The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery

Alan E. Timmcke

Edited by Bruce G. Wolff, MD, FACS, FASRCS, James W. Fleshman, MD, FACS, FASRCS, David E. Beck, MD, FACS, FASRCS, John H. Pemberton, MD FACS, FASRCS, and Steven D. Wexner, MD, FACS, FASRCS, FRCS

800 pp. $299 ($373 with online access) New York, NY, Springer 2007

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is recognized as a world authority on colon and rectal disease. Under its aegis, The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery was developed to provide state-of-the-art information to residents in training and surgeons seeking recertification.

The five senior and five associate editors are recognized leaders in the specialty. They have recruited 114 expert surgeons who have shown special interest or expertise in specific areas of the specialty to author the 56 chapters. The book presents a well-rounded exploration of topics including anatomy, physiology, genetics, diagnostic evaluation, and perioperative management, with each chapter correlating with the core curriculum developed by the Association of Program Directors in Colon and Rectal Surgery. The information presented in each chapter is aligned with the practice parameters established by ASCRS and the use of evidence-based practice. The input from this unique combination of junior and senior authors, all fellows of the ASCRS, provides a current comprehensive summary of each topic and allows their experience to enrich the material.

This text provides the reader with an open-minded, evidence-based approach to all aspects of colorectal disease. The chapters are well written and include extensive classic and current references.

The 800-page text covers the field of colon and rectal surgery and includes over 150 tables and 300 figures. The figures clearly illustrate complex surgical principles and techniques. To assist in diagnostic accuracy, 64 are presented in color. The publisher also offers (for an additional fee) a groundbreaking online component which will incorporate the textbook chapters, a manual for quick reference, and access to journal content.

The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery is the first official textbook of the ASCRS and serves as a source of useful information and guidance to not only surgeons whose practice is confined to the specialty of colon and rectal surgery, but also general surgeons, surgery residents, and medical students interested in surgery. It will rapidly become the standard reference source, and every physician treating diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus should have ready access to a copy.