Preface

For the editors, the production of the newest edition of Maingot's Abdominal Operations represents a labor of love. Maingot's has always filled a unique niche. This text has consistently offered a comprehensive discussion of surgical diseases of the abdomen with a focus on operative strategy and technique. The book has served as a needed reference to refresh our knowledge before a common operation or in preparation for a novel one. Our intended audience for this edition is the same as for the original publication; the book is meant for the surgical trainee as well as the practic­ing surgeon, and for the American surgeon as well as for our international colleagues. We continue to have a significant international audience and have made every effort to develop a product that is equally valuable to readers in India as well as Indiana. This is the fifth effort together for the senior editors, joined this time by a new editor (O.J.H.) with a fresh vision; it continues to be not only a pleasure but an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to co-edit the 13th edition of this classic textbook.

Abdominal surgery has clearly evolved since Rodney Maingot's first edition of this text in 1940. Not only has our knowledge base increased substantially, but the pro­cedures themselves have become both more complex and less invasive. The current subspecialization in abdominal surgery, a consequence of these changes, continues to challenge the need for a comprehensive text. Abdominal disease has been increasingly parceled between foregut, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal, endocrine, acute care, and vascular specialists. The editors continue to believe, however, that the basic principles of surgical care in each of the anatomic regions have more similarities than differ­ences. Experience in any one of these organs can inform and strengthen the approach to each of the others. In fact, in community hospitals and rural settings both nationally and internationally, practices spanning multiple subspe­cialties remain the norm. Few would question the need for the abdominal surgeon to be well versed in dealing with any unexpected disease that is encountered in the course of a planned procedure. For many of us, Maingot's Abdominal Operations has consistently helped to fill that need.

This textbook remains primarily disease focused, in addi­tion to maintaining its organ/procedure format. The new edition of this textbook is a significant revision and, in many areas, a completely new book. We have continued to focus some chapters on technical operative procedures, whereas others elucidate new and continuing concepts in diagnosis and management of abdominal disease. The new edition is expanded compared with previous versions, and we have continued to present the opinions and knowledge of more than one expert. In areas where opinions and approaches differ, we have added even more “Perspective” commentaries by experts in the field who we expected might have distinct opinions about approaches and/or operative techniques. In response to recent developments, we have added chapters on quality metrics, enhanced recovery after surgery, and robotic surgery. We have attempted to maintain an international fla­vor and have included a cross-section of both seasoned senior contributors and new leaders in gastrointestinal surgery. We continue to provide a contemporary textbook on current diagnostic procedures and surgical techniques related to the management and care of patients with all types of surgical digestive disease.

An extensive artwork program was undertaken for this edition. Many line drawings have been recreated to reflect the contributors' preferred method for performing certain surgical procedures. Some of these drawings are new and give the book a more consistent look. In addition, this edi­tion continues full-color text and color line art.

In the preface to the sixth edition, Rodney Maingot noted, “As all literature is personal, the contributors have been given a free hand with their individual sections. Cer­tain latitude in style and expression is stimulating to the thoughtful reader.” Similarly, we have tried to maintain consistency for the reader, but the authors have also been given a free hand in their chapter submissions.

We would like to thank the publisher, McGraw-Hill, and in particular Christie Naglieri and Andrew Moyer, for their unwavering support during the lengthy time of development of this project. Their guidance was invalu­able to completing this project in a single comprehensive volume. Their suggestions and attention to detail made it possible to overcome the innumerable problems that occur in publishing such a large textbook.

Finally, we want to acknowledge the expertise of each chapter and perspective contributor. Without their effort, this book would not have been possible. We acknowledge our editorial assistant, Linda Smith, who has survived the trials of this book; she has been invaluable, and we never would have been able to do it without her. Patrina Tucker and Heather Couture have also stepped up and made this project possible. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for helping with every step of the work. To all of those who have participated in the creation and publication of this text, we thank you very much.