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The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians
Book Review
The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians, 2nd edition Helane S. Fronek RSM Press, 2007, paperback, $79.00, 98 pp.
The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians is a 98-page paperback book encompassing 17 chapters. The book is endorsed by the American College of Phlebology and edited by one of its former presidents, Helane S. Fronek. This book follows a logical progression, beginning with venous anatomy and physiology, continuing on with diagnosis, treatment options, and complications of treatment, and concluding with a chapter devoted to setting up a phlebology practice. The book stays true to its name by covering the fundamentals of venous disease without taking for granted the reader’s existing knowledge of phlebology. This makes it an excellent introductory text for the interventionalist in training or for the individual who chooses to delve into venous intervention. That is not to say that it is of no use to experienced phlebologists. Indeed one of the aims of the book as written in the preface is a “. . . hope that erroneous teaching and archaic treatments can be laid aside, to make way for new understanding, new techniques and new skills that will afford patients with venous disease healthier and more productive lives.” The first few chapters illustrate the importance of pre-intervention evaluation by explaining venous anatomy, physiology, physical examination findings, and conservative treatments. The book then transitions smoothly into treatment options for those patients who will most likely benefit from such interventions. The chapters devoted to treatment are particularly well done, with detailed technical instructions and useful, easy-to-reference charts. The photographs, when pro-
vided, give the novice an excellent picture of what to expect before actually performing the procedure. The number of pictures is somewhat disappointing given their benefit. However, these chapters are so well written, particularly the ones devoted to sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation, that the reader will not lack confidence in pursuing these procedures if they so choose. The book marches on toward more “invasive” type of treatments, including ambulatory phlebectomy and surgery for varicose veins. These chapters are not shortchanged in that they continue to explain these techniques in the concise, detailed manner that is the strength of this book. The last chapter of the book, “Setting up a Phlebology Practice,” answers the question “okay, now what?” There is some wonderful information here, with tips and suggestions that may initially be overlooked by those starting a practice. Although there is only so much that can be provided in the four pages this chapter encompasses, it represents a good start. Those who read this text will not only find it to be an excellent introduction to venous disease, but it will be used as a reference time and again. For a book priced at $79, this is remarkable and a testament to the editor and its authors. If one is considering a vein practice, The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians is a good place to start. —reviewed by Thomas A. Shin, MD
141
The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians, 2nd edition Helane S. Fronek RSM Press, 2007, paperback, $79.00, 98 pp.
The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians is a 98-page paperback book encompassing 17 chapters. The book is endorsed by the American College of Phlebology and edited by one of its former presidents, Helane S. Fronek. This book follows a logical progression, beginning with venous anatomy and physiology, continuing on with diagnosis, treatment options, and complications of treatment, and concluding with a chapter devoted to setting up a phlebology practice. The book stays true to its name by covering the fundamentals of venous disease without taking for granted the reader’s existing knowledge of phlebology. This makes it an excellent introductory text for the interventionalist in training or for the individual who chooses to delve into venous intervention. That is not to say that it is of no use to experienced phlebologists. Indeed one of the aims of the book as written in the preface is a “. . . hope that erroneous teaching and archaic treatments can be laid aside, to make way for new understanding, new techniques and new skills that will afford patients with venous disease healthier and more productive lives.” The first few chapters illustrate the importance of pre-intervention evaluation by explaining venous anatomy, physiology, physical examination findings, and conservative treatments. The book then transitions smoothly into treatment options for those patients who will most likely benefit from such interventions. The chapters devoted to treatment are particularly well done, with detailed technical instructions and useful, easy-to-reference charts. The photographs, when pro-
vided, give the novice an excellent picture of what to expect before actually performing the procedure. The number of pictures is somewhat disappointing given their benefit. However, these chapters are so well written, particularly the ones devoted to sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation, that the reader will not lack confidence in pursuing these procedures if they so choose. The book marches on toward more “invasive” type of treatments, including ambulatory phlebectomy and surgery for varicose veins. These chapters are not shortchanged in that they continue to explain these techniques in the concise, detailed manner that is the strength of this book. The last chapter of the book, “Setting up a Phlebology Practice,” answers the question “okay, now what?” There is some wonderful information here, with tips and suggestions that may initially be overlooked by those starting a practice. Although there is only so much that can be provided in the four pages this chapter encompasses, it represents a good start. Those who read this text will not only find it to be an excellent introduction to venous disease, but it will be used as a reference time and again. For a book priced at $79, this is remarkable and a testament to the editor and its authors. If one is considering a vein practice, The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians is a good place to start. —reviewed by Thomas A. Shin, MD
141