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Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A Textbook for General Practice and the DRCOG, 3rd edition
August 2001, Vol. 8, No. 3
The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Book Review
Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A Textbook for General Practice and the DRCOG, 3rd edition Geoffrey Chamberlain and Peter Bowen-Simpkins Churchill Livingstone, London, 266 pages, $59.00, 2000
detail, but definitive treatment of genuine urinary stress incontinence is still approached with terms from yesteryear, with anterior colporrhaphy the first treatment discussed. The laparoscopic approach is criticized in terms of its success rates without qualification. The authors include an excellent section on pediatric gynecology and a good overview of the approach to infertile women. Many aspects of gynecologic oncology are covered in such a way as to give the reader good basic knowledge when handling a patient with suspected cancer. The book is complete with a series of questions that will help the reader prepare for Royal College examinations for diploma status, that is, to practice obstetrics and gynecology at a general practitioner level. In summary, this is a good reference for the practicing general doctor who needs to refresh in obstetrics and gynecology. It would be better if it were small enough to be carried in a coat pocket. It does contain some traditional unqualified bias against endoscopy.
It is unusual to be asked to review a publication aimed at general practitioners with an interest in obstetrics and gynecology for a journal whose interest is directed specifically toward minimally invasive surgery. That aside, this is not a bad book. It is well set out in three sections. The first two go without saying, and the third addresses medicolegal matters and how to minimize litigation. As expected from British authors, there is a strong leaning toward obstetrics and gynecology as practiced in England. Chapters on obstetrics are presented in a logical way and are easy to read, ideal as a reference book for a family practitioner. Each chapter has recommended readings if additional information is required. From an endoscopic surgeon’s perspective, the section on gynecology is less than satisfactory. Endometrial ablation is discussed, but with a degree of misinformation, including fistula formation after application of microwave technology. The authors obviously confused microwave with radiofrequency. Similarly, laparoscopic hysterectomy is summed up by “a small incision does not mean a small operation.” The reader is introduced to new theories regarding the cause of polycystic ovary disease. Urinary incontinence is treated in mixed fashion. Urodynamic studies are discussed in considerable
Peter J. Maher, M.D. East Melbourne, Australia
Reprinted from the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC LAPAROSCOPISTS, August 2001, Vol. 8 No. 3 © 2001 The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the AAGL. This includes but is not limited to, the posting of electronic files on the Internet, transferring electronic files to other persons, distributing printed output, and photocopying. To order multiple reprints of an individual article or request authorization to make photocopies, please contact the AAGL.
465
The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
Book Review
Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A Textbook for General Practice and the DRCOG, 3rd edition Geoffrey Chamberlain and Peter Bowen-Simpkins Churchill Livingstone, London, 266 pages, $59.00, 2000
detail, but definitive treatment of genuine urinary stress incontinence is still approached with terms from yesteryear, with anterior colporrhaphy the first treatment discussed. The laparoscopic approach is criticized in terms of its success rates without qualification. The authors include an excellent section on pediatric gynecology and a good overview of the approach to infertile women. Many aspects of gynecologic oncology are covered in such a way as to give the reader good basic knowledge when handling a patient with suspected cancer. The book is complete with a series of questions that will help the reader prepare for Royal College examinations for diploma status, that is, to practice obstetrics and gynecology at a general practitioner level. In summary, this is a good reference for the practicing general doctor who needs to refresh in obstetrics and gynecology. It would be better if it were small enough to be carried in a coat pocket. It does contain some traditional unqualified bias against endoscopy.
It is unusual to be asked to review a publication aimed at general practitioners with an interest in obstetrics and gynecology for a journal whose interest is directed specifically toward minimally invasive surgery. That aside, this is not a bad book. It is well set out in three sections. The first two go without saying, and the third addresses medicolegal matters and how to minimize litigation. As expected from British authors, there is a strong leaning toward obstetrics and gynecology as practiced in England. Chapters on obstetrics are presented in a logical way and are easy to read, ideal as a reference book for a family practitioner. Each chapter has recommended readings if additional information is required. From an endoscopic surgeon’s perspective, the section on gynecology is less than satisfactory. Endometrial ablation is discussed, but with a degree of misinformation, including fistula formation after application of microwave technology. The authors obviously confused microwave with radiofrequency. Similarly, laparoscopic hysterectomy is summed up by “a small incision does not mean a small operation.” The reader is introduced to new theories regarding the cause of polycystic ovary disease. Urinary incontinence is treated in mixed fashion. Urodynamic studies are discussed in considerable
Peter J. Maher, M.D. East Melbourne, Australia
Reprinted from the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC LAPAROSCOPISTS, August 2001, Vol. 8 No. 3 © 2001 The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the AAGL. This includes but is not limited to, the posting of electronic files on the Internet, transferring electronic files to other persons, distributing printed output, and photocopying. To order multiple reprints of an individual article or request authorization to make photocopies, please contact the AAGL.
465