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The explosive growth of laparoscopic technology during the past several years has created the need for a new standard reference directed at the general surgeon. Zucker's multiauthored book is a strong choice with its lucid writing and extensive illustrations. Moreover, its 22 contributors bring a wealth of experience gained from their participation in the early development and promotion of this new discipline.
The book is composed of 17 chapters and arranged in two sections: fundamentals and clinical applications. In the first section, the chapters on the history of laparoscopy, the anesthesia used in laparoscopic procedures, and laparoscopic and thermal instruments and equipment are interesting and informative. However, the theoretical aspects of lasers and electrocoagulation are discussed in considerably more depth than will be required by most readers.
In the second section, clinical applications ranging from routine to experimental are discussed. Laparoscopic biliary procedures understandably receive the greatest attention. The three