Providing a unique approach to the practice of surgery, this new edition of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Surgery continues in the tradition of providing a succinct overview of the principles, techniques and procedures of surgery. The content has been fully revised to meet the requirements of modern surgical practice. It is written in the very successful concise style of the handbook series, providing an accessible pocket reference for medical students, housemen, junior surgical trainees, nursing, paramedical and rehabilitation staff. The coverage includes the assessment and preparation of the patient, anaesthesia and critical care, inflammation, wound healing and infection, the key components of general surgical practice as well as chapters on other surgical specialties, including plastic, paediatric and orthopaedic surgery. There are also step by step descriptions of some common operative surgical techniques, practical hints and procedures, and a chapter on signs, symptoms and rarities.