The Thymus Gland and its Surgery : Diagnosis and Surgical Management

This book, written by selected experts who outline the surgical procedure, provides an up-to-date and concise review of the thymus gland for both the surgeon and the physician. The critical role of the thymus in the immune system is becoming increasingly well understood. Much of this knowledge is widely dispersed throughout the literature. Although thymectomy is well established as a surgical procedure, these advances need to be made available to the surgeon. This book offers neurologists and physicians a better understanding of the surgical aspects of the thymus.

the Critical Role Of The Thymus In The Immune System Is Becoming Increasingly Well Understood. Much Of This Knowledge Is Widely Dispersed Throughout The Literature. Although Thymectomy Is Well Established As A Surgical Procedure, These Advances Need To Be Made Available To The Surgeon. Furthermore, Neurologists And Physicians Require A Better Understanding Of The Surgical Aspects Of The Thymus. This Book, Written By Selected Experts, Provides An Up-to-date And Concise Review Of The Thymus Gland For Both The Surgeon And The Physician.

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reviewer:nirmal K Veeramachaneni, Md(washington University School Of Medicine)
description:this Concise Review Of The Pathobiology Of The Thymus Gland Emphasizes The Surgical Management Of Diseases Of The Thymus.
purpose:the Authors Set Out To Summarize The Existing Data On The Management Of The Diseases Of The Thymus. Their Secondary Goal Is To Highlight The Controversies In The Field. As They Clearly Outline In The Book, Very Little Is Known About The Pathobiology Of The Disease Processes For Which The Surgeon Is Called Upon To Remove This Gland. Although The Disease Processes Are Rare, The Thoracic Surgeon Encounters Them. This Book Is A Worthwhile Addition To Any Thoracic Surgeon's Library.
audience:the Issues Addressed In This Textbook Are Most Pertinent To Thoracic Surgeons Involved In The Care Of Patients With Thymic Diseases.
features:the Book Provides Not Only A Historical Perspective On How Thymectomy Has Become A Major Therapeutic Modality In The Care Of Patients With Such Conditions As Myasthenia Gravis, It Highlights The Shortcomings Of The Available Data. The Authors Provide A Clear Explanation Of The Current Pathological Classification, But Also A Discussion Of Radiographic Techniques Incorporating Modern Technology.
assessment:the Book Is Noteworthy For Being Concise - It Is Just Over 100 Pages In Length - And It Is Easy To Read, Up-to-date, And Relevant. The Authors Provide An Excellent Review Of The Existing Information, And Highlight The Shortcomings Of The Existing Data. Although Major Textbooks, Such As general Thoracic Surgery, 6th Edition, Shields Et Al. (lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004) Devote A Similar Number Of Pages To This Topic, I Found This Book To Be More Accessible. In The Sections Devoted To The Technical Aspects Of Thymectomy, The Authors Favor The Trans-sternal Approach. Less Invasive Approaches, Favored By Other Surgeons Active In The Care Of Patients With Thymic Diseases, Are Not Discussed In Detail. More Detailed Explanation Of The Alternative Techniques Would Have Made This Book More Thorough And Complete.