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Advanced therapeutic endoscopy. 2nd ed.
GASTROENTEROLOGY 1 9 9 5 ; 1 0 8 : 1 9 5 1 - 1 9 5 2
BOOK REVIEWS Jonathan E. Clain, M.D. Book Review Editor
Mayo Foundation 200 First Street S.W. Rochester, Minnesota 55905
SurgeU of the Liver and Biliary Tract 2nd ed. Edited by
Biliary Tract. Major modifications are apparent throughout,
L. H. Blumgart. 2856 pp. $350.00. Churchill Livingstone, New York, New York, 1994. ISBN 0-443-04500-3.
and there is major new coverage of important topics such as laparoscopic bitiary surgery, orthotopic liver transplantation, and the nonsurgical management of gallstones and liver tumors. The references have been significantly updated, retaining a feeling of freshness when the book is viewed as an authorative reference resource. The attractive two-column text format is retained throughout, and the quality of operative line drawings is uniformly excellent. Radiographs, ultrasonographs, photomicrographs, and operative photographs are all of high quality. Color is used sparingly but to very good effect, and it is a relief to see that the publishers have put aside considerations of cost by placing the color plates beside the appropriate text rather than as a lonely collection at the start of the book. The balance between basic and applied science and the clinical aspects of hepatobiliary disease is finely judged; in contrast to many multiauthor texts, the reader is provided with both balanced coverage and sound clinical advice. Most favorable reviews end with some nit-picking criticism (if only to prove that the reviewer is hard-nosed and has read at least part of the work) and a platitude or two about the need for libraries and trainees/established specialists to purchase the book. My task here is easy. This is a masterly work and retains the master's imprimatur throughout. It will maintain its place as the definitive text in hepatobiliary surgery and should be purchased by every medical library. No self-respecting hepatobiliary surgeon can afford to be or seen to be without it.
This second edition of Biumgart's comprehensive textbook has been eagerly awaited given the success of the first edition, which emerged in 1988. As before, this is a two-volume work and is beautifully presented by the publisher. From the exterior it has the look and feel of a definitive text, and the reader will not be disappointed by its contents. The editor has once again co-opted a star-studded team of international authoritative contributors, although his labor has not been confined to editing, having coauthored or written no less than 12 of the chapters himself. Of the 172 contributors, many are present or past colleagues, and this may have eased the formidable task of presenting this work in a consistent style. The text reads well, and Blumgart has managed to convey a personal flavor to the work, avoiding the hollow sense communicated by so many multiauthor texts. This is not to say that this book presents a uniform doctrine or dogma; indeed, to my mind, one of its great successes has been the editor's determination to present alternative views and techniques, allowing the informed reader balanced coverage and the opportunity for balanced decision making. This commitment to presentation of alternative approaches is epitomized by the chapter on liver resection in which Blumgart's own description of resection for hepatic tumors is balanced by the descriptions of others, including Launois' intriguing intrahepatic Glissonian approach. As in the first edition, the book is divided into sections, namely, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic techniques, preoperative and postoperative care and anesthesia, interventional radiology and endoscopic techniques, gallstones and gallbladder, papillary stenosis and postcholecystectomy problems, biliary stricture and fistula, biliary tumors, biliary bypass and intubational techniques, liver and biliary infection and infestation, biliary and liver cysts, injury and hemorrhage, liver tumors, hepatic resection, cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and liver transplantation. The international nature of the list of authors is reflected in the international nature of the contents. For example, full coverage is given to the Asian experience of liver tumors and infestations, while the contributions of French anatomy and surgery are fully represented. Blumgart's belief in the interdisciplinary nature of his specialty is amply and effectively represented by extensive contributions from hepatologists, radiologists, endoscopists, anesthetists, and pathologists. Many second editions turn out on close inspection to be marginal modifications of their forerunner. This criticism does not apply to the second edition of Surge*7 of the Liver and
DAVID CRAIG CARTER, F.R.C.S.
Department of Surg~y Edinburgh Royal InfirmaU Lauriston Place Edinburgh, ScotlandEH3 9 YW
Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy. 2nd ed. Edited by Jamie S. Barkin and Cesar A. O'Phelan. 412 pp. $139.00. Raven Press, New York, New York, 1994. ISBN 0-7817-0155-4. Endoscopists will be excited by the first sight of this book. The list of contributors is a role call of the world's best, including such names as Chung, Benjamin, Van Stiegmann, Jensen, Leung, Laine, Hawes, Tio, Foutch, Waye, Marcon, Ponsky, Kozarek, Carr-Locke, Baillie, Soehendra, Lehman, Huibregtse, Siegel, Hagenmuller, Silvis, Haber, Geenen and Nord, not to detract from the credentials of the 50 other contributors. The forward is provided by Meinhard Classen, the reigning monarch of modern endoscopy. Closer inspection raises some questions. Why are there 74
1952
BOOK REVIEWS
contributors to 48 chapters in a book of only 407 pages? Why is the chapter length and quality so variable? Why are there gaps in coverage of advanced endoscopy topics but also several examples of overlap? Things become clearer when it is known how the book was conceived. Barkin and O'Phelan organize a successful endoscopy course each year in Miami. This book is a tribute to their powers of persuasion. The chapters really consist of expanded syllabus material from the courses. The editors themselves contribute rather little; Barkin provides 8 pages and O'Phelan none. This is certainly an easy way to write a book, but is it successful? The editing is suboptimal. There is considerable repetition, for example, in several contributions concerning biliary and pancreatic stenting. Reference presentation is inconsistent; several of the chapters do not include the titles of the articles referenced. Use of the word "therapeutic" in the title is somewhat misleading. One third of the chapters concern purely diagnostic procedures such as enteroscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and diagnostic laparoscopy. The very first chapter is entitled "Endoscopic evaluation of the pharynx and passage through the upper esophageal sphincter made simple," a subject neither therapeutic nor advanced. It seems that many of the contributors were not completely committed to the project. Many co-opted junior coauthors, and some contributions are very short. More important, many are out of date. In their preface, the editors use the phrases "the most current advanced techniques" and "up to date authoritative discussions." The chapter on pneumatic dilatation and achalasia is historically comprehensive. However, there are only 2 references after 1991 and no mention of laparoscopic treatment (or botulinus toxin). Of the 64 references in the two chapters on endosonography of the colon, only 8 are published
GASTROENTEROLOGY Vol. 108, No. 6
after 1991. The chapter on Sonde enteroscopy includes only one reference after 1991. Many contributions are well illustrated, but it is disappointing to find no endoscopic photographs in the two chapters on enteroscopy. This book is not a focused review of advanced therapeutic endoscopy in 1994. At best, it provides a skip across the frontiers of endoscopy in the early 1990s. Endoscopists wishing to be at the cutting edge are advised to read original articles and the up-to-date reviews contained in such publications as Endoscopy Clinics of North America and the Annual of Gastrointes-
tinal Endoscopy. PETER B. COTTON, M.D., F.R.C.P.
Digestive Disease Center Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina
NEW
TITLES
1. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases--1994. Edited by D. Rachmilewitz. 296 pp. $94.00. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts, 1994. ISBN 0-792-388453. 2. Case Atlas of Gastroenterology. Edited by J. Thomas Danzi and Silviu Landman. 335 pp. $129.00. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Maryland, 1995. ISBN 0-863-02366-7. 3. Color Atlas/Text of Advanced Laparoscopy for Surgeons. Edited by Barry A. Salky. 153 pp. $98.50. Igaku-Shoin, New York, New York, 1995. ISBN 0-89640-224-X. 4. Psychosomatics, Psychoanalysis, and Inflammatory Disease of the Colon. Edited by Charles C. Hogan. 274 pp. $45.00. International Universities Press, Inc., Madison, Connecticut, 1995. ISBN 0-8236-5732-9.
BOOK REVIEWS Jonathan E. Clain, M.D. Book Review Editor
Mayo Foundation 200 First Street S.W. Rochester, Minnesota 55905
SurgeU of the Liver and Biliary Tract 2nd ed. Edited by
Biliary Tract. Major modifications are apparent throughout,
L. H. Blumgart. 2856 pp. $350.00. Churchill Livingstone, New York, New York, 1994. ISBN 0-443-04500-3.
and there is major new coverage of important topics such as laparoscopic bitiary surgery, orthotopic liver transplantation, and the nonsurgical management of gallstones and liver tumors. The references have been significantly updated, retaining a feeling of freshness when the book is viewed as an authorative reference resource. The attractive two-column text format is retained throughout, and the quality of operative line drawings is uniformly excellent. Radiographs, ultrasonographs, photomicrographs, and operative photographs are all of high quality. Color is used sparingly but to very good effect, and it is a relief to see that the publishers have put aside considerations of cost by placing the color plates beside the appropriate text rather than as a lonely collection at the start of the book. The balance between basic and applied science and the clinical aspects of hepatobiliary disease is finely judged; in contrast to many multiauthor texts, the reader is provided with both balanced coverage and sound clinical advice. Most favorable reviews end with some nit-picking criticism (if only to prove that the reviewer is hard-nosed and has read at least part of the work) and a platitude or two about the need for libraries and trainees/established specialists to purchase the book. My task here is easy. This is a masterly work and retains the master's imprimatur throughout. It will maintain its place as the definitive text in hepatobiliary surgery and should be purchased by every medical library. No self-respecting hepatobiliary surgeon can afford to be or seen to be without it.
This second edition of Biumgart's comprehensive textbook has been eagerly awaited given the success of the first edition, which emerged in 1988. As before, this is a two-volume work and is beautifully presented by the publisher. From the exterior it has the look and feel of a definitive text, and the reader will not be disappointed by its contents. The editor has once again co-opted a star-studded team of international authoritative contributors, although his labor has not been confined to editing, having coauthored or written no less than 12 of the chapters himself. Of the 172 contributors, many are present or past colleagues, and this may have eased the formidable task of presenting this work in a consistent style. The text reads well, and Blumgart has managed to convey a personal flavor to the work, avoiding the hollow sense communicated by so many multiauthor texts. This is not to say that this book presents a uniform doctrine or dogma; indeed, to my mind, one of its great successes has been the editor's determination to present alternative views and techniques, allowing the informed reader balanced coverage and the opportunity for balanced decision making. This commitment to presentation of alternative approaches is epitomized by the chapter on liver resection in which Blumgart's own description of resection for hepatic tumors is balanced by the descriptions of others, including Launois' intriguing intrahepatic Glissonian approach. As in the first edition, the book is divided into sections, namely, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic techniques, preoperative and postoperative care and anesthesia, interventional radiology and endoscopic techniques, gallstones and gallbladder, papillary stenosis and postcholecystectomy problems, biliary stricture and fistula, biliary tumors, biliary bypass and intubational techniques, liver and biliary infection and infestation, biliary and liver cysts, injury and hemorrhage, liver tumors, hepatic resection, cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and liver transplantation. The international nature of the list of authors is reflected in the international nature of the contents. For example, full coverage is given to the Asian experience of liver tumors and infestations, while the contributions of French anatomy and surgery are fully represented. Blumgart's belief in the interdisciplinary nature of his specialty is amply and effectively represented by extensive contributions from hepatologists, radiologists, endoscopists, anesthetists, and pathologists. Many second editions turn out on close inspection to be marginal modifications of their forerunner. This criticism does not apply to the second edition of Surge*7 of the Liver and
DAVID CRAIG CARTER, F.R.C.S.
Department of Surg~y Edinburgh Royal InfirmaU Lauriston Place Edinburgh, ScotlandEH3 9 YW
Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy. 2nd ed. Edited by Jamie S. Barkin and Cesar A. O'Phelan. 412 pp. $139.00. Raven Press, New York, New York, 1994. ISBN 0-7817-0155-4. Endoscopists will be excited by the first sight of this book. The list of contributors is a role call of the world's best, including such names as Chung, Benjamin, Van Stiegmann, Jensen, Leung, Laine, Hawes, Tio, Foutch, Waye, Marcon, Ponsky, Kozarek, Carr-Locke, Baillie, Soehendra, Lehman, Huibregtse, Siegel, Hagenmuller, Silvis, Haber, Geenen and Nord, not to detract from the credentials of the 50 other contributors. The forward is provided by Meinhard Classen, the reigning monarch of modern endoscopy. Closer inspection raises some questions. Why are there 74
1952
BOOK REVIEWS
contributors to 48 chapters in a book of only 407 pages? Why is the chapter length and quality so variable? Why are there gaps in coverage of advanced endoscopy topics but also several examples of overlap? Things become clearer when it is known how the book was conceived. Barkin and O'Phelan organize a successful endoscopy course each year in Miami. This book is a tribute to their powers of persuasion. The chapters really consist of expanded syllabus material from the courses. The editors themselves contribute rather little; Barkin provides 8 pages and O'Phelan none. This is certainly an easy way to write a book, but is it successful? The editing is suboptimal. There is considerable repetition, for example, in several contributions concerning biliary and pancreatic stenting. Reference presentation is inconsistent; several of the chapters do not include the titles of the articles referenced. Use of the word "therapeutic" in the title is somewhat misleading. One third of the chapters concern purely diagnostic procedures such as enteroscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and diagnostic laparoscopy. The very first chapter is entitled "Endoscopic evaluation of the pharynx and passage through the upper esophageal sphincter made simple," a subject neither therapeutic nor advanced. It seems that many of the contributors were not completely committed to the project. Many co-opted junior coauthors, and some contributions are very short. More important, many are out of date. In their preface, the editors use the phrases "the most current advanced techniques" and "up to date authoritative discussions." The chapter on pneumatic dilatation and achalasia is historically comprehensive. However, there are only 2 references after 1991 and no mention of laparoscopic treatment (or botulinus toxin). Of the 64 references in the two chapters on endosonography of the colon, only 8 are published
GASTROENTEROLOGY Vol. 108, No. 6
after 1991. The chapter on Sonde enteroscopy includes only one reference after 1991. Many contributions are well illustrated, but it is disappointing to find no endoscopic photographs in the two chapters on enteroscopy. This book is not a focused review of advanced therapeutic endoscopy in 1994. At best, it provides a skip across the frontiers of endoscopy in the early 1990s. Endoscopists wishing to be at the cutting edge are advised to read original articles and the up-to-date reviews contained in such publications as Endoscopy Clinics of North America and the Annual of Gastrointes-
tinal Endoscopy. PETER B. COTTON, M.D., F.R.C.P.
Digestive Disease Center Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina
NEW
TITLES
1. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases--1994. Edited by D. Rachmilewitz. 296 pp. $94.00. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts, 1994. ISBN 0-792-388453. 2. Case Atlas of Gastroenterology. Edited by J. Thomas Danzi and Silviu Landman. 335 pp. $129.00. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Maryland, 1995. ISBN 0-863-02366-7. 3. Color Atlas/Text of Advanced Laparoscopy for Surgeons. Edited by Barry A. Salky. 153 pp. $98.50. Igaku-Shoin, New York, New York, 1995. ISBN 0-89640-224-X. 4. Psychosomatics, Psychoanalysis, and Inflammatory Disease of the Colon. Edited by Charles C. Hogan. 274 pp. $45.00. International Universities Press, Inc., Madison, Connecticut, 1995. ISBN 0-8236-5732-9.