Book Review: Fundamentals of Anaesthesia and Acute Medicine, Day Care Anaesthesia.

Abstract

This 250-page text is well presented and readable. There are occasional figures and helpful diagrams to illustrate the points being discussed. Importantly, there are many tables that provide logical lists and algorithms for daycare institutions. These tables break up the text and provide a helpful focus. There are 10 chapters covering all aspects of anaesthesia for day surgery in a concise and readable fashion. There is an excellent analysis and discussion of efficient anaesthetic management in the day surgery setting. Analgesia and anti-emetic options and recommendations are well presented, with up-todate information on most of the latest drugs, e.g., tramadol, 5HT3 antagonists and COX 2 inhibitors. Protocols for a day surgery unit are included, covering admission and discharge, and algorithms for recovery problems. The book is relevant to Australian and New Zealand practice. Most of the issues covered would help in the management of inpatients as well as day surgery patients. On the downside, the chapters are concise overviews of each topic, and therefore, of necessity, cannot be overly thorough. This text is more for the practising anaesthetist or senior registrar who is already familiar with the techniques and pharmacology, but who wishes to consolidate or fine-tune their practice. However, it is by no means daunting. The text would also be highly recommended for a consultant/manager who was setting protocols for their day surgery unit. At £30 ($A90) you may not wish to buy it for your own library, but I would recommend it for the library of any day care unit or anaesthetic department involved in day surgery.