Surgical Research is a truly incredible book. Until now, there has not been a comprehensive reference for surgeons who are pursuing careers in research.
This book contains all the information needed for a young surgeon to prepare and conduct surgical research in almost any field. Surgical Research is a compilation of the research experience of the most prominent surgical scientists in the world, and is the most comprehensive manual on surgical research on the market. To my knowledge, there is no other book that completely covers the breadth of surgical research from basic science to clinical research.
The first of the 100 chapters focuses on setting up a research project: writing, animal and human subjects, biological safety protocols, grant preparation, animal care, and managing a lab. There are several chapters focusing on basic research subjects, including transgenic mice, tissue culture, stem cell research, DNA transcription, signal transduction, protein synthesis, metastases, and angiogenesis. One of the main strengths of this book is that there are chapters describing unique surgical research models such as burn injury, wound care, hemorrhagic shock, ARDS, portal hypertension, pancreatitis, gallstone formation, gastrointestinal motility, and fetal research. Several chapters are devoted to clinical research in the operating room and SICU, as well as statistics. Lastly, information on the “finishing touches” of research, such as writing and reviewing manuscripts, financing innovative products, creating information databases, and audiovisual communication techniques are also included.
The chapters are clearly written and provide in-depth descriptions of complex techniques. Several are worth noting: chapter 7, (“Animal care and Maintenance”) is a great reference for drug doses and the handling of various animals used in research. In Chapter 21 (“Transcription”), the authors cover many molecular techniques, such as nuclear run-on assays, differential screening, representational difference analysis (RDA), cDNA arrays, and promoter mapping. Chapter 22 (“Signal transduction and apoptosis”) describes several techniques and provides excellent examples of when to use them. Chapter 23 (“Metastasis: biology and experimental models”) discusses known animal models of metastases. Finally, Chapter 89 (“Nobel Laureates in Surgery”) reminds readers of the impact surgeons have had in research.
The editors have taken great care to organize the book in a consistent and very thorough manner. Each chapter starts with a brief outline and introduction and cites the most important papers in the field. Realizing that experimental approaches advance with time, this book includes web site support to provide updated information on new methodology and techniques. Thus, the book is the most up-to-date reference available. The only other book that attempts to cover similar topics is Surgical Research: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice by H. Troidl. While Triodl’s book provides guidance on how to plan, conduct, and publish the results of surgical research, it does not contain any information about the science itself. Drs. Souba and Wilmore have gone the extra step to provide us with the most comprehensive review of surgical science. There is currently no other book like it.
I agree with Jonathan Rhoads, who writes in the forward of the book: “I hope that this splendid volume will encourage many more young surgeons to pursue new knowledge and thus contribute to the welfare of future patients.” I cannot understate the importance of this impressive manual. In my opinion, Surgical Research is the most outstanding book to be published in a long time. Every academic surgeon should have copy of this book on his or her shelf. Furthermore, sections of this book should be required reading for all surgical residents.