Current Therapy in Plastic Surgery, Edited by J. McCarthy, R. Galiano, and S. Boutros; Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2006.
In the preface to this text, the editors write that their goal was to write a concise, yet thorough and user-friendly, resource that covered the breadth of plastic surgery in a single text. They sought to write a text that would appeal to students, residents, and new clinicians, as well as seasoned practitioners alike. In my opinion, they succeeded. As a nurse practitioner in a large academic setting, this is the book I reach for first, for either a quick explanation of a procedure or concept, or as the first step of a deeper inquiry into the topic.
The book, of more than 700 pages was written by more than 100 contributors from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Spain. It is remarkably consistent throughout with little repetition or overlap which so often occurs when there are multiple authors. The chapters are brief, yet thorough; most are but 5-10 pages in length. Each chapter follows the same general format and contains etiopathogenesis, related anatomy-pathologic and surgical-and treatment options. Goals of surgery or reconstruction are clearly stated. Each chapter also includes a brief recommendation for postoperative care. This is a feature I find particularly helpful; it is often lacking or omitted entirely in other plastic surgery texts. A "take home message" in the form pearls and pitfalls ends each chapter.
The text is well organized into clearly delineated content areas either by broad topic, for example, principles of plastic surgery or pediatric plastic surgery, or by region of the body, such as breast and trunk. Aesthetic and reconstructive considerations are given for each of the body regions. For example, the section on reconstructive aspects for the breast and trunk contains chapters on breast cancer, and reconstruction of breast, abdominal wall, and posterior trunk defects; this is followed by a section on breast aesthetics. Chapters in this section focus on various topics such as breast augmentation and reduction, liposuction, and body-contouring. There is a strong emphasis on plastic surgery related to the upper and lower extremities in this book. Almost one third of it is devoted to musculoskeletal topics-the hand, foot, and ankle reconstruction of peripheral nerve compression to name but a few.
The book contains many clear, albeit black and white, photos and schematics to illustrate each chapter. There are several algorithms that are helpful in clarifying diagnosis and treatment strategies. Algorithm topics range from diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, to that of fingertip, or tendon and bone infection.
Shortcomings of the book are few. The end of each chapter lists a few suggested readings; a book such as this should include full citations so as to direct the reader to the original source and facilitate more in-depth exploration. Another major shortcoming, in my opinion, is that there is no mention of wounds or wound healing with the exception of pressure ulcers, which are discussed at length.
Current Therapy in Plastic Surgery will be a valued addition to the library of any plastic surgery practitioner, to be used as a quick refresher or as the starting point to a deeper understanding of a given topic or procedure. My only complaint[horizontal ellipsis]it does not fit in my pocket and is too heavy to carry around.
Helen B. Zuelzer, MS, RN, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner Division of Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryVirginia Commonwealth University Medical CenterRichmond, Virginia
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