Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

General thoracic surgery, 5th ed

2000; Elsevier BV; Volume: 32; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1067/mva.2000.108841

1097-6809

Walter G. Wolfe,

Esophageal and GI Pathology

General thoracic surgery, 5th ed Thomas Shields; Philadelphia; 2000; Lipincott Williams & Wilkins; 2443 pages. This fifth edition of the text edited by Dr Thomas Shields entitled General Thoracic Surgery will most likely become a classic, because it is apparent that the baton is being passed with regard to editorship. This text has been a mainstay for surgeons in this field over the years. Dr Shields, who is a senior editor, still has his imprint on the fifth edition not only as the senior editor, but also as a contributor. Dr Joseph LoCicero III and Dr Ronald Pond have now joined as associate editors. The two-volume set has been expanded by measurement. It is a half-inch thicker than the fourth edition and tips the scale at over 17 lb. The book is published on a high-quality paper and is extremely well referenced and indexed. Over 200 authors have contributed to this edition. Consequently, the contents are complete as one can imagine. Of interest, however, is that Gorham's disease is not indexed within either volume, at least that I could identify. The tables are extremely helpful, and the illustrations, in general, are well done with some better than others. The x-ray illustrations are excellent as are many of the operative pictures and specimen photographs. One personal disappointment is that the section “Early History of Thoracic Surgery” by Andrew P. Naef was not reproduced in this edition. Although the Internet and the other multiple avenues through which information is now obtained through the use of the computer have more or less taken over, I would still highly recommend anyone in the practice of thoracic surgery to obtain the two-volume set. It comes from one who has been a leader in this field for many years and who is an outstanding editor. Finally, if one is considering purchasing the book, the preface by Dr Shields is an excellent book review by itself with regard to the contents of these two volumes. Lastly, with over 200 authors, one might well be fortunate enough to know one and, consequently, would be able to borrow the complimentary copy that the author might receive, which will help you defer any costs because the two-volume set runs right at $259.00. Even at this price, however, I recommend it as a necessary addition to your library.