Pathology

WARD PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES. By Philip Cooper, M.D. (Pp. xii+ 303; illustrated. 50s). New York: Appleton-Century and London: Butterworth, 1967. THE intention of the author is that this book should give "a basic introduction to ward procedures and techniques for clinical clerks, interns, residents. It is intended not only to aid trainees by giving them a better comprehension of these procedures and techniques so that they may perform them intelligently, efficiently and safely, but also to lessen their bewilderment and their anxieties as they start their clinical work". The book should fulfil this aim. It is well written, clear and concise. There is remarkably little repetition, yet hardly any need for cross reference. The price at 50s for a 300 page, 30 chapter paperback is perhaps slightly high for the individual student or houseman. The book should, however, have a most useful role as a ward bench-book, readily available to pre-registration residents and senior house officers. While the detail of technique recommended might not follow the exact steps currently in vogue in a specialist unit, fundamental general principles are not overlooked. The procedures commonly performed in a unit are not the troublesome ones for a houseman. He soon learns these. It is those not so commonly undertaken which cause anxiety. This book deals with a great number of procedures, ranging from those connected with pre-operative management, through routine diagnostic techniques and more complicated diagnostic (and therapeutic) procedures to post-operative management and the treatment of complications, both general and those following specialist surgery. It contains much useful information, but for house surgeons and senior house officers the chapters on wound care and post-operative drainage are particularly helpful. The main weakness is in those sections dealing with specialist procedures such as angiography and cardiac catheterization. Here perhaps too much detail is given for some procedures not usually performed by the junior trainee. He can best learn from a combination of watching and asking the expert, reference to more comprehensive monographs, and practice under supervision. The occasional reference to "Dakin's solution" or "Sims position", without further description is mildly irritating. The first chapter dealing with conventional American ward rounds is not particularly relevant to this country. These are, however, but minor criticisms of a basically sound and good book. W.A.H.