Frontiers in Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

This book provides an excellent summary of the state of the art of coloproctology and would be a most useful acquisition for anyone involved in colorectal practice. It is edited by two well-known, London-based coloproctologists and consists of 25 chapters covering all aspects of the specialty. The 41 named authors are mainly UK-based, with small contributions from Scandinavia and North America. The book has five parts: ‘Frontiers in neoplasia’, ‘Frontiers in IBD’, ‘Frontiers around the anus’, ‘Frontiers in management’ and ‘Gender issues’. I turned immediately to the last section, intrigued to find out what gender issues in coloproctology were. (A debate on the construction of a colonic neovagina perhaps?) The section actually consists of two excellent chapters on fertility after pouch surgery and erectile dysfunction. ‘Reproductive health’ would have been a more accurate heading. Each chapter is structured under the headings: ‘What is the problem?’, ‘Where are we now?’ and ‘Where are we going?’ Without exception, the authors have been able to summarise what is often a mass of complex information and present it in a clear, concise and well-referenced way. It is easy to read and I even read much of it on holiday. The chapters entitled ‘The TME debate in the light of the Dutch radiotherapy trial’, ‘New pharmacology’ (for IBD) and ‘Frontiers in fistula’ are particularly well presented. Any surgeon or specialist nurse, who requires the re-assurance of knowing the evidence base of their practice, should read this book. It is a ‘must’ for those taking a postgraduate examination in coloproctology and indeed for those examining in them. I shall value having ready access to the information that it provides for those times when I am asked to do a postgraduate teaching session at short notice. Highly recommended.