Preface
Welcome to the second edition of the Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia. We were delighted with the success of the first editon, and hope that this edition will be as well received.The second edition contains many changes to take account of the feedback obtained from readers and reviewers. We have involved new authors in around a third of the book so that the material remains up-to-date and reflects a balanced set of views. In our opinion, each author is an established expert in their field and, more importantly, a good clinical anaesthetist.
The book describes the preparation of the patient for anaesthesia, and now includes a comprehensive account of consent and anaesthetic risk. The implications of many concurrent diseases on anaesthesia are detailed and the general principles of anaesthetic practice for different subspecialties are reviewed. Appropriate techniques are suggested where possible. There are detailed chapters on obstetric and paediatric anaesthesia, and also emergencies. A comprehensive drug formulary is included.
The Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia remains a practical guide to anaesthesia written for those who have mastered basic anaesthetic techniques, but need advice for the many common problems encountered in clinical practice.
The first edition of the Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia has proved popular in many countries throughout the world. A low cost edition is available in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, but not as yet in Africa. The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists Publications
Committee has names and addresses of anaesthetists without literature working in the developing world who would be grateful for a copy of either edition of the Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia. If you are willing to make a donation of your existing copy or new copy, please email iain.wilson@rdehc-tr.swest.nhs.uk and we shall supply a name and address of someone who will be thrilled to receive a book.
We are particularly grateful for the expert proof reading skills of Dr Aidan OʼnDonnell who has provided invaluable support during the preparation of this edition. Despite all our efforts it is possible that an occasional error exists, please be careful. We hope that you will enjoy this latest edition of the Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia. Please email us your criticisms and suggestions, so that we can keep improving the book.
Many thanks to our understanding families, authors, and the landlord of the Artichoke Inn, Christow for support during editorial meetings.
Keep well,
Keith and Iain
iain.wilson@rdehc-tr.swest.nhs.uk
2006
Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up-to-date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work.
