Handbook of General Surgical Emergencies.

Abstract

The authors state that the aim of this book is to provide a pocket-sized resource for medical students and professionals working in the accident and emergency department or in surgical admission units. The book is divided into 11 chapters, the first four dealing with general principles – how to break bad news, issues surrounding consent, etc. The following six chapters deal with commonly presenting emergencies based on systems. The final chapter covers important paediatric surgical emergencies. The text is clear, succinct and mostly laid out in a manner that would make quick reference in an emergency easy to find and follow. As the authors state, it is not designed to be an exhaustive analysis of every presenting condition. Rather, it acts as an aide-memoire when faced with unfamiliar circumstances. It also provides a reminder of important first principles to follow and appropriate investigations to undertake in various scenarios. I especially liked the sections dealing with generic skills such as communication with patients and relatives, consent and breaking bad news. These issues, while not strictly emergencies, are encountered almost on a daily basis and can be extremely challenging. The guidance provided should assist in ensuring that correct procedures are followed. References are provided to enable readers to consult the latest updates from the relevant authorities. Criticism of this book could be directed at the omission of a section dealing with management of the compromised airway. While uncommon and usually dealt with by other specialities, all surgical trainees should have sound knowledge of how to deal with airway obstruction and how to secure an airway in an emergency. Another minor issue is the physical size of the book, which does not lend itself to be carried by the busy junior doctor, especially now that white coats have almost disappeared from the wards. However, a brief summary of the diagnosis, investigation and management of common surgical emergencies is presented. The information is not exhaustive but the brevity ensures that important points should not be overlooked. This will be of great benefit to junior doctors coping with emergencies early in their career. Medical students who are increasingly faced with large volumes of information to assimilate will also welcome this practical and to-the-point blueprint. It assumes a basic knowledge and does not purport to replace standard textbooks. As such, it will find a useful place in the armamentarium of medical students revising for examinations. Busy junior doctors will also welcome the clear and concise layout.