An Examination of Today’s Surgical and Medical Tests

As patients and their caregivers consider the best course of action for medical issues, they weigh the benefits and risks associated with surgical solutions. Written especially for patients and allied health care students by experts in the field, The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests, 4th Edition provides in-depth coverage of over 650 surgical procedures; medical tests; and related topics such as anesthetics, common lab tests and procedures, medications, and postoperative care.

The encyclopedia covers all aspects of the surgery and testing occurring today, such as blast injury, choosing a hospital, cytology, dental X-rays, diabetes and surgery, face transplantation, genetic testing, and surgery and the elderly. Each entry follows a consistent format that covers the definition of the surgical or medical procedure, purpose, demographic information, diagnosis and preparation, aftercare, risks, morbidity and mortality rates, alternatives, and more. This includes key terms and questions to ask your doctor.

Additional features include 300 full-color illustrations and photographs, bibliographies of further reading sources, a glossary of medical terminology, appendices listing top centers for specific surgical procedures and national organizations and support groups for patients, and a comprehensive index.