Medical Science Books Medical Book Review:

    In the past decade no topic in pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery has generated as much excitement and controversy as lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema.  This latest installment in the continuing Lung Biology in Health and Disease series from Marcel Dekker, Lung Volume Reduction Surgery for Emphysema, represents an ambitious effort to review both science and opinion on this important topic.  To this end the editors have assembled a panel of nationally-recognized experts to report on the current status of this rapidly evolving area of inquiry.

    The title of this volume is too modest; the book is more than a treatise on LVRS alone. The first few chapters include excellent overviews on the epidemiology, pathology, physiology and medical therapy of emphysema.  The ensuing essays on LVRS cover a wide range of key topics, including both scientific and practical considerations.  Especially helpful to those planning such procedures or developing such programs are the chapters on evaluation, anesthesia and outcomes.  The last essay, aptly-titled “Not the Final Chapter: The National Emphysema Treatment Trial,” provides a fascinating insight into the historical, political and scientific contexts of this landmark study.  The NETT is well-summarized in both the text and tables.   Evaluation and management algorithms in both this chapter and Chapter 7 are particularly useful.

    The book is well-presented.  The Table of Contents is detailed, and the Indices are organized by both Author and Subject.  These features further enhance its value as a reference tool.  Despite the multiplicity of authors, redundancy is minimal.  Regrettably, although it is mentioned in the Preface, the checkered history of surgical interventions for emphysema is largely ignored.  Such a review of our surgical heritage could have provided a fascinating perspective from which to assess and contrast the current rigorous analysis that this book represents.

     Lung Volume Reduction Surgery for Emphysema is an essential reference for those with an interest in emphysema and its surgical palliation.  The editors and authors have made a major contribution to our understanding, study and treatment of this chronic and disabling condition.

Ratings (1-4 , 4 being the highest):

Organization of information:     4

Usefulness of book:     4

Suitable for intended audience:    4

Author’s objectives met:      4

Significant number of illustrations:     4

Quality of illustrations:    4

Table of Contents: 

Chapter 1.     Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chapter 2.     Pathology of Emphysema

Chapter 3.     Physiology of Airflow Limitation in Emphysema

Chapter 4.     Cardiovascular Effects of Emphysema and Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 5.     Medical Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema

Chapter 6.     Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 7.     Evaluation of Patients Considering Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 8.     Radiological Evaluation for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 9.     The Interface of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery and Lung Transplantation

Chapter 10.    Anesthetic Considerations for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 11.    Technique of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery by Median Sternotomy

Chapter 12.    Thoracoscopic Approach for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 13.    Perioperative Complications and Their Management

Chapter 14.    Surgical Controversies in Lung Volume Reduction

Chapter 15.    Giant Bullectomy

Chapter 16.    Outcomes from Lung Volume Reduction Surgery:  Short-Term and Long-Term Results

Chapter 17.    Mechanisms of Improvement Following Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Chapter 18.    Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Unique Patient Populations

Chapter 19.    Financial Aspects of Emphysema and Emphysema Surgery

Chapter 20.    Not the Final Chapter:  The National Emphysema Treatment Trial