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Breast cancer: molecular genetics, pathogenesis, and therapeutics. edited by Anne M Bowcock. 582 pages, illustrated. $145.00. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 1999.
Book Reviews
Incisional Hernia. Edited by Volker Schumpelick, Andrew N Kingsnorth, MD. 511 pages, illustrated. $94.00. Newark: Springer-Verlag New York, Inc, 1999.
Breast Cancer: Molecular Genetics, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutics. Edited by Anne M Bowcock. 582 pages, illustrated. $145.00. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 1999.
Reviewed by Vincent Cimmino, MD
Reviewed by Jacqueline S Jeruss, MD
This is a concise overview of incisional hernias. The use of a discussion format at the end of each chapter adds a unique character to the content. The editors achieve their goal of conveying to the surgeon the concensus of the participants at the Survetta II conference on incisional hernias. It is written primarily for the practicing surgeon, though I think a senior resident could benefit from its contents. Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the editors since they are both European and I do not routinely read European literature. The editors treat the subject of the abdominal incisional hernias by first discussing normal anatomy and then proceeding in a logical sequence from pathogenesis to the various methods of repair. Of note is the detailed discussion of the biomechanics and biodegradation of the various synthetic materials used in the repairs. I think the editors have done a credible job of describing the results of the numerous popular procedures used to repair recurrent hernias. My criticism begins with the observation that the text would be more legible if the print were larger. It is difficult to decipher some of the diagrams since they are often inadequately labeled and therefore difficult to correlate with the verbal description. The title might be a little misleading. For example, if I were looking for a text that discussed the Lichtenstein repair for recurrent hernias, I might not open this text based on its title. I think there are other books that cover some of the individual topics more completely, but if one is familiar with the subject matter contained within this book, it provides a useful summary.
This book provides a relatively detailed review of the current thinking regarding basic breast cancer research and its therapeutic applications. The purpose is to provide an overview of some of the most recent advances in the understanding of breast cancer genetics, pathogenesis, and therapeutics. It is geared toward graduate students and scientists involved in breast cancer research, and physicians specializing in the care of breast cancer patients. Extensive information about a multitude of topics associated with breast cancer genetics and possible causative factors in breast cancer progression is provided. This book also includes both a generalized overview of breast cancer therapeutics as well as the most current thoughts on experimental treatment ideas. The chapter, “Hereditary Breast Cancer Genes,” is extremely well covered, especially the discussion of BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations in the Ashkenazi population. The chapter on psychological issues surrounding genetic testing is particularly strong because of its use of case examples. The discussion of surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches is thorough and cohesive, as is the chapter on drug resistance and the implications of the MDR gene. This book could have had less repetition, which is a direct result of its multiple contributors. Additionally, stronger introductory chapters would have provided better organization and flow of the book’s content. On a whole, this is an excellent resource for researchers in the field. Texts such as Lynch’s Genetics and breast cancer (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980) and Lippman’s Genes, oncogenes, and hormones: advance in cellular and molecular biology of breast cancer (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1992) are key to providing background on breast cancer genetics and basic science. This book stands out in that it provides a comprehensive approach to the relevant advances in
The book reviews published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons have been licensed from Doody Publishing, which owns the copyright to them. For more information about Doody Publishing, call 1-800-219-9500.
Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
640
ISSN 1072-7515/99
Vol. 189, No. 6, December 1999
breast cancer research as they apply to therapeutics, an approach that has been missing in the recent literature. Manual of Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery, 3rd Edition. Written by Robert M Bojar, MD, Kenneth G Warner, MD. 624 pages, illustrated. $49.95. Boston: Blackwell Science Inc, 1999. Reviewed by Sanjay Mehta, MD This third edition textbook, previously released in 1994, provides a thorough yet succinct outline covering the spectrum of topics common to the management of the cardiac surgery patient. The aim is to provide a current reference that includes information that is complete, concise, and pertinent to all cardiac surgery patient caregivers. The manual effectively meets the stated goals of the authors, providing an excellent reference for topics pertinent to the care of these patients. The book is written for students, residents, practitioners, and extended caregivers and covers topics pertinent to all levels of care. The authors’ experience with the two previous editions of this textbook enhances the depth, relevance, and utility of the information provided in this updated manual. Preoperative work-up, operative management, and perioperative care are covered extensively and effectively in this handbook. The goal of providing a manual covering these subjects is met in concise, thorough, and well-referenced chapters. A complete list of topics concerning the many facets of managing both adult and pediatric cardiac surgical patients is presented. Additionally, a number of appendixes are included, covering various topics including medications and procedures common to this population of patients. This textbook is a complete manual for students and practitioners involved in the care of cardiac surgery patients. The current edition forgoes previously covered non-cardiac thoracic surgery topics, thus providing a complete presentation of cardiac surgery
Book Reviews
641
issues within the confines of a handbook. Similar textbooks exist, however, this manual appears to provide the most complete and updated review of topics dedicated to the care of these patients. Caregivers of all levels are likely to benefit by keeping this manual readily available to assist with the management of routine and complex patients. Mending Bodies, Saving Souls: A History of Hospitals. Written by Guenter B Risse, MD, PhD. 716 pages, illustrated. $39.95. New York: Oxford University Press Inc, 1999. Reviewed by Robert L Martensen, MD, PhD Using 12 clinical episodes, this is the story of the hospital in Western culture from ancient Greece through the Enlightenment to the high-tech hospital and ambulatory clinics of the late 20th century. The world of historical meanings associated with hospital life and patients is explicated through the exploration of continuity and change in the mission and practice of hospitals in key areas of social role, therapeutics, and professional and patient space. Physicians, nurses, hospital administrative staff, and historians are the intended audience. Using the device of patient experience (often extended) to introduce each of the book’s 12 chapters distinguishes this book from other histories of the hospital. This is history with a patient’s voice, which makes it possible for contemporary readers to recover a sense of past meanings for patients and providers in hospital settings. This book, carefully documented and replete with important detail, will be the standard reference for the “long history” of the Western hospital. It belongs on the shelf with other excellent works that have focused on 19th and 20th century hospitals, notably Rosenberg’s The care of strangers: The rise of America’s hospital system (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995) and Stevens’ In sickness and in wealth: American hospitals in the twentieth century (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999).
Incisional Hernia. Edited by Volker Schumpelick, Andrew N Kingsnorth, MD. 511 pages, illustrated. $94.00. Newark: Springer-Verlag New York, Inc, 1999.
Breast Cancer: Molecular Genetics, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutics. Edited by Anne M Bowcock. 582 pages, illustrated. $145.00. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 1999.
Reviewed by Vincent Cimmino, MD
Reviewed by Jacqueline S Jeruss, MD
This is a concise overview of incisional hernias. The use of a discussion format at the end of each chapter adds a unique character to the content. The editors achieve their goal of conveying to the surgeon the concensus of the participants at the Survetta II conference on incisional hernias. It is written primarily for the practicing surgeon, though I think a senior resident could benefit from its contents. Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the editors since they are both European and I do not routinely read European literature. The editors treat the subject of the abdominal incisional hernias by first discussing normal anatomy and then proceeding in a logical sequence from pathogenesis to the various methods of repair. Of note is the detailed discussion of the biomechanics and biodegradation of the various synthetic materials used in the repairs. I think the editors have done a credible job of describing the results of the numerous popular procedures used to repair recurrent hernias. My criticism begins with the observation that the text would be more legible if the print were larger. It is difficult to decipher some of the diagrams since they are often inadequately labeled and therefore difficult to correlate with the verbal description. The title might be a little misleading. For example, if I were looking for a text that discussed the Lichtenstein repair for recurrent hernias, I might not open this text based on its title. I think there are other books that cover some of the individual topics more completely, but if one is familiar with the subject matter contained within this book, it provides a useful summary.
This book provides a relatively detailed review of the current thinking regarding basic breast cancer research and its therapeutic applications. The purpose is to provide an overview of some of the most recent advances in the understanding of breast cancer genetics, pathogenesis, and therapeutics. It is geared toward graduate students and scientists involved in breast cancer research, and physicians specializing in the care of breast cancer patients. Extensive information about a multitude of topics associated with breast cancer genetics and possible causative factors in breast cancer progression is provided. This book also includes both a generalized overview of breast cancer therapeutics as well as the most current thoughts on experimental treatment ideas. The chapter, “Hereditary Breast Cancer Genes,” is extremely well covered, especially the discussion of BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations in the Ashkenazi population. The chapter on psychological issues surrounding genetic testing is particularly strong because of its use of case examples. The discussion of surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches is thorough and cohesive, as is the chapter on drug resistance and the implications of the MDR gene. This book could have had less repetition, which is a direct result of its multiple contributors. Additionally, stronger introductory chapters would have provided better organization and flow of the book’s content. On a whole, this is an excellent resource for researchers in the field. Texts such as Lynch’s Genetics and breast cancer (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980) and Lippman’s Genes, oncogenes, and hormones: advance in cellular and molecular biology of breast cancer (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1992) are key to providing background on breast cancer genetics and basic science. This book stands out in that it provides a comprehensive approach to the relevant advances in
The book reviews published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons have been licensed from Doody Publishing, which owns the copyright to them. For more information about Doody Publishing, call 1-800-219-9500.
Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
640
ISSN 1072-7515/99
Vol. 189, No. 6, December 1999
breast cancer research as they apply to therapeutics, an approach that has been missing in the recent literature. Manual of Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery, 3rd Edition. Written by Robert M Bojar, MD, Kenneth G Warner, MD. 624 pages, illustrated. $49.95. Boston: Blackwell Science Inc, 1999. Reviewed by Sanjay Mehta, MD This third edition textbook, previously released in 1994, provides a thorough yet succinct outline covering the spectrum of topics common to the management of the cardiac surgery patient. The aim is to provide a current reference that includes information that is complete, concise, and pertinent to all cardiac surgery patient caregivers. The manual effectively meets the stated goals of the authors, providing an excellent reference for topics pertinent to the care of these patients. The book is written for students, residents, practitioners, and extended caregivers and covers topics pertinent to all levels of care. The authors’ experience with the two previous editions of this textbook enhances the depth, relevance, and utility of the information provided in this updated manual. Preoperative work-up, operative management, and perioperative care are covered extensively and effectively in this handbook. The goal of providing a manual covering these subjects is met in concise, thorough, and well-referenced chapters. A complete list of topics concerning the many facets of managing both adult and pediatric cardiac surgical patients is presented. Additionally, a number of appendixes are included, covering various topics including medications and procedures common to this population of patients. This textbook is a complete manual for students and practitioners involved in the care of cardiac surgery patients. The current edition forgoes previously covered non-cardiac thoracic surgery topics, thus providing a complete presentation of cardiac surgery
Book Reviews
641
issues within the confines of a handbook. Similar textbooks exist, however, this manual appears to provide the most complete and updated review of topics dedicated to the care of these patients. Caregivers of all levels are likely to benefit by keeping this manual readily available to assist with the management of routine and complex patients. Mending Bodies, Saving Souls: A History of Hospitals. Written by Guenter B Risse, MD, PhD. 716 pages, illustrated. $39.95. New York: Oxford University Press Inc, 1999. Reviewed by Robert L Martensen, MD, PhD Using 12 clinical episodes, this is the story of the hospital in Western culture from ancient Greece through the Enlightenment to the high-tech hospital and ambulatory clinics of the late 20th century. The world of historical meanings associated with hospital life and patients is explicated through the exploration of continuity and change in the mission and practice of hospitals in key areas of social role, therapeutics, and professional and patient space. Physicians, nurses, hospital administrative staff, and historians are the intended audience. Using the device of patient experience (often extended) to introduce each of the book’s 12 chapters distinguishes this book from other histories of the hospital. This is history with a patient’s voice, which makes it possible for contemporary readers to recover a sense of past meanings for patients and providers in hospital settings. This book, carefully documented and replete with important detail, will be the standard reference for the “long history” of the Western hospital. It belongs on the shelf with other excellent works that have focused on 19th and 20th century hospitals, notably Rosenberg’s The care of strangers: The rise of America’s hospital system (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995) and Stevens’ In sickness and in wealth: American hospitals in the twentieth century (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999).