2008-Issue1.indd Skandalakis’ Surgical Anatomy The Embryology and Anatomic Basis of Modern Surgery SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL JOURNAL MARCH 2008, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1, P. 97-98 SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY© SUBMITTED - 28TH SEPTEMBER 2007 The book is based on the half-century experi-ence of the editor-in-chief in teaching anat-omy. The purpose of the book is to provide brief facts on embryology and surgical anatomy with special reference to their surgical implications. The contents come in two volumes with a total 29 chapters. The book contains many good cadavaric il- lustrations of anatomy and drawings of embryology to illustrate the text. Also there are tables to summa- rize historical aspects of anatomy and surgery. A large number of references are also given for those wishing to further explore any given subject. Every chapter has the same well organised, logical format i.e.: i) History ii) Embryogenesis iii) Surgical anatomy, with the help of illustrations and land marking and some flow charts. In some sections, there are also descriptions of histology and minimally invasive surgery. Chapter 1 describes the neck and its important ana- tomical triangles with its surgical implications, and the following chapters the thoracic wall, breast, mediasti- num with its related organs, the respiratory system, the heart and the great thoracic vessels and the diaphragm in the same format. In Chapter 9, the anatomy of the abdominal wall is described enabling the reader to fully understand the inguinal anatomy and, thus, how in- guinal hernias arise. This chapter also covers the lapar- oscopic aspect of hernia surgery. The following two chapters cover the peritoneum and retro-peritoneum with tabulation of omental de- velopment from childhood to adulthood. he describes the peritoneal spaces, internal herniation, and its good anatomical relation. Next, there is an excellent descrip- tion of the aorta and the inferior vena cava. The course and variation of the vessels is described. Also various vessel injuries are classified with related degrees of ischemia, the anatomical relations and other surgical complications. The pharynx follows and then a detailed description of the esophagus with emphasis on the التشريحي واألساس األجنة علم لسكاندالكيز اجلراحي التشريح احلديثة للجراحة سكاندالكيز اي. التحرير: جون رئيس Editor: John E Skandalakis Publisher: Paschalidis Medical Publication Ltd. International Student Edition, Two Volumes, 2004. ISBN: 960-399-199-8 Orders: paschalidis@medical-books.gr AU TH O R I N F O R M ATI O N The Editor-in-chief of this book, Prof. Skandalakis, is a Greek-American academic scholar from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He has published a vast number of scientific publications and books. Several recognized other scholars from around the world have contributed in writing the different chapters. B O O K R E V I E W S K A N D A L A K I S ’ S U R G I C A L A N AT O M Y 98 surgical importance of sphincter, and the esophageal stabilizing structure. Various open or laparoscopic surgical options are discussed. In the chapter on the stomach, the emphasis is on vascular and lymphatic supply and its importance regarding the metastasis of tumours. The peptic ulcer with its contributing factors and different surgical options in this context are also mentioned. Chapters 16, 17 and 18 are devoted to the small intestine, the appendix and the colon, respec- tively. The liver is described in detail with variations in arterial supply, bile duct, hepatic, venous anatomy as well as the segmental anatomy of the liver. All of this is well illustrated and the facts are nicely tabulated. Inju- ries to the liver are also mentioned as well as anatomi- cal complications of liver transplantation. The author then focuses on the gall bladder with the treacherous variations of bile duct anatomy and discusses impor- tant points on how to avoid complications. In the sub- sequent chapters the spleen, the kidneys, the ureter, the urinary bladder, the male and female genital sys- tem, the adrenal gland, the perineum and the lymphat- ic system are also described. This book would be a helpful reference book for the surgical resident and would also serve as a quick anatomical refresher for the practicing surgeon. The medical student or intern aiming at a surgical career, would be well served reading selected chapters from this book before assisting in surgeries. The author cov- ers all important and relevant aspects of the embryol- ogy and surgical anatomy. New interventions, such as minimally invasive surgery, are also included to some extent. All topics and material are in proper, logical sequence and well integrated. The contents and the layout of the book, make it highly appropriate to the target readership, surgical residents, practising sur- geons, interns and medical students. In summary, this is an excellent book. Although not unique, it is well-written and graphically palatable for any surgeon, present or prospective, wishing to get a better understanding of human anatomy and thus avoid the pitfalls and improve the chances of surgical success. R E V I E W E R S Zia Aftab Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Email: surgeonziaaftab@yahoo.com Andreas Wladis Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Email: awladis@gmail.com