Media Type : Textbook (Hardcover)

Synopsis : Ophthalmic surgery is a precise, technically challenging specialty. While there is obviously no substitute for hands-on experience and clinical instruction in the operating room, textbooks are a necessary and required adjunct. Clearly written and richly illustrated, Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures, 2 ^nd Edition , is a comprehensive surgical guide, covering the most rudimentary surgical procedures to the most complex. The teaching experience and extensive knowledge base of the authors and section editors is clearly evident through the content and presentation of the material. Updated from the original edition published in 1988, this thorough, well-organized textbook serves as an invaluable reference for anyone performing ophthalmic surgery–from the most experienced practitioner to the beginning resident.

Target Audience: Beginning and experienced ophthalmic surgeons.

Review: Dr. Hersh, an internationally renowned clinician and surgical instructor, published his first edition of Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures in 1988. In this revised second edition he is joined by co-authors, Bruce M. Zagelbaum and Sandra Lora Cremers, as well as a staff of experienced and respected section editors. Laurel Cook Lhowe expertly illustrated this textbook. The book is intended for experienced ophthalmic surgeons, beginning surgeons, and residents as it bridges the gap between quick reference guide and exhaustive teaching tool.

The book is divided into 9 sections and 68 chapters describing individual ophthalmic procedures. The chapter organization generally includes indications, preoperative procedure, instrumentation, operative procedure, postoperative procedure, and complications. The book is all inclusive, covering the most rudimentary surgical procedures to the most complex, as the authors walk the reader through procedures from corneal foreign body removal to pars plana vitrectomy. The illustrations are so well done that while they are intended as adjunctive to the descriptive text, they could easily stand alone.

In the field of surgery, it is a generally acknowledged principle that there are multiple satisfactory variations to many procedures. The authors recognize this fact, and do not describe every modification; instead they provide a detailed overview. Where appropriate this text does present different techniques or alternative methods. The authors anticipate that the book will provide a strong foundation for readers’ surgical repertoire as they evolve, enhance, and refine their own techniques. They successfully accomplish this goal.

An additional strength of the book is the fact that it details the specifications of the necessary surgical instruments, sutures, and medications. This provides for a very comprehensive textbook, reducing the need for other resources.

Overall, Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures, 2 ^nd Edition is a thorough, well-organized, comprehensive surgical guide that serves as an invaluable reference for anyone performing ophthalmic surgery from the most experienced practitioner to the beginning resident.