The complexity of decision making in thoracic surgery is growing exponentially. As new technology is introduced, physicians from nonsurgical specialties offer alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the thoracic surgeon. In addition, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional thoracic surgical therapies. How to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. The first two editions of this book have found wide acceptance among practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators. Chapters from them are regularly cited by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association as valuable resources for their weekly curriculum exercises. As in the first two editions, chapters adhere to a specific format (updated for the third edition).  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.

Critical care medicine is responsible for many of the most important advances in outcomes after cardiothoracic surgery in the past two decades.  The expertise developed in this subspecialty accounts for the resiliency that characterizes gold standard results evident in institutions recognized for excellence.  This volume is intended to share ideas and algorithms that will improve outcomes in cardiothoracic critical care units. This book is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series that covers surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making in head and neck oncologic surgery. As new technology is introduced, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional head and neck surgical therapies and how to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. Concise easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in head and neck oncologic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision making skills. Difficult Decisions in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery is a timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators on the recommended ideal approaches in selected clinical situations.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making in head and neck oncologic surgery. As new technology is introduced, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional head and neck surgical therapies and how to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. Concise easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in head and neck oncologic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision making skills. Difficult Decisions in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery is a timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators on the recommended ideal approaches in selected clinical situations.

This updated volume provides a practical guide to decision making within thoracic surgery. Focussed chapters contain pithy analyses and recommendations that allow useful information to be identified at a glance. All new chapters bring insight into the challenges faced operating on the lung, esophagus, diaphragm, airway, pleaura, mediastinum, and chest wall.Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery aims to help the reader navigate the complexities of thoracic surgery through clearly formatted and evidence-based chapters. The book is relevant to practicing and trainee surgeons, as well as medical professionals working within thoracic surgery.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within bariatric surgery. Through uniform and well-structured chapters, topics relating to patient selection, preoperative preparation, the ethics of bariatric surgery, choice of procedure, complications, late failure and management, malabsorptive procedures, and pediatric bariatric surgery are discussed and examined.Difficult Decisions in Bariatric Surgery aims to help readers navigate an increasingly complex surgical specialty and come to reasoned and evidence-based conclusions. This book is of interest to practicing and trainee surgeons, endocrinologists, endoscopists, and pediatricians.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within bariatric surgery. Through uniform and well-structured chapters, topics relating to patient selection, preoperative preparation, the ethics of bariatric surgery, choice of procedure, complications, late failure and management, malabsorptive procedures, and pediatric bariatric surgery are discussed and examined.Difficult Decisions in Bariatric Surgery aims to help readers navigate an increasingly complex surgical specialty and come to reasoned and evidence-based conclusions. This book is of interest to practicing and trainee surgeons, endocrinologists, endoscopists, and pediatricians.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within the realm of trauma surgery. Each chapter covers the ideal approach, rather than customary care, for the treatment of the chosen difficult decision or controversy. A broad range of topics are covered with particular attention given to resuscitation, wound management, thoracic and abdominal trauma, antimicrobial management, transplant considerations, vascular trauma, traumatic brain injury, pediatric trauma and ethics.Difficult Decisions in Trauma Surgery aims to help improve the treatment of trauma patients and is relevant to surgical trainees and practicing surgeons, and as well as medical professionals working within trauma medicine.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within the realm of trauma surgery. Each chapter covers the ideal approach, rather than customary care, for the treatment of the chosen difficult decision or controversy. A broad range of topics are covered with particular attention given to resuscitation, wound management, thoracic and abdominal trauma, antimicrobial management, transplant considerations, vascular trauma, traumatic brain injury, pediatric trauma and ethics.Difficult Decisions in Trauma Surgery aims to help improve the treatment of trauma patients and is relevant to surgical trainees and practicing surgeons, and as well as medical professionals working within trauma medicine.

This book provides a detailed guide to the ethical considerations involved when making decisions in surgery. Chapters feature a uniform format, which feature a case that represents a real-life problem, discussion of the medical indications of that issue, the latest available medical solutions, and related ethical considerations. In some cases, more in-depth debate is provided on why a particular decision should or should not be made based-upon ethical principles. Information boxes containing key statements and relevant data in clear easy-to-digest tables facilitates the reader in being able to assimilate the most important points covered in each chapter.  Difficult Decisions in Surgical Ethics: An Evidence-Based Approach is a thorough review of ethical considerations in a range of surgical scenarios encompassing both adult and pediatric topics, training surgical residents, ethical care during a pandemic, criticalcare, palliative care, sensitivity to religious and ethnic mores, clinical research, and innovation. It is intended to be a vital resource for practicing and trainee surgeons seeking a comprehensive up-to-date resource on ethical topics in surgical practice. The work is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series covering a range of surgical specialties.

This book provides a detailed guide to the ethical considerations involved when making decisions in surgery. Chapters feature a uniform format, which feature a case that represents a real-life problem, discussion of the medical indications of that issue, the latest available medical solutions, and related ethical considerations. In some cases, more in-depth debate is provided on why a particular decision should or should not be made based-upon ethical principles. Information boxes containing key statements and relevant data in clear easy-to-digest tables facilitates the reader in being able to assimilate the most important points covered in each chapter.  Difficult Decisions in Surgical Ethics: An Evidence-Based Approach is a thorough review of ethical considerations in a range of surgical scenarios encompassing both adult and pediatric topics, training surgical residents, ethical care during a pandemic, criticalcare, palliative care, sensitivity to religious and ethnic mores, clinical research, and innovation. It is intended to be a vital resource for practicing and trainee surgeons seeking a comprehensive up-to-date resource on ethical topics in surgical practice. The work is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series covering a range of surgical specialties.

This thoroughly revised second edition reflects the exponential growth in the complex field of decision making in colorectal surgery, since the first edition published in 2017. Recommendations are based on newly published data and this book has 30% new additions with 58% chapters completely rewritten by new authors. The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format. This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.Covering new technology, brief chapters are multi-authored, and each devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  Physicians from nonsurgical specialties give alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the surgeon.

This thoroughly revised second edition reflects the exponential growth in the complex field of decision making in colorectal surgery, since the first edition published in 2017. Recommendations are based on newly published data and this book has 30% new additions with 58% chapters completely rewritten by new authors. The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format. This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.Covering new technology, brief chapters are multi-authored, and each devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  Physicians from nonsurgical specialties give alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the surgeon.

As the complexity of decision-making in medicine, and surgery in particular, is growing exponentially, this book provides a practical guide to decision-making in thoracic surgery. It offers guidance on how to select among the varied and complex approaches that new technology provides. Concise and easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in thoracic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision-making skills.Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery offers clearly formatted and evidence-based chapters to help the reader navigate the complexities of thoracic surgery. All new chapters bring insight into the challenges faced operating on the lung, esophagus, diaphragm, airway, pleaura, mediastinum, and chest wall.The book is relevant to practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, as well as medical professionals working with thoracic diseases.

Pediatric surgery is a demanding specialty that requires not only technical expertise but also exceptional clinical judgment and adaptability. Pediatric surgeons frequently encounter rare congenital anomalies and unusual surgical problems, often requiring them to make difficult decisions with limited precedent. Even well-recognized congenital conditions can present in atypical ways, necessitating a patient-centered approach that may deviate from routine practice. This places a premium on a surgeon’s ability to apply broad surgical principles to novel and complex situations, tailoring interventions to each child’s unique anatomy and pathology. Compounding this challenge is the rapidly evolving literature in pediatric surgery, where new techniques, evolving guidelines, and emerging technologies continually reshape best practices. Thoughtful interpretation of the literature is essential, particularly when the optimal approach to a problem remains unclear or controversial. Pediatric surgeons must not only stay abreast of these developments but also critically analyze and synthesize data to make sound, evidence-based decisions in the face of uncertainty.The Difficult Decisions in Surgery series was developed to address many of these challenges faced by surgeons. To date, 10 volumes have been published, receiving enthusiastic engagement from the surgical community. These multi-authored volumes consist of concise chapters, each focused on a specific difficult or controversial decision within a surgical specialty. This series is particularly well-suited for pediatric surgeons, as it provides insight into difficult decisions faced within the field. The volumes serve as a timely reference for practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators, emphasizing the ideal approach to selected clinical situations rather than merely reflecting customary care. Recommendations are grounded in published evidence, while also incorporating expert opinions and personal experiences, helping surgeons navigate complex, evolving literature and apply general surgical principles to novel pediatric challenges.The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format.  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance:a brief general introduction and description of the Difficult Decision laid out using PICO formatting·a brief description of the literature search process.a summary of available published evidence and discussion of the findings.the author’s personal view of the data and approach to the problem and why they do (or don’t do) things found in the presented literature.the chapter authors were selected from experts around the world.the editors for this volume were selected from among internationally renown faculty at The University of Chicago and The Johns Hopkins University.

Pediatric surgery is a demanding specialty that requires not only technical expertise but also exceptional clinical judgment and adaptability. Pediatric surgeons frequently encounter rare congenital anomalies and unusual surgical problems, often requiring them to make difficult decisions with limited precedent. Even well-recognized congenital conditions can present in atypical ways, necessitating a patient-centered approach that may deviate from routine practice. This places a premium on a surgeon’s ability to apply broad surgical principles to novel and complex situations, tailoring interventions to each child’s unique anatomy and pathology. Compounding this challenge is the rapidly evolving literature in pediatric surgery, where new techniques, evolving guidelines, and emerging technologies continually reshape best practices. Thoughtful interpretation of the literature is essential, particularly when the optimal approach to a problem remains unclear or controversial. Pediatric surgeons must not only stay abreast of these developments but also critically analyze and synthesize data to make sound, evidence-based decisions in the face of uncertainty.The Difficult Decisions in Surgery series was developed to address many of these challenges faced by surgeons. To date, 10 volumes have been published, receiving enthusiastic engagement from the surgical community. These multi-authored volumes consist of concise chapters, each focused on a specific difficult or controversial decision within a surgical specialty. This series is particularly well-suited for pediatric surgeons, as it provides insight into difficult decisions faced within the field. The volumes serve as a timely reference for practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators, emphasizing the ideal approach to selected clinical situations rather than merely reflecting customary care. Recommendations are grounded in published evidence, while also incorporating expert opinions and personal experiences, helping surgeons navigate complex, evolving literature and apply general surgical principles to novel pediatric challenges.The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format.  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance:a brief general introduction and description of the Difficult Decision laid out using PICO formatting·a brief description of the literature search process.a summary of available published evidence and discussion of the findings.the author’s personal view of the data and approach to the problem and why they do (or don’t do) things found in the presented literature.the chapter authors were selected from experts around the world.the editors for this volume were selected from among internationally renown faculty at The University of Chicago and The Johns Hopkins University.

Following a successful first edition in 2018, this book offers predominantly new chapters reflecting the advances made in the field. This second edition keeps the recommendations based on newly published data. Many new chapter authors are also on board making this book a comprehensive overview of difficult decisions encountered within endocrine surgery. Brief uniformly formatted chapters are devoted to answering specific questions relevant to a range of topics across endocrine surgery based upon detailed analysis of available evidence.Difficult Decisions in Endocrine Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach features a wealth of information on ideal approaches for making clinical decisions in selected clinical situations. It is an important and timely resource for all endocrine surgical trainees, fellows, practitioners, educators, and healthcare providers involved in the management of these patients.

This book is part of a series covering surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book looks at specific vascular surgery questions that have arisen and where careful analysis is given according to the level of supporting evidence available. As new technology is introduced to treat the cardiovascular system, alternative therapies begin to challenge and also complement traditional vascular surgery. All chapters contain the PICO table to summarise specific characteristics relative to the questions posed in each chapter.Difficult Decisions in Vascular Surgery- An Evidence-Based Approach is a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators, that describes the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book is part of a series covering surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book looks at specific vascular surgery questions that have arisen and where careful analysis is given according to the level of supporting evidence available. As new technology is introduced to treat the cardiovascular system, alternative therapies begin to challenge and also complement traditional vascular surgery. All chapters contain the PICO table to summarise specific characteristics relative to the questions posed in each chapter.Difficult Decisions in Vascular Surgery- An Evidence-Based Approach is a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators, that describes the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

The complexity of decision making in thoracic surgery is growing exponentially. As new technology is introduced, physicians from nonsurgical specialties offer alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the thoracic surgeon. In addition, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional thoracic surgical therapies. How to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. The first two editions of this book have found wide acceptance among practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators. Chapters from them are regularly cited by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association as valuable resources for their weekly curriculum exercises. As in the first two editions, chapters adhere to a specific format (updated for the third edition).  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.

Critical care medicine is responsible for many of the most important advances in outcomes after cardiothoracic surgery in the past two decades.  The expertise developed in this subspecialty accounts for the resiliency that characterizes gold standard results evident in institutions recognized for excellence.  This volume is intended to share ideas and algorithms that will improve outcomes in cardiothoracic critical care units. This book is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series that covers surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making in head and neck oncologic surgery. As new technology is introduced, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional head and neck surgical therapies and how to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. Concise easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in head and neck oncologic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision making skills. Difficult Decisions in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery is a timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators on the recommended ideal approaches in selected clinical situations.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making in head and neck oncologic surgery. As new technology is introduced, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional head and neck surgical therapies and how to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. Concise easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in head and neck oncologic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision making skills. Difficult Decisions in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery is a timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators on the recommended ideal approaches in selected clinical situations.

This updated volume provides a practical guide to decision making within thoracic surgery. Focussed chapters contain pithy analyses and recommendations that allow useful information to be identified at a glance. All new chapters bring insight into the challenges faced operating on the lung, esophagus, diaphragm, airway, pleaura, mediastinum, and chest wall.Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery aims to help the reader navigate the complexities of thoracic surgery through clearly formatted and evidence-based chapters. The book is relevant to practicing and trainee surgeons, as well as medical professionals working within thoracic surgery.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within bariatric surgery. Through uniform and well-structured chapters, topics relating to patient selection, preoperative preparation, the ethics of bariatric surgery, choice of procedure, complications, late failure and management, malabsorptive procedures, and pediatric bariatric surgery are discussed and examined.Difficult Decisions in Bariatric Surgery aims to help readers navigate an increasingly complex surgical specialty and come to reasoned and evidence-based conclusions. This book is of interest to practicing and trainee surgeons, endocrinologists, endoscopists, and pediatricians.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within bariatric surgery. Through uniform and well-structured chapters, topics relating to patient selection, preoperative preparation, the ethics of bariatric surgery, choice of procedure, complications, late failure and management, malabsorptive procedures, and pediatric bariatric surgery are discussed and examined.Difficult Decisions in Bariatric Surgery aims to help readers navigate an increasingly complex surgical specialty and come to reasoned and evidence-based conclusions. This book is of interest to practicing and trainee surgeons, endocrinologists, endoscopists, and pediatricians.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within the realm of trauma surgery. Each chapter covers the ideal approach, rather than customary care, for the treatment of the chosen difficult decision or controversy. A broad range of topics are covered with particular attention given to resuscitation, wound management, thoracic and abdominal trauma, antimicrobial management, transplant considerations, vascular trauma, traumatic brain injury, pediatric trauma and ethics.Difficult Decisions in Trauma Surgery aims to help improve the treatment of trauma patients and is relevant to surgical trainees and practicing surgeons, and as well as medical professionals working within trauma medicine.

This book provides a practical guide to decision making within the realm of trauma surgery. Each chapter covers the ideal approach, rather than customary care, for the treatment of the chosen difficult decision or controversy. A broad range of topics are covered with particular attention given to resuscitation, wound management, thoracic and abdominal trauma, antimicrobial management, transplant considerations, vascular trauma, traumatic brain injury, pediatric trauma and ethics.Difficult Decisions in Trauma Surgery aims to help improve the treatment of trauma patients and is relevant to surgical trainees and practicing surgeons, and as well as medical professionals working within trauma medicine.

This book provides a detailed guide to the ethical considerations involved when making decisions in surgery. Chapters feature a uniform format, which feature a case that represents a real-life problem, discussion of the medical indications of that issue, the latest available medical solutions, and related ethical considerations. In some cases, more in-depth debate is provided on why a particular decision should or should not be made based-upon ethical principles. Information boxes containing key statements and relevant data in clear easy-to-digest tables facilitates the reader in being able to assimilate the most important points covered in each chapter.  Difficult Decisions in Surgical Ethics: An Evidence-Based Approach is a thorough review of ethical considerations in a range of surgical scenarios encompassing both adult and pediatric topics, training surgical residents, ethical care during a pandemic, criticalcare, palliative care, sensitivity to religious and ethnic mores, clinical research, and innovation. It is intended to be a vital resource for practicing and trainee surgeons seeking a comprehensive up-to-date resource on ethical topics in surgical practice. The work is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series covering a range of surgical specialties.

This book provides a detailed guide to the ethical considerations involved when making decisions in surgery. Chapters feature a uniform format, which feature a case that represents a real-life problem, discussion of the medical indications of that issue, the latest available medical solutions, and related ethical considerations. In some cases, more in-depth debate is provided on why a particular decision should or should not be made based-upon ethical principles. Information boxes containing key statements and relevant data in clear easy-to-digest tables facilitates the reader in being able to assimilate the most important points covered in each chapter.  Difficult Decisions in Surgical Ethics: An Evidence-Based Approach is a thorough review of ethical considerations in a range of surgical scenarios encompassing both adult and pediatric topics, training surgical residents, ethical care during a pandemic, criticalcare, palliative care, sensitivity to religious and ethnic mores, clinical research, and innovation. It is intended to be a vital resource for practicing and trainee surgeons seeking a comprehensive up-to-date resource on ethical topics in surgical practice. The work is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series covering a range of surgical specialties.

This thoroughly revised second edition reflects the exponential growth in the complex field of decision making in colorectal surgery, since the first edition published in 2017. Recommendations are based on newly published data and this book has 30% new additions with 58% chapters completely rewritten by new authors. The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format. This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.Covering new technology, brief chapters are multi-authored, and each devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  Physicians from nonsurgical specialties give alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the surgeon.

This thoroughly revised second edition reflects the exponential growth in the complex field of decision making in colorectal surgery, since the first edition published in 2017. Recommendations are based on newly published data and this book has 30% new additions with 58% chapters completely rewritten by new authors. The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format. This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.Covering new technology, brief chapters are multi-authored, and each devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  Physicians from nonsurgical specialties give alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the surgeon.

As the complexity of decision-making in medicine, and surgery in particular, is growing exponentially, this book provides a practical guide to decision-making in thoracic surgery. It offers guidance on how to select among the varied and complex approaches that new technology provides. Concise and easy to follow chapters are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions in thoracic surgery, aiding the reader to develop their decision-making skills.Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery offers clearly formatted and evidence-based chapters to help the reader navigate the complexities of thoracic surgery. All new chapters bring insight into the challenges faced operating on the lung, esophagus, diaphragm, airway, pleaura, mediastinum, and chest wall.The book is relevant to practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, as well as medical professionals working with thoracic diseases.

Pediatric surgery is a demanding specialty that requires not only technical expertise but also exceptional clinical judgment and adaptability. Pediatric surgeons frequently encounter rare congenital anomalies and unusual surgical problems, often requiring them to make difficult decisions with limited precedent. Even well-recognized congenital conditions can present in atypical ways, necessitating a patient-centered approach that may deviate from routine practice. This places a premium on a surgeon’s ability to apply broad surgical principles to novel and complex situations, tailoring interventions to each child’s unique anatomy and pathology. Compounding this challenge is the rapidly evolving literature in pediatric surgery, where new techniques, evolving guidelines, and emerging technologies continually reshape best practices. Thoughtful interpretation of the literature is essential, particularly when the optimal approach to a problem remains unclear or controversial. Pediatric surgeons must not only stay abreast of these developments but also critically analyze and synthesize data to make sound, evidence-based decisions in the face of uncertainty.The Difficult Decisions in Surgery series was developed to address many of these challenges faced by surgeons. To date, 10 volumes have been published, receiving enthusiastic engagement from the surgical community. These multi-authored volumes consist of concise chapters, each focused on a specific difficult or controversial decision within a surgical specialty. This series is particularly well-suited for pediatric surgeons, as it provides insight into difficult decisions faced within the field. The volumes serve as a timely reference for practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators, emphasizing the ideal approach to selected clinical situations rather than merely reflecting customary care. Recommendations are grounded in published evidence, while also incorporating expert opinions and personal experiences, helping surgeons navigate complex, evolving literature and apply general surgical principles to novel pediatric challenges.The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format.  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance:a brief general introduction and description of the Difficult Decision laid out using PICO formatting·a brief description of the literature search process.a summary of available published evidence and discussion of the findings.the author’s personal view of the data and approach to the problem and why they do (or don’t do) things found in the presented literature.the chapter authors were selected from experts around the world.the editors for this volume were selected from among internationally renown faculty at The University of Chicago and The Johns Hopkins University.

Pediatric surgery is a demanding specialty that requires not only technical expertise but also exceptional clinical judgment and adaptability. Pediatric surgeons frequently encounter rare congenital anomalies and unusual surgical problems, often requiring them to make difficult decisions with limited precedent. Even well-recognized congenital conditions can present in atypical ways, necessitating a patient-centered approach that may deviate from routine practice. This places a premium on a surgeon’s ability to apply broad surgical principles to novel and complex situations, tailoring interventions to each child’s unique anatomy and pathology. Compounding this challenge is the rapidly evolving literature in pediatric surgery, where new techniques, evolving guidelines, and emerging technologies continually reshape best practices. Thoughtful interpretation of the literature is essential, particularly when the optimal approach to a problem remains unclear or controversial. Pediatric surgeons must not only stay abreast of these developments but also critically analyze and synthesize data to make sound, evidence-based decisions in the face of uncertainty.The Difficult Decisions in Surgery series was developed to address many of these challenges faced by surgeons. To date, 10 volumes have been published, receiving enthusiastic engagement from the surgical community. These multi-authored volumes consist of concise chapters, each focused on a specific difficult or controversial decision within a surgical specialty. This series is particularly well-suited for pediatric surgeons, as it provides insight into difficult decisions faced within the field. The volumes serve as a timely reference for practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators, emphasizing the ideal approach to selected clinical situations rather than merely reflecting customary care. Recommendations are grounded in published evidence, while also incorporating expert opinions and personal experiences, helping surgeons navigate complex, evolving literature and apply general surgical principles to novel pediatric challenges.The chapters in each volume adhere to a specific format.  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance:a brief general introduction and description of the Difficult Decision laid out using PICO formatting·a brief description of the literature search process.a summary of available published evidence and discussion of the findings.the author’s personal view of the data and approach to the problem and why they do (or don’t do) things found in the presented literature.the chapter authors were selected from experts around the world.the editors for this volume were selected from among internationally renown faculty at The University of Chicago and The Johns Hopkins University.

Following a successful first edition in 2018, this book offers predominantly new chapters reflecting the advances made in the field. This second edition keeps the recommendations based on newly published data. Many new chapter authors are also on board making this book a comprehensive overview of difficult decisions encountered within endocrine surgery. Brief uniformly formatted chapters are devoted to answering specific questions relevant to a range of topics across endocrine surgery based upon detailed analysis of available evidence.Difficult Decisions in Endocrine Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach features a wealth of information on ideal approaches for making clinical decisions in selected clinical situations. It is an important and timely resource for all endocrine surgical trainees, fellows, practitioners, educators, and healthcare providers involved in the management of these patients.

This book is part of a series covering surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book looks at specific vascular surgery questions that have arisen and where careful analysis is given according to the level of supporting evidence available. As new technology is introduced to treat the cardiovascular system, alternative therapies begin to challenge and also complement traditional vascular surgery. All chapters contain the PICO table to summarise specific characteristics relative to the questions posed in each chapter.Difficult Decisions in Vascular Surgery- An Evidence-Based Approach is a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators, that describes the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book is part of a series covering surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.

This book looks at specific vascular surgery questions that have arisen and where careful analysis is given according to the level of supporting evidence available. As new technology is introduced to treat the cardiovascular system, alternative therapies begin to challenge and also complement traditional vascular surgery. All chapters contain the PICO table to summarise specific characteristics relative to the questions posed in each chapter.Difficult Decisions in Vascular Surgery- An Evidence-Based Approach is a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators, that describes the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.