Abstract
Due to the rapid development of each surgical specialty, this new textbook, Oxford Textbook of Fundamentals of Surgery, aims to be a resource that builds and enhances fundamental surgical knowledge to support specialty specific textbooks in the series. While its primary target is those preparing for surgical college examination, the book can also be used as a reference text for medical students. Its online access is an important addition to the book, allowing greater access for the readers. A major advantage of this textbook is the clear and concise writing, allowing for a swift and easy read. The diagrams, tables and illustrations are plenty and throughout the book, which makes the content easier to digest and understand. Statements regarding surgical practices and disease states are simplified, allowing for greater understanding. Using authors who are not only experienced, but also leaders in their field, the textbook discusses core surgical knowledge, such as the medical sciences, assessing and managing patients and surgical skills, in 10 different sections.
The textbook covers an extensive summary on a range of topics. The basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology and radiology are covered succinctly, with excellent diagrams. A number of key common surgical problems, such as acute abdomen, ear pain and joint diseases, are discussed, with the chapters starting off with a brief description of the disease, followed by a discussion about the disease, from aetiology and pathology all the way to management and follow-up of the patient. Key differentials are also provided, with a brief description, and the most up-to-date guidelines are used throughout the book. The text is comprehensive in the breadth of clinical skills. It covers topics such as anaesthesia, suturing techniques and wound care as well as having an excellent summary on history taking and system examinations. The section on perioperative management was quite interesting as it not only discussed the various aspects of patient care, but also what disorders can present during the time period. In addition, there are dedicated sections for trauma, paediatric patients and diseases, palliative care, transplants and, for those interested, research.
This textbook is an excellent resource to understand essential surgical knowledge, allowing readers to either refresh or learn the foundations prior to delving deeper into specialty specific textbooks. Whilst it is not detailed or exhaustive, it provides an excellent review and provides the readers with an opportunity to delve deeper, with ‘suggested reading’ lists and ‘references’ at the end of each chapter. The breadth of the book, on the other hand, is quite comprehensive, making it beneficial for medical students and other junior doctors. This textbook is a useful companion to have, even as a medical student, as it addresses all the relevant aspects of the field of surgery and aids in providing a strong foundation.