Gastric cancer has been one of the great malignant scourges affecting man kind for as long as medical records have been kept. Until operative resection pioneered by Bilroth and others became available, no effective treatment was feasible and death from cancer was virtually inevitable. Even with resection by total gastrectomy, the chances of tumor eradication remained small. Over recent years, however, the situation has been changing. Some changes have resulted from better understanding of the disease, early detec tion, and better management techniques with applied clinical research, but the reasons for other changes are poorly understood. For example, the incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing, especially in westernized societies, where it has fallen from one of the most common cancers to no longer being in the top five causes of cancer death. Still it remains the number one killer of adult males in Japan and Korea. Whether the reduced incidence in western societies is a result of dietary changes or methods of food preservation, or some other reason, is as yet uncertain. Improvements in outcome have been reported from mass screening and early detection; more refined techniques of establishing early diagnosis, tumor type, and tumor extent; more radical surgical resection; and resection at earlier stages of disease.

Advances in surgical technique and broadening indications for complex gastrointestinal procedures, surgical management of thoracic, hepato-pancreato-biliary, and colorectal diseases continues to evolve, but morbidity continues to be a persistent problem. This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art, definitive reference for the diagnosis and management of difficult-to-manage complications following advanced gastrointestinal surgery. All chapters are written by experts in their field and include the most up-to-date clinical information from national and world leaders in their respective discipline. The text provides a practical, clinically useful guide that reviews risk factors for these complications and offers key information on how to avoid potentially high morbidity events in the peri-operative period. It also discusses the management of these problems when they do occur. With its helpful guidelines and “tricks of the trade” to avoid potential complications, this book is essential to all medical professions treating such patients. Gastrointestinal Surgery: Management of Complex Perioperative Complications is of great value and utility for general surgeons, thoracic surgeons, upper gastrointestinal surgeons, colorectal surgeons, hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeons, surgical oncology fellows, thoracic surgery fellows and upper level residents in general surgery.

Essential Surgery is part of a nine volume series for Disease Control Priorities which focuses on health interventions intended to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Essential Surgery volume focuses on four key aspects including global financial responsibility, emergency procedures, essential services organization and cost analysis.

This book presents and explains the latest developments in surgery for congenital digestive tract malformations, tumors, abdominal trauma, and the most important acquired digestive disorders. Particular attention is paid to minimally invasive and innovative techniques. In addition to clear descriptions of the surgical procedures that highlight useful tips and tricks, for each condition the clinical presentation is well illustrated and information is provided on pathogenesis. The book also includes general chapters that address the anatomy of the abdomen in children, diagnostic issues, the problem of clinical nutrition, and other aspects of management in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal pathologies. Pediatric Digestive Surgery will serve as a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for all pediatric surgeons. It will provide the trainee with easily understood, concise guidance while offering the more experienced surgeon valuable updates on the latest thinking and practice in the field.