This, the fourth edition of Schein's Common Sense Emergency Abdominal Surgery, builds on the reputation of the three previous editions. Already a worldwide benchmark, translated into half a dozen languages, this book guides surgical trainees logically through the minefields of assessment and management of acute surgical abdominal conditions. General surgery as a concept may have been overtaken in many parts of the world by the development of niche specialties, but the need for a cohort of generalists able to deal competently with common surgical emergencies has not gone away. If you recognise this need then this is the book for you! Tyro surgeons and experienced practitioners alike will benefit from the distilled wisdom contained in these pages. The direct, no nonsense, writing style, supported by entertaining cartoons, gives clear guidance while at the same time providing amusing insights into our collective surgical pschye. NOT a standard textbook. Buy it! You'll not regret it. Some new editors and authors enhance the new edition. Almost all chapters have been revised to take account of new concepts and modern developments. New chapters have been added and some completely rewritten often with a new emphasis on the importance of a laparoscopic approach.

Reviews of previous editions

“This is written with short punchy chapters making it a very difficult book to put down…” R.A.B. Wood, Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

“By the end I was a total enthusiast… this is a text like no other I read… Unreservedly recommended to old and young and alike.” M. Winslet, Royal Free Hospital, London, Colorectal Disease

“The title describes this book perfectly. This is a no-nonsense approach to the sometimes very difficult situations in general surgery.… The authors describe their experiences in tough situations of patient care for residents and young attendings.… the historical quotes add a good amount of insight and interest. I have not come across another book like this.… Focused on the real situations that surgeons come across, the book answers the questions that are not addressed in the major textbooks.” Robert A. Hanfland, Doody’s Review Service

A sample of testimonials posted on amazon...

By Donald Dupuis, MD, Lahey Clinic

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A Must Have Book. I am about to end my chief year in general surgery residency — my copy of the first edition shows the wear of half a dozen total read throughs and probably hundreds of referencings. Newest edition is equally good. For the last 3 years I have given this book to our interns if they finish their surgical internship. And I’ve paid for this myself — if you know how little residents get paid you will know how important I think it is. If you are in surgical training DO NOT WAIT ANOTHER DAY BEFORE YOU BUY THIS BOOK. I do agree with another reviewer who thought a bit of cool surgical technique would have been good too. But, all in all, best, most useful little book on surgery ever. Nuff said.”

By K. M. Kemp

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Love it. I’m a big fan of this book, having just finished it a month ago. It’s a good mix of the author’s own experience as well as expert commentary when indicated. Compared to a textbook, it’s much more engaging and easier to read. Also compared to a text, it seems much more practical in the advice it gives. As a brand new intern, I gleaned a lot from this book. Highly recommended for fellow trainees.”

By Andy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Simply perfect. The best choice in surgery for trainees! It makes the more difficult surgery areas very easy to understand. I recommend it to all surgeons.”

By J. D. Wassner

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Well-written, easy to read. Should be required reading for any General Surgery resident, & anyone who does acute-care & trauma.”