Book Review: Obstetric Anesthesia Handbook. Fifth edition

Abstract

This 2010 pocket handbook of Cardiac Anaesthesia is another in the excellent series of Oxford Specialist Handbooks. It is designed to be easily carried around in a briefcase. The book is in three parts. The first part gives an outline of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. The second part looks at the effects of cardiac surgery on the various organ systems -effectively the complications of cardiac surgery. The third part looks at the practice of anaesthesia for cardiac surgery and also anaesthesia for the increasing number of cardiological interventions requiring our assistance. However, this book does not cover thoracic anaesthesia.The book is set out in bullet-point form with easyto-read text and some excellent diagrams, particularly on congenital heart disease. It is comprehensive, albeit brief in some sections. It will make an excellent starting point for trainees interested in cardiac anaesthesia and help to pass long hours on bypass constructively. It will also be a useful reference for consultant cardiac anaesthetists wishing to briefly refresh themselves on a rarely encountered operation or topic.The book reflects British anaesthesia practices which are not dissimilar to our own and represents reasonable value for money.