Introduction
INTRODUCTION
The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers is a unique and invaluable source of information for anyone who is considering undergoing a surgical procedure, or has a loved one in that situation. This collection of 465 entries provides in-depth coverage of specific surgeries, diagnostic tests, drugs, and other related entries. The book gives detailed information on 265 surgeries; most include step-by-step illustrations to enhance the reader's understanding of the procedure itself. Entries on related topics, including anesthesia, second opinions, talking to the doctor, admission to the hospital, and preparing for surgery, give lay readers knowledge of surgery practices in general. Sidebars provide information on who performs the surgery and where, and on questions to ask the doctor.
This encyclopedia minimizes medical jargon and uses language that laypersons can understand, while still providing detailed coverage that will benefit health science students.
Entries on surgeries follow a standardized format that provides information at a glance. Rubrics include:
- Definition
- Purpose
- Demographics
- Description
- Diagnosis/Preparation
- Aftercare
- Risks
- Normal results
- Morbidity and mortality rates
- Alternatives
- Resources
Inclusion criteria
A preliminary list of surgeries and related topics was compiled from a wide variety of sources, including professional medical guides and textbooks, as well as consumer guides and encyclopedias. Final selection of topics to include was made by the executive adviser in conjunction with the Gale editor.
About the Executive Adviser
The Executive Adviser for the Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery was Anthony J. Senagore, MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS. He has published a number of professional articles and is the Krause/Lieberman Chair in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, and Staff Surgeon, Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.
About the contributors
The essays were compiled by experienced medical writers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals. The adviser reviewed the completed essays to ensure that they are appropriate, upto-date, and medically accurate. Illustrations were also reviewed by a medical doctor.
