Wound healing for surgeons

This book comprises a widespread and useful series of reviews on many aspects of malabsorption. The chapter authors are largely from the USA with a sprinkling of gastroenterologists from other parts of the world. The individual chapters are well-referenced. Many individual topics are discussed in detail, including intestinal immunity and malabsorption, and the relationship of alcohol, nutrition and malabsorption. The chapter dealing with breath tests will be useful as a reference to this increasingly helpful investigation of malabsorption. The production of the book is well up to the usual standard expected of this series. The medical profession, and indeed those engaged in related disciplines, have become increasingly aware in recent years that persistent pain is, in itself, a significant clinical problem-a problem, moreover, which justifies, and occasionally rewards, a serious approach to its symptomatic management. One product of this current interest in chronic pain has been a gradual realisation of its complexity, in turn promoting extensive research and an impressive proliferation of the literature. The present publication incorporates the views of fifteen authors, and, although Great Britain and Australia have distinguished representatives, depends heavily on North American experience. Dr John Bonica, to many the initiator of the pain clinic movement, reviews its history and evolution. It is, perhaps, salutary to note that Paracelsus (AD 1490-1540) advocated opium, electrotherapy, massage and exercise. Somewhat updated, such methods form a significant part of our armamentarium today! The following chapter, by Dr Duggan, gives a concise yet very adequate summary of physiological principles. The remainder of the book, with the exception of a sensible review of basic nerve blocks by Dr Parris is confined to what might be termed non-invasive aspects such as psychological, social and organisational considerations, drug therapy and hyperstimulation analgesia. This book deals well with a limited number of topics, but could certainly not be considered a comprehensive review of the subject. Those already involved in chronic pain work may find that reading it serves to broaden their perspectives, and those contemplating the establishment of a pain clinic should find some sections particularly thought-provoking. It may have less to offer the general reader, although it could be a worthwhile addition to a departmental library, in that pain is universal and this quite readable little book might stimulate interest in its more adequate management. At £12.50 it is not, by modern standards, expensive. WBL Radiological diagnosis of fractures. This rather unusual book …