Paediatric Anaesthesia, 2nd ed

Dr Steve Roberts, editor of PaediatricAnaesthesia, 2nd ed, is a consultant pediatric anesthetist at the Jackson Rees Department of Anaesthesia Alder Hey Children’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust Hospital. He has worked for over 15 years in Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals, providing anesthesia and pain relief for around 18,000 anesthetic procedures every year. Dr Roberts became one of the first in the United Kingdom to start ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia courses and has contributed chapters to many of the first books on this subject. The publisher has supplied the book in paperback and eBook in encrypted format available in PDF and epub file types. Online reading in a web browser, without downloading or installing software, is also possible after purchase. The different chapters in the book have been contributed by 14 different authors, the majority being from the same 2 institutions (Alder Hey and Birmingham Children’s), and the remainder from a variety of other prestigious institutions across the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland. Despite the diverse authorship, consistency has been maintained providing logical readability. Each chapter is written by an acknowledged expert in his or her field, sharing a wealth of practical experience. There is however minimal input from those working outside of specialist units which may have provided some useful insight or input regarding practice outside of pediatric hospitals. The book has been divided into 7 distinct sections. The authors have chosen to include both a standard and a detailed contents page, which is perhaps a little redundant because the more detailed version begins to read more like an index but may be useful for quick reference. The new format follows the patient pathway, making it clinically relevant and user-friendly. There is a logical progression of topics, and this makes the book easy to navigate when looking for specific information. By further subdividing into specific medical and surgical specialties, section 5, in particular, becomes very accessible as a quick reference guide to specific procedures or clinical situations. The bulleted format provides an easy read despite a small print. Unfortunately, the grayscale illustrations could definitely have gathered more appeal and clarity with color and there appears to be a general paucity of images and illustrations (including ultrasound), particularly in the regional anesthesia chapter. The basic sciences introduction is intended to bolster knowledge and understanding of pediatric anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Certain aspects of these initial chapters can appear less specific toward pediatrics. For example, the pharmacology sections on induction agents and volatiles, which, while useful, are quite generic and would be similarly covered in many other general anesthetic textbooks. Despite this, the section provides a useful refresher of knowledge for experienced clinicians or an excellent starting point for the novice in pediatric anesthesia. The perioperative section includes updated information about fasting guidelines, and uncommonly dealt with key topics of immunization, pregnancy testing, and thromboprophylaxis in children undergoing an anesthetic. It also provides valuable practical advice for dealing with common clinical situations including the child with a cold or murmur, and a succinct discussion of consent, the law, and safeguarding issues based on current UK legislation. Following this is a thorough guide through relevant equipment, intraoperative and postoperative management principles. Practical procedures including advanced airway management strategies, vascular access, and regional anesthesia are comprehensively covered, and key information is highlighted in boxes. The advent and widespread availability of ultrasound has revolutionized the advanced vascular access and regional anesthesia. Clinical pearls involved in each step of ultrasound-guided cannulation and regional blocks are shared by the author and will prove to be useful in clinical practice. Perioperative plans are provided for all the common elective and emergency procedures, including remote site procedures. These are concise but adequately detailed at the same time, providing practical tips for management of a wide range of conditions. Anesthesia for surgical specialties follows in a logical and consistent style, encompassing essential aspects of perioperative care. A wide range of comorbidities, syndromes, and diseases are also covered in detail, including clinical features and perioperative issues for each. These conditions, should one have to come across them at short notice, are well summarized with the main pitfalls outlined. The final section on resuscitation, transfers, and emergencies proves particularly useful for anesthetists working in nonspecialist centers who often are involved in the care of pediatric emergencies, including stabilization and potentially transfer. The algorithms and checklists in this section are a useful addition for quick reference and to ensure safe practice. In summary, this book’s main appeal is as a pocket size quick reference guide, providing an excellent summary of current practice, that can be carried everywhere by any anesthetist involved in the care of children. The book covers a vast curriculum in a shell and makes essential reading for trainees, general anesthetists managing children in nonspecialist hospitals, and anyone aspiring to become a pediatric anesthetist. Mahmood Rafiq, MD, FRCA, EDAICMartin Cole, MBBCh, BSc, FRCADepartment of Anaesthesia and Critical CareRoyal Glamorgan Hospital NHS WalesLlantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom[email protected]

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