MAINGOT'S ABDOMINAL OPERATIONS

Abdominal surgery has clearly evolved since Rodney Maingot's first edition of this text in 1940. Not only has our knowledge base increased substantially, but the pro­cedures themselves have become both more complex and less invasive. The current subspecialization in abdominal surgery, a consequence of these changes, continues to challenge the need for a comprehensive text. Abdominal disease has been increasingly parceled between foregut, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal, endocrine, acute care, and vascular specialists. The editors continue to believe, however, that the basic principles of surgical care in each of the anatomic regions have more similarities than differ­ences. Experience in any one of these organs can inform and strengthen the approach to each of the others. In fact, in community hospitals and rural settings both nationally and internationally, practices spanning multiple subspe­cialties remain the norm. Few would question the need for the abdominal surgeon to be well versed in dealing with any unexpected disease that is encountered in the course of a planned procedure. For many of us, Maingot's Abdominal Operations has consistently helped to fill that need. This textbook remains primarily disease focused, in addi­tion to maintaining its organ/procedure format. The new edition of this textbook is a significant revision and, in many areas, a completely new book. We have continued to focus some chapters on technical operative procedures, whereas others elucidate new and continuing concepts in diagnosis and management of abdominal disease. The new edition is expanded compared with previous versions, and we have continued to present the opinions and knowledge of more than one expert. In areas where opinions and approaches differ, we have added even more “Perspective” commentaries by experts in the field who we expected might have distinct opinions about approaches and/or operative techniques. In response to recent developments, we have added chapters on quality metrics, enhanced recovery after surgery, and robotic surgery. We have attempted to maintain an international fla­vor and have included a cross-section of both seasoned senior contributors and new leaders in gastrointestinal surgery. We continue to provide a contemporary textbook on current diagnostic procedures and surgical techniques related to the management and care of patients with all types of surgical digestive disease.