Anesthesiology: A Practical Approach

摘要

Written for a wide anesthesia audience, Anesthesiology: A Practical Approach, first edition, fills an excellent place in the already well-appointed Springer Anesthesiology series. While complementary anesthesia texts focus on anesthetic subspecialties or specific issues (ie, liver anesthesia or geriatrics), the text, as its name suggests, provides a practical approach to the most commonly encountered complex cases suited to the well-rounded general anesthesia practitioner or trainee. While there are numerous anesthesia textbooks in print, the editors departed from the traditional approach to the general textbook. Seemingly more in tune with today’s readership, the brief yet complete chapters allow for a focused learning session for the busy perioperative clinician, whether for the trainee approaching a new case or the seasoned clinician desiring a review. The text is full of information that is presented in short, easily digestible chapters. The book is divided into 7 parts or sections, including cardiovascular, out of operating room, pediatric, obstetric, neurovascular, and vascular anesthesia, and a section for “others.” Topics are spread among 83 chapters and 888 pages. The chapters are focused to provide an introduction and procedural discussion, followed by the associated anesthetic implications. Many of the chapters are peppered with well-constructed tables and high-quality color figures that are useful for solidifying key concepts. Drawing from 6 academic institutions in 3 counties, the clinical diversity among the editorial staff greatly enhances the anesthesia perspective. Appropriately, the book focuses an entire section on a variety of nonoperating room anesthesia procedures that are of great importance, given this ever-expanding portion of anesthesia practice. Inclusion of topics such as considerations for weight reduction surgery, robotic gynecological procedures, issues in geriatrics, and for patients with obstructive sleep apnea reflect the exceedingly complex nature of these patients. Although the book is, for the most part, procedure specific, some of the basics can be difficult to locate within the chapters, especially in the pediatric and obstetric sections. However, the procedure-specific approach does provide an ideal format for quick and easy reference for trainees to prepare for upcoming cases. In addition, the foreword by Dr Fleisher astutely suggests this format to be well suited for oral board preparation. The editors’ preface notes that each chapter may be read in isolation. While this is generally the case, select chapters may not have accomplished this goal. In addition, despite organized sections, certain chapters seem out of place. Inclusion of hypertensive emergencies in the obstetric section or trauma anesthesia in the vascular section can be confusing. However, the nicely appointed table of contents allows for quick localization. Future editions may benefit from a defined regional anesthesia section in addition to supplemental online material, specifically multimedia, to enhance learning concepts such as ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and echocardiography. The eBook and hardcover list price ($189 and $249, respectively) is quite reasonable and on par with most all-encompassing anesthesia textbooks. The single volume improves usability for readers preferring text, while the downloadable electronic version allows portability for those wishing to study on the go in the busy perioperative environment. Adam C. Adler, MD, MS, FAAP, FASEDepartment of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain MedicineTexas Children’s HospitalBaylor College of MedicineHouston, Texas[email protected]