Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery

Abstract

Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery is a comprehensive and authoritative surgical textbook widely regarded as a classic reference for medical students, surgical trainees, and practicing surgeons. It systematically covers the principles and practice of surgery, integrating foundational knowledge with modern clinical and operative techniques. The book begins with essential principles such as careful history taking, clinical examination, diagnostic reasoning, and perioperative patient care, including topics like shock, wound healing, infection, imaging, minimal access techniques, surgical ethics, and patient safety. It then progresses through core surgical disciplines, encompassing trauma, elective orthopaedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck, endocrine and breast, cardiothoracic and vascular, abdominal, and genitourinary surgery, as well as transplantation.

The text is known for its clear explanatory style, extensive illustrations, summary boxes, learning objectives, and clinical algorithms, which help readers understand complex surgical concepts and care pathways. Contemporary editions also incorporate updates on recent advances, multidisciplinary approaches, and expanded sections on paediatric and transplant surgery.