When I was asked to serve as editor-in-chief of this historic textbook
of surgery, my goal was to preserve its excellent reputation, honoring the
commitment of Dr. Seymour Schwartz and previous co-editors and contributors
who upheld the highest standard for seven prior editions. I would like to
thank all who helped achieve this goal, namely the outstanding contributions
by the individual chapter authors and the meticulous dedication of the
editorial board, all of whom share a passion for patient care, teaching, and
surgery.
It is this shared passion that has been
channeled now into the creation of this new ninth edition; updating,
improving, and finetuning it to secure its place as a leading international
textbook of surgery. Each chapter has either been fastidiously updated or
created anew by leaders in their respective surgical fields to ensure the
highest quality of surgical teaching. Additionally, each chapter has been
outfitted with quick-reference key points; highlighted evidenced-based
references; and full-color illustrations, images, and information tables.
Two new chapters have been added to this edition:
Accreditation Council
for Graduate Medical Core Competencies and
Ethics, Palliative Care,
and Care at the End of Life.
One new
component of this edition is the inclusion of a digital video disc of
surgical videos. Many students already augment their more traditional
classroom and practical education through the breadth of information
available in the electronic realm, such as that available on
AccessSurgery.com. This collection of operative and instructional videos,
generously provided by chapter authors and editors, provides accurate visual
instruction and technique to round out students' surgical training. It is
the sincere hope of all who have contributed to this textbook that the
knowledge of craft contained within will provide a solid foundation for the
acquisition of skill, a haven for the continuation of education, and
motivation for the pursuit of excellence.
I wish
to thank all of those responsible for the publication of this new edition,
including the newest member of the editorial board, Dr. Jeffrey Matthews, as
well as those who fearlessly signed on as contributors to our newly
established international editorial board to provide regional perspective
and commentary. I extend many thanks and gratitude to Marsha Loeb, Christie
Naglieri, and all at McGraw-Hill for their guidance and knowledge throughout
this process. I wish to thank Katie Elsbury for her dedication to the
organization and editing of this textbook. I would also like to thank our
families, whose love and support
continue to make this book possible.
F. Charles Brunicardi, MD, FACS