There are numerous textbooks detailing almost every aspect of the different laparoscopic procedures. However, in this era of evidence-based medicine, a text focusing on the controversies – from the laparoscopic as well as the general surgeon's point of view – is missing. This book is not intended to be yet another textbook of laparoscopy; instead, its main purpose is to address unsettled issues of controversy. This will significantly enhance evidence-based knowledge of this developing field, stimulate thinking and discussions in rounds and meetings, assist surgeons in their decision making and stimulate further research. This book is not aimed only at laparoscopic surgeons – with their steadily increasing number – but also at general surgeons and surgical trainees. It will define and sharpen points of controversy by internationally recognized authors, and thus provide 'state of the art' quality to each topic.

Minimal access surgery continues to evolve at a fast pace. This book, Current Concepts and Controversies in Laparoscopic Surgery, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of some specialist areas in this field. The chapters cover a fascinating variety of subjects in areas where recent developments have had a significant effect on clinical practice. The topics discussed include the risks of laparoscopic access techniques, gastrointestinal anastomoses, minimal access surgery for early rectal cancer, and simulation in laparoscopic surgery. This book is an invaluable resource for physicians, surgeons, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals who seek to refresh and expand their knowledge in laparoscopic surgery as well as a source of excellent information for those preparing for professional examinations.

From large cross-sectional studies of autopsy material, it seems as if a time course of Alzheimer's Disease, at least on average, can be mapped out: a pattern of hierarchical vulnerability for neuronal loss and neurofibrillary tangles beginning in medial temporal lobe structures proceeding through association areas. Plaques follow their own temporal course, with widespread cortical deposits occurring even early in a disease process. The whole process may well take twenty years, the first half of which may be without overt symptoms.

Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS), performed using a single transumbilical access, has recently proved to bring advantages over other forms of laparoscopic surgery due to the reduction in the number of incisions and the consequent decrease in morbidity, less blood loss and postoperative pain. Furthermore, cosmesis may be improved because incision within the umbilicus renders surgery virtually scarless. Nevertheless, as with all new surgical concepts, questions may be raised regarding safety, usefulness and appropriateness. This book analyzes the use of SALS for different indications and abdominal surgical procedures based on a careful literature review of the experience of the most important surgical teams employing this approach and also the authors’ personal observations. The coverage is broad, encompassing, for example, the role of SALS in appendectomy, repair of abdominal wall defects, cholecystectomy, gastric surgery, nephrectomy, splenectomy, hemicolectomy and pancreatic, liver and gynecological surgery.

"When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest. " WILLIAM HAZLITT (1778-1830) This is the fourth volume in a series which we started in 1997. In 1976, Varco and Delaney edited a "surgical bestseller" entitled Controversy in Surgery. This was fol lowed by a second volume in 1985. The immense success of these books among both surgical trainees and experienced surgeons, and their wide international ap peal, supported the editors' notion that a view of controversy is integral to teach ing. However, despite major advances in surgical science and practice, no other similar publication has since been put together with the objective of addressing major controversies in surgery. The aim of this series is to address such deficiency by covering the most crucial current controversies in general, vascular and trauma surgery. Since almost everything is controversial in surgery, we will be able to tackle different issues almost each year. The editors have selected a nationally/internationally recognized authority for each topic. Most books available today are either "North American:' "British-Com monwealth" or "British-European:' contributing to the constant transatlantic rival ry. Our series specifically aims to bridge this "culture gap" and includes North American, British, European, and other authors while maintaining a cohesive structure. This will hopefully also broaden the appeal of such a book across both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.

The general surgeon was first introduced to laparoscopy nearly 20 years ago. In these past two decades, there has been an evolution in the indications, approaches, and outcomes for the surgical treatment of many conditions and diseases. The debate about the optimal approach continues. Despite all of the advances that have been made during the 'evolution of the laparoscopic revolution', there is still progress to be made. This issue will examine the history of the minimally invasive surgical approach to a variety of conditions, ongoing areas of controversy, and future directions.