Thorax

The latest contributions in the field of thoracic surgery are elucidated in this book. It comprehends topics being most discussed about in the practical fields of cardiac, aortic, general thoracic surgeries and anesthesia. The authors, who have been part of the development of these various fields, have presented their unique viewpoints. Also, because of strict adhesion of the original work and research of the authors to the evidence base testifies that practical facts are the best guarantee of scientific value. It is inclusive of all the benefactions of authors pertaining to sub-classes in the study of Thoracic surgery. This book will prove to be very helpful to the scientists of this field because of its efficient structure and proficient format.

Expanded knowledge about the pathophysiologic effects of severe in­ juries, advancements in the intensive care of victims of multiple injuries, and the treatment made possible by modem cardiovascular surgery make it appear sensible to combine the assessment and therapy of thoracic injuries into a synthesis of various branches of medicine. This monograph, therefore, is intended not only for the specialist in thoracic or cardiac surgery but also primarily for the person who is the first to be confronted by thoracic injuries, namely, the general surgeon or the traumatologist. It reflects my own personal experience as chief surgeon of an emer­ gency surgery ward of a university hospital and as head of an inten­ sive care unit for the severely wounded, which treats well over 100 patients with severe thoracic injuries annually, and is based on an analysis of these cases. My experience as a military surgeon in Vietnam was also taken into consideration. Many wounds in the area of the thorax can be successfully treated with simple, conservative procedures, though by "conservative" I do not mean to imply "inactive." An aggressive conservatism is need­ ed, which must pay attention to small details. In given cases, how­ ever, it requires the quick decision-making capability of the com­ petent surgeon. For this reason, considerable space is devoted to questions of evaluation and practical procedures.

Written by experts from the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia, this book explains technical issues related to telesurgery as well as digital information processing and provides collective experiences from practitioners in different parts of the world practicing a wide range of telesurgery applications. The book lays the foundation for the globalization of surgical procedures, making it possible to know that a surgeon could perform an operation on a patient anywhere in the world.