- Email: [email protected]
Book Reviews December 2008
BOOK REVIEWS
Plastic Surgery, 8 Volume Set with Website Access, 2nd Edition
Reviewed by: Jeffrey S Rosenthal, MD (Bridgeport Hospital).
Editors: Mathes, Stephen J, MD; Hentz, Vincent, MD.
Surgery of Childhood Tumors, 2nd Edition
Bibliographic Data: 2nd Edition. Elsevier, Saunders, 2006, $1,459.00. ISBN: 978-0-7216-8811-4, NLM: WO 600, LC: RD118, 8000 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 072168811X. Includes access code for companion web site.
Editors: Carachi, Robert, MD, PhD, FRCS; Grosfeld, Jay L, MD, FACS; Azmy, Amir F, MB, FRCS. Bibliographic Data: 2nd Edition. Springer, 2008, $329.00. ISBN: 978-3540297338, 626 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 3540297332. Description: With this second edition, the editors have attempted to come current with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of the solid organ tumors of childhood with some additional information on neurologic tumors and thoracic tumors. Dr. Heij of Amsterdam has the unenviable job of quickly surveying all the highly rare tumors of childhood. This is a much needed update of the 1999 edition, after a decade of further research and multi-trial studies provided considerable new information. Purpose: In the preface of the first edition, the editors wrote that their purpose was “to produce a comprehensive illustrated reference book on the management of childhood solid tumors focusing on those neoplasms of specific interest to pediatric surgeons.” This remains the purpose of the second edition, but there is considerably more information (not previously available) on issues of longterm care, outcomes, hormonal competence, fertility, issues arising from the success in treating childhood tumors where overall survival rates are near 75 percent. Audience: This book will be beneficial to all in the field of pediatrics or pediatric surgery. It is reasonably advanced, and therefore a bit beyond most medical students, but senior surgical house officers and trainees in pediatric surgery will find it readable and instructive. The editors, three well known and highly respected pediatric surgeons from the United States and Scotland, have assembled 47 authors, primarily Anglo-American, to write the 30 chapters. All are well known in the field of pediatric surgery and they have produced a superior book. Features: The first of the book’s three parts contains eight chapters that deal with basic tumor biology and general principles of therapy. Consequently, this part covers such subjects as epidemiology, tumor markers/imaging/ pathology, radiotherapy, and genetic counseling. The second part includes seven chapters on the solid organ tumors of childhood. These chapters cover the expected subjects of etiology, presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and therapy for such well known entities as Wilms’ tumor, neuroblas-
Description: This eight-volume, set is a comprehensive compendium of the working knowledge in plastic and reconstructive surgery also can be accessed on a companion web site. Purpose: The expressed goal of the editor is to consolidate the scope of the field of plastic surgery in one allencompassing publication. Remarkable as it may seem, this Herculean task has been accomplished. Audience: The authors chosen to write each chapter, and those selected to edit each of the eight topical volumes, hail from academic institutions and centers from around the world. Students, teachers, and practicing physicians who wish to sharpen their knowledge in any area of plastic surgery will be satisfied by this publication. Features: The only issue with the eight-volume set, which includes 219 chapters, relies upon 293 contributors, and covers 67 new topics, is that one needs a very large shelf to accommodate it. Obviously, the size is necessary to accommodate the treasure trove of information, but the companion web site provides an alternate access. This encyclopedic edition relates state-of-the-art information, techniques, and technology on all imaginable aspects of plastic surgery. The topics span the gamut from the nascent genesis of tissue handling and flap reconstruction techniques, which are detailed in the general principles section of the first volume, through the remaining seven volumes which cover the realm of plastic surgery. Head and neck surgery is covered in volumes 2 and 3, pediatric plastic surgery in volume 4, tumors of the head, neck, and skin in volume 5, trunk and lower extremity in volume 6, and hand and upper limb in volumes 7 and 8. Each chapter includes a multitude of black-and-white photos, diagrams, charts and algorithms to visually enhance the educational process. Assessment: The editor has synthesized an enormous amount of nformation about plastic and reconstructive surgery in a set of books that will serve as the backdrop and guiding light for those in this field. It will serve personal and institutional medical libraries well. Score: Weighted Numerical Score 96.
© 2008 by the American College of Surgeons Published by Elsevier Inc.
e10
ISSN 1072-7515/08/$34.00 doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2008.06.140
Vol. 207, No. 6, December 2008
toma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and liver tumors. The book concludes with 15 chapters devoted to three less common tumor groups (Brain and intraocular tumors, thoracic tumors, and rare tumors) and a whole series of chapters on how we are dealing with the late complications of tumor survival. These chapters focus on the hormonal abnormalities, disability, and surgical complications that are increasingly reported in these children as they become adults. Assessment: Overall, this is an excellent book on childhood tumors. It is extensive, well illustrated, complete, and up to date. The organization makes it easy to follow. In short, this is a currently definitive text on the treatment of childhood tumors. Score: Weighted Numerical Score: 94. Reviewed by: Robert M Arensman, MD (Ochsner Clinic Foundation).
Oxford Handbook of Transcranial Stimulation, 1st Edition Editors: Wassermann, Eric M; Epstein, Charles M; Ziemann, Ulf; Walsh, Vincent; Paus, Tomas; Lisanby, Sarah H. Bibliographic Data: Oxford University Press, Inc, 2008, $115.00. ISBN: 978-0-19-856892-6, 747 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 0198568924.
Book Reviews
e11
Description: For more than 25 years, transcranial magnetic stimulation has been investigated as a possible therapy for neurologic conditions. With over 3,000 papers published in the literature so far, the field deserves a scholarly compendium on technique, research, and clinical applications. Purpose: This book addresses current controversies and solutions for daily problems in the utilization of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Audience: Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists are the main audience. More than 80 authors contribute the 46 chapters. Features: As a compendium, the book starts with a comprehensive description of the basic aspects of transcranial stimulation and progressively delves into its major controversies and clinical applications. The book is populated with magnificent illustrations which, coupled with superb text, make this a must-have for practitioners interested in the potential clinical applications of transcranial stimulation. Assessment: This is an excellent book for psychiatry, neurology, and psychology departments. Score: Weighted Numerical Score: 95. Reviewed by: Celso Agner, MD, MSc (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine).
Ratings are divided into five groups 97-100 90-96 69-89 47-68 below 46
Exceptional book with nearly flawless execution Outstanding book, with minor problems in execution Very good book, but usually with one or more fairly significant flaws Average book, ususally with several flaws (or one major flaw) or significant weakness versus its competition Substandard book
Doody Enterprises, Inc owns the copyright to all book and software reviews appearing MSSE. Full access to ACSM InfoSearch is a free benefit ACSM offers to all of its members, providing full acess to Doody’s comprehensive, proprietary database of information about inprint book and software titles and a weekly literature update customized to each member’s topical areas of interest. To register, members should go to http://www.doody.com/ s7.asp?dslid⫽1007.
Plastic Surgery, 8 Volume Set with Website Access, 2nd Edition
Reviewed by: Jeffrey S Rosenthal, MD (Bridgeport Hospital).
Editors: Mathes, Stephen J, MD; Hentz, Vincent, MD.
Surgery of Childhood Tumors, 2nd Edition
Bibliographic Data: 2nd Edition. Elsevier, Saunders, 2006, $1,459.00. ISBN: 978-0-7216-8811-4, NLM: WO 600, LC: RD118, 8000 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 072168811X. Includes access code for companion web site.
Editors: Carachi, Robert, MD, PhD, FRCS; Grosfeld, Jay L, MD, FACS; Azmy, Amir F, MB, FRCS. Bibliographic Data: 2nd Edition. Springer, 2008, $329.00. ISBN: 978-3540297338, 626 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 3540297332. Description: With this second edition, the editors have attempted to come current with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of the solid organ tumors of childhood with some additional information on neurologic tumors and thoracic tumors. Dr. Heij of Amsterdam has the unenviable job of quickly surveying all the highly rare tumors of childhood. This is a much needed update of the 1999 edition, after a decade of further research and multi-trial studies provided considerable new information. Purpose: In the preface of the first edition, the editors wrote that their purpose was “to produce a comprehensive illustrated reference book on the management of childhood solid tumors focusing on those neoplasms of specific interest to pediatric surgeons.” This remains the purpose of the second edition, but there is considerably more information (not previously available) on issues of longterm care, outcomes, hormonal competence, fertility, issues arising from the success in treating childhood tumors where overall survival rates are near 75 percent. Audience: This book will be beneficial to all in the field of pediatrics or pediatric surgery. It is reasonably advanced, and therefore a bit beyond most medical students, but senior surgical house officers and trainees in pediatric surgery will find it readable and instructive. The editors, three well known and highly respected pediatric surgeons from the United States and Scotland, have assembled 47 authors, primarily Anglo-American, to write the 30 chapters. All are well known in the field of pediatric surgery and they have produced a superior book. Features: The first of the book’s three parts contains eight chapters that deal with basic tumor biology and general principles of therapy. Consequently, this part covers such subjects as epidemiology, tumor markers/imaging/ pathology, radiotherapy, and genetic counseling. The second part includes seven chapters on the solid organ tumors of childhood. These chapters cover the expected subjects of etiology, presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and therapy for such well known entities as Wilms’ tumor, neuroblas-
Description: This eight-volume, set is a comprehensive compendium of the working knowledge in plastic and reconstructive surgery also can be accessed on a companion web site. Purpose: The expressed goal of the editor is to consolidate the scope of the field of plastic surgery in one allencompassing publication. Remarkable as it may seem, this Herculean task has been accomplished. Audience: The authors chosen to write each chapter, and those selected to edit each of the eight topical volumes, hail from academic institutions and centers from around the world. Students, teachers, and practicing physicians who wish to sharpen their knowledge in any area of plastic surgery will be satisfied by this publication. Features: The only issue with the eight-volume set, which includes 219 chapters, relies upon 293 contributors, and covers 67 new topics, is that one needs a very large shelf to accommodate it. Obviously, the size is necessary to accommodate the treasure trove of information, but the companion web site provides an alternate access. This encyclopedic edition relates state-of-the-art information, techniques, and technology on all imaginable aspects of plastic surgery. The topics span the gamut from the nascent genesis of tissue handling and flap reconstruction techniques, which are detailed in the general principles section of the first volume, through the remaining seven volumes which cover the realm of plastic surgery. Head and neck surgery is covered in volumes 2 and 3, pediatric plastic surgery in volume 4, tumors of the head, neck, and skin in volume 5, trunk and lower extremity in volume 6, and hand and upper limb in volumes 7 and 8. Each chapter includes a multitude of black-and-white photos, diagrams, charts and algorithms to visually enhance the educational process. Assessment: The editor has synthesized an enormous amount of nformation about plastic and reconstructive surgery in a set of books that will serve as the backdrop and guiding light for those in this field. It will serve personal and institutional medical libraries well. Score: Weighted Numerical Score 96.
© 2008 by the American College of Surgeons Published by Elsevier Inc.
e10
ISSN 1072-7515/08/$34.00 doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2008.06.140
Vol. 207, No. 6, December 2008
toma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and liver tumors. The book concludes with 15 chapters devoted to three less common tumor groups (Brain and intraocular tumors, thoracic tumors, and rare tumors) and a whole series of chapters on how we are dealing with the late complications of tumor survival. These chapters focus on the hormonal abnormalities, disability, and surgical complications that are increasingly reported in these children as they become adults. Assessment: Overall, this is an excellent book on childhood tumors. It is extensive, well illustrated, complete, and up to date. The organization makes it easy to follow. In short, this is a currently definitive text on the treatment of childhood tumors. Score: Weighted Numerical Score: 94. Reviewed by: Robert M Arensman, MD (Ochsner Clinic Foundation).
Oxford Handbook of Transcranial Stimulation, 1st Edition Editors: Wassermann, Eric M; Epstein, Charles M; Ziemann, Ulf; Walsh, Vincent; Paus, Tomas; Lisanby, Sarah H. Bibliographic Data: Oxford University Press, Inc, 2008, $115.00. ISBN: 978-0-19-856892-6, 747 pages, hard cover. ISBN-10: 0198568924.
Book Reviews
e11
Description: For more than 25 years, transcranial magnetic stimulation has been investigated as a possible therapy for neurologic conditions. With over 3,000 papers published in the literature so far, the field deserves a scholarly compendium on technique, research, and clinical applications. Purpose: This book addresses current controversies and solutions for daily problems in the utilization of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Audience: Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists are the main audience. More than 80 authors contribute the 46 chapters. Features: As a compendium, the book starts with a comprehensive description of the basic aspects of transcranial stimulation and progressively delves into its major controversies and clinical applications. The book is populated with magnificent illustrations which, coupled with superb text, make this a must-have for practitioners interested in the potential clinical applications of transcranial stimulation. Assessment: This is an excellent book for psychiatry, neurology, and psychology departments. Score: Weighted Numerical Score: 95. Reviewed by: Celso Agner, MD, MSc (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine).
Ratings are divided into five groups 97-100 90-96 69-89 47-68 below 46
Exceptional book with nearly flawless execution Outstanding book, with minor problems in execution Very good book, but usually with one or more fairly significant flaws Average book, ususally with several flaws (or one major flaw) or significant weakness versus its competition Substandard book
Doody Enterprises, Inc owns the copyright to all book and software reviews appearing MSSE. Full access to ACSM InfoSearch is a free benefit ACSM offers to all of its members, providing full acess to Doody’s comprehensive, proprietary database of information about inprint book and software titles and a weekly literature update customized to each member’s topical areas of interest. To register, members should go to http://www.doody.com/ s7.asp?dslid⫽1007.