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Excerpt
This textbook is the compilation of 86 chapters written with the intention of providing the primary care physician with the information needed to care for children with gastroenterologic and/or nutritional disorders. The book is divided into sections on signs and symptoms; diseases of the alimentary tract; diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder; use and interpretation of diagnostic tests; and surgical diagnosis and management. Within each section, the chapters successfully incorporate the full spectrum of diseases that may be encountered by the generalist. The section on diagnostic testing provides a framework for the initial assessment of the patient by the primary caretaker and for understanding the diagnostic approach of the subspecialist. In this regard, the textbook successfully accomplishes its goal of providing a basis for the cooperation and integration of medical care between the generalist and subspecialist. The 95 authors are respected and experienced clinicians in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition.
Each chapter is well written and provides an effective survey of the topic presented. The authors' use of tables and figures complements the text. The chapters are well referenced, although few include references beyond 1995. As with any survey, the brevity of this textbook dictates that some details are omitted. Those clinicians interested in a complete discussion of a particular subject would have to seek additional sources of information. However, the editors have gone to great lengths to limit this deficiency, to ensure a consistent style of presentation, and to minimize the overlap among the chapters.
I would recommend this textbook to primary care providers for children, to residents in pediatrics, and to first-year fellows who will find this survey of pediatric gastroenterology quite useful. At a modest cost, this book will become a component of their library that will be repeatedly referenced.
