Reviewer: Zdravka Zafirova, MD (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)
Description: The goal of this comprehensive book on anesthesia is to represent a clinically focused, easy-to-read synopsis of anesthesia topics. It covers the entire spectrum of anesthesia practice from preoperative evaluation to postoperative recovery and the intensive care unit.
Purpose: The field of anesthesia requires the command of an extensive breadth and depth of information in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics and technology, medical disease states, surgical procedures, and critical care, as well as proficiency in a wide range of procedures. The advances in our understanding of anesthesia and developments in the technology challenge anesthesia practitioners to continue to master new information and techniques. The availability of one comprehensive but succinct book that clinicians can turn to repeatedly as they build a scientific foundation and when they need to refresh their knowledge base is essential.
Audience: The editors and the contributors to the book impart their experience as recognized experts in the field of anesthesiology and its subspecialties. Anesthesia trainees will get the most benefit from the sufficiently detailed, yet concise discussions, which can be studied easily to provide a theoretical basis for and practical guidance in clinical work and in preparation for examinations. More advanced practitioners will use this book to review and reinforce their expertise.
Features: The book is organized into several sections covering all the basic concepts of anesthesia care - preoperative care, anesthetic equipment, monitoring, pharmacology and techniques, anesthesia subspecialties, pain management, and critical care. The last part of the book presents an advanced level of information on special topics, such as aesthetic and robotic surgery, intra-abdominal compartment syndrome, carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning, and addiction in anesthesia providers. Some of the unique subjects covered in these chapters include chemical and biological warfare agents, alternative medicine in anesthesia, anesthesia at high altitudes and in flight, medical informatics, and providing guidance on a residency program. These special topics are available only online, not in print, and can be downloaded on an electronic device, thus decreasing the size of the book. Each of the short chapters is thorough but succinct and focused, easy to read in a short time, and concludes with a directed list of up-to-date references. Abundant graphs, tables, algorithms, and illustrations enhance the didactic value of the book.
Assessment: This fills a niche between the trainee-oriented, less extensive textbooks and the exhaustive, all-inclusive reference books. Anesthesia trainees will find it useful when they need a single source of information to build and expand their scientific foundation and experience, and accomplished practitioners will find it helpful for reinforcing their knowledge.