters are honest and highlight gray areas that require further study. This is the fourth edition and there will be many editions in the future. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2022, Robert R. Gaiser, MD (Yale School of Medicine)

Doody’s Score: 99 – 5 Stars!

Purchase your copy of Evidence-Based Practice of Anesthesiology, 4th Edition here!