Atlas of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery has developed rapidly in the last two decades and has become a popular field of surgery. Many practicing surgeons as well as surgeons in training are keen to learn surgery with a minimally invasive approach. There is a demand for a comprehensive atlas with good illustrations to cover commonly performed laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures. The Atlas of Minimally Invasive Surgery, edited by Dr Daniel Jones, definitively achieves this goal and serves as an excellent reference for residents, fellows as well as practicing surgeons. The Atlas covers a wide spectrum of commonly performed procedures, which ranges from simple basic procedures such as cholecystectomy and appendectomy to advanced operations like hepatectomy and low anterior resection. In each chapter, the authors begin with a detailed description of the indications, preoperative preparations, operating room setup, positioning of the patient and placement of the trocars. These are exactly the materials most beginners want to learn when they intend to start new operations. The individual steps of the procedure are numbered and described in simple language easily understandable. They are also supplemented by simple, coloured drawings, which illustrate the important steps of the procedure. The special feature of the Atlas is the commentary at the end of each chapter. The invited commentators are all leading experts in the field with vast experience. The highquality comments are direct and to the point. The crucial elements to ensure the success of the procedure are usually emphasized. Moreover, different opinions from those of the authors are frankly expressed. These definitely add extra value to the Atlas and especially benefit those readers who have acquired fairly little experience of the procedure. The editors should be congratulated for bringing out this excellent volume which covers the most commonly performed minimally invasive surgical procedures. There is indeed a real need for such a well-written and illustrated volume, and it definitely serves as a valuable reference tool for both practicing surgeons as well as surgeons in training.