CARE OF THE SURGICAL CARDIOPULMONARY PATIENT

Abstract

The reviewer wondered whether a 300 page book could adequately consider the full range of problems encountered by a physician in his “care of the surgical cardiopulmonary patient,” and was not at all surprised to find how expertly many categories were discussed. Physiologically orientated as the editor and the reviewer are, and as thoracic physicians and surgeons must be, one is pleased with the thoroughness born of experience in the presentations on water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance for which Dr. Neville is famed. This is complemented magnificently, again with authority, in the chapter on acute renal failure, where the section on prevention and treatment is especially valuable. Artificial mechanical respiration is presented by another expert contributor (Mörch) whose writings over the years reflect his productive association with internists and surgeons and their cardiac and trauma patients' problems. Trauma is thoroughly considered and discussion of routine pulmonary problems is excellent. The section on cardiac arrhythmias is good and the accompanying expository table is useful. The refreshing style in the section on the management of pediatric cardiac surgical patients is that of a sensible and realistic human being.