Surgery of the Aorta and Its Branches

Rating:
Summary: Journal of Vascular Surgery Review
Review: Aortic surgery, territory that until recently was only explored by surgical specialists, has rapidly evolved into an area traversed by multiple competing specialties. To stay the course and steer clear of danger, Gewertz and Schwartz have edited a timely monograph on the subject that functions as a review of where we've been, as well as a perspective on where we've going. These editors have enlisted an outstanding group of authors to guide interested readers through uptodate information on aortic surgery, while maintaining appropriate balance in the vital area of reconstructive vascular surgery.

Section editors selected coauthors from their own institutions so that consistent thought prevails throughout the sections of the book. Developmental anomalies of the aorta and basic principles of aortic surgery nicely complement more clinically oriented chapters that fully cover the current practice of aortic and visceral artery surgery. Two sections in particular (thoracoabdominal and pararenal aortic aneurysms and renovascular disease) are extremely well written. They provide depth that the trainee will find in few other texts and that will enlighten even the most experienced vascular surgeon. Photographic images are sharp, and artwork is well done. A series of color plates is provided at the beginning of the text to enhance corresponding black-and-white images in some of the chapters.

Thanks to diligent editing, the volume maintains uniformity of style and content despite representation from six major university medical centers. Even the reference lists are relatively current, which is a feat in itself. This monograph will appeal to all clinicians interested in aortic surgery. It is affordably priced, full of technical pearls, and well-written. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to comment on a book that really meets its mark.

Rating:
Summary: Journal of Vascular Surgery Review
Review: Aortic surgery, territory that until recently was only explored by surgical specialists, has rapidly evolved into an area traversed by multiple competing specialties. To stay the course and steer clear of danger, Gewertz and Schwartz have edited a timely monograph on the subject that functions as a review of where we've been, as well as a perspective on where we've going. These editors have enlisted an outstanding group of authors to guide interested readers through up﷓to﷓date information on aortic surgery, while maintaining appropriate balance in the vital area of reconstructive vascular surgery.

Section editors selected coauthors from their own institutions so that consistent thought prevails throughout the sections of the book. Developmental anomalies of the aorta and basic principles of aortic surgery nicely complement more clinically oriented chapters that fully cover the current practice of aortic and visceral artery surgery. Two sections in particular (thoracoabdominal and pararenal aortic aneurysms and renovascular disease) are extremely well written. They provide depth that the trainee will find in few other texts and that will enlighten even the most experienced vascular surgeon. Photographic images are sharp, and artwork is well done. A series of color plates is provided at the beginning of the text to enhance corresponding black-and-white images in some of the chapters.

Thanks to diligent editing, the volume maintains uniformity of style and content despite representation from six major university medical centers. Even the reference lists are relatively current, which is a feat in itself. This monograph will appeal to all clinicians interested in aortic surgery. It is affordably priced, full of technical pearls, and well-written. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to comment on a book that really meets its mark.

Rating:
Summary: Review in Archives of Surgery
Review: Treatment of the aorta and its branch vessels is one of the major areas of interest for vascular surgeons. As stated in the foreword of Surgery of the Aorta and Its Branches, the last decade has seen tremendous advances in this field, including improvements in operative results for thoracoabdominal and visceral reconstruction, detection and management of perioperative complications, and the development of endovascular interventional techniques. In the preface, Dr Gewertz states that the purpose of this text is to address the "full range of aortic surgery" and provide "up-to-date data, along with those personal insights that enhance judgment in difficult situations." He and his coeditors have succeeded admirably.

The text is thoughtfully organized into 9 sections, including "Developmental Anomalies of the Aorta," "Basic Principles of Aortic Surgery," "Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms," "Thoracoabdominal and Pararenal Aneurysms," "Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease," "Renovascular Disease," "Mesenteric Disease," "Aortic Graft Infection," and "Endovascular Surgery." The chapters in these sections are almost without exception excellent, and there is little redundancy in the material covered. Historical perspective is provided in many areas, along with accurate and readable descriptions of current concepts in the pathophysiology of the disease processes discussed. There are also several excellent chapters that provide a critical discussion of imaging modalities in aortic disease, anesthetic options, preoperative evaluation, and management of postoperative complications.

However, the chapters on operative technique were of greatest interest in this text. These are full of personal insights and preferences that can only come from surgeons with extensive experience. Many of these insights are rarely mentioned in texts or articles, and they have clear practical value. The usefulness of these chapters is uniform throughout the text, and while it may be unfair to single out specific sections, I found the chapters on developmental anomalies, thoracoabdominal and infrarenal techniques, and renovascular disease to be especially useful. Indeed, the detail present in the section on renovascular disease is rarely presented in such a concise and easy-to-read format.

The section on endovascular techniques may not be as extensive as one might wish, although the depth of coverage is probably appropriate for a technique still in rapid evolution. There are short but unbiased comparisons of the results using different endografts, a readable and useful discussion of preoperative imaging and planning for endografting, and an honest discussion of the problems associated with the development of this field. The text is nicely bound and clearly illustrated. It is a bit cumbersome to have all the color photographs placed in the front of the book, but this is a small criticism. On balance, the thoroughness, objectivity, and clarity of each chapter far outweigh any shortcomings. In summary, this is one of the best reference books on this subject that I have read. It is a "must buy" for the practicing vascular surgeon and surgical fellow.