Reoperative Surgery of the Abdomen

Abstract

Reoperative Surgery of the Abdomen was written to fill the conspicuous void in this often complex area of surgical practice. Twenty-nine authors combined to present their individual approaches to a host of surgical problems ranging from colostomy closure and interval appendectomy to reoperation for primary and secondary neoplasms. This book, of necessity, reflects the personal bias of individual authors with regard to management of failed or inadequate primary operations. Specific chapters dealing with reoperations on the biliary tract, surgery for recurrent peptic ulcer disease, post-gastrectomy syndrome, alkaline reflux gastritis, and reoperation for portal hypertension are lucid and comprehensive. Notably absent are sections dealing with reoperation for benign pancreatic disorders and hernia. Four chapters examine alternatives to operation, including percutaneous drainage of abscesses and obstructed urinary systems, endoscopic treatment for retained bile duct stones, and endoscopic gastrostomy. These sections are interesting and well written but are somewhat out of place. Reoperative