Written by a surgeon with 40 years' experience in practice and instruction, this book provides vital, up-to-date information that explains the strengths and weaknesses of the laparoscopic surgery field to enable potential surgical patients to make the best decisions and choose a surgeon wisely. More than 30 years ago, laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgery suddenly appeared as an operative technique. Laparoscopy quickly grew in the U.S. surgical field, where now more than two million operations annually use the technique. But is the training surgeons receive in laparoscopy sufficient to ensure patient safety? What are the specific situations where laparoscopy is beneficial and justified, and when is it ill-advised due to the additional complexity and risk factors? This is the first book written for general readers—avoiding medical jargon wherever possible—to expose the gritty history and downsides of "minimally invasive surgery." Additionally, it provides the perspective and insights of an esteemed surgeon who was working at the inception of laparoscopy and has a full understanding of this now widely popular procedure across its development and lifespan. Readers will learn about the emergence of laparoscopic techniques in the 1990s, understand how minimally invasive surgery has been a boon to the business of surgery and to patient health and recovery overall, appreciate how the complexity involved in laparoscopic surgery has led to a higher incidence of surgeon "incompetence," and grasp the responsibility of a patient to take steps to assure that the surgeon is qualified before going into the operating room. Examination of eye-opening statistics on the outcomes of laparoscopic procedures documents the high level of capability of most surgeons, as well as the lack of appropriate ability with certain laparoscopic operations in the hands of some surgeons. The author also spells out how informed patients can be prepared to discuss and consider all aspects of an operation—and the surgeon's training and experience—to assure the best outcome for their health.

Written by a surgeon with 40 years' experience in practice and instruction, this book provides vital, up-to-date information that explains the strengths and weaknesses of the laparoscopic surgery field to enable potential surgical patients to make the best decisions and choose a surgeon wisely. More than 30 years ago, laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgery suddenly appeared as an operative technique. Laparoscopy quickly grew in the U.S. surgical field, where now more than two million operations annually use the technique. But is the training surgeons receive in laparoscopy sufficient to ensure patient safety? What are the specific situations where laparoscopy is beneficial and justified, and when is it ill-advised due to the additional complexity and risk factors? This is the first book written for general readers—avoiding medical jargon wherever possible—to expose the gritty history and downsides of "minimally invasive surgery." Additionally, it provides the perspective and insights of an esteemed surgeon who was working at the inception of laparoscopy and has a full understanding of this now widely popular procedure across its development and lifespan. Readers will learn about the emergence of laparoscopic techniques in the 1990s, understand how minimally invasive surgery has been a boon to the business of surgery and to patient health and recovery overall, appreciate how the complexity involved in laparoscopic surgery has led to a higher incidence of surgeon "incompetence," and grasp the responsibility of a patient to take steps to assure that the surgeon is qualified before going into the operating room. Examination of eye-opening statistics on the outcomes of laparoscopic procedures documents the high level of capability of most surgeons, as well as the lack of appropriate ability with certain laparoscopic operations in the hands of some surgeons. The author also spells out how informed patients can be prepared to discuss and consider all aspects of an operation—and the surgeon's training and experience—to assure the best outcome for their health.

Addressing young surgeons and surgical residents, this text atlas gives a quick overview of how to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures. The main steps of the operations are richly illustrated and the text provides detailed information on technical aspects of these procedures.

This first of its-kind reference shows you how to perform today's laparoscopic procedures using videos demonstrating the step-by-step how-to's you need to know. Nearly 30 videos on DVD-each 10-20 minutes long, with narration-describe the key steps for all of the commonly-performed minimally invasive procedures. In addition to the procedures on DVD, a full-color standard operative atlas is included-illustrated with nearly 400 photos and line drawings addressing the key portions of each surgical procedure-providing complete details on the technical considerations of each operation. Inclusion of cutting-edge technology helps you incorporate these advances into your repertoire. Coverage by top experts in the field-including Dr. Frantzides and Dr. Carlson, leading authorities on laparoscopic procedures-ensures guidance you can trust. Demonstrates 30 key laparoscopic procedures through a DVD of operative videos, each 10-20 minutes in length, enabling you to see the progression of each surgery in real time. Uses voice-over narration to clarify important nuances of each technique. Presents coverage of cutting-edge breakthroughs, keeping you up to date on the latest surgical developments. Includes more than 395 photos and line drawings in the text to augment key portions of the surgical procedures reviewed. Features the work of top experts in the field, including Drs. Constantine T. Frantzides and Mark A. Carlson, leading authorities on laparoscopic procedures.

Primary and incisional ventral hernias are common conditions often encountered in surgical practice. Because of the frequency of this problem it has come to be managed by surgeons in general, regardless of the type of hospital or the conditions dealt with in their daily practice. Laparoscopic surgery has demonstrated to have an important role among the different technique described to repair ventral hernia with less recurrent rate, less morbidity and less overall cost than open conventional repair, with all the advange of the laparoscopic approach. As a result the indications for this surgical technique are currently being debated since the advantages are evident and progressive implementation is ensured. Now is the time to analyze the usefulness, results, technical variants, anatomic, physiologic and scientific basis and implications involved in implementation of laparoscopy as the technique of choice.

From murder/mystery to medical fiction - from trauma to mass casualties, Dr. David Page is a writer's best friend.