Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 11, Number 1, January/February 2001
Resource Reviews
John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor
Foundations of Anesthesia: Basic and Clinical Sciences
Reviewed by Stephen H. Butler, MD
H.J. Hemings Jr., & P. Hopkins, Mosby, London, 2000, 748 pages, $139 (hardcover), ISBN 0-7234-27879
One of the most impressive aspects of this book is its layout. The chapters are succinct with color-contrasted figures. The drawings are superb for those of us who learn better from pictures than text. Bibliographies are kept to a minimum of key references, and there are suggested readings. Although primarily for operating room anesthesiologists, there are valuable chapters for pain physicians. The basic science material in Chapter 2, “Cell Structure and Function”; Chapter 3, “Cell Signaling”; Chapter 4, “Molecular Biology”; Chapter 18, “Structure and Function of the Nervous System”; and Chapter 19, “The Synapse” are very good reviews to help the clinician understand current basic science research in the area of pain. Similarly, Chapter 17 on statistics outlines a statistical approach to research, research design, and assessment of the appropriateness of a study. The chapter also explains meta-analysis and the statistics involved.
The other chapters with a clinical pain focus, Chapter 21, “Sensory Systems and Pain”; Chapter 26, “Opioids”; and Chapter 27, “Nonopioid Analgesics,” are somewhat basic but could be good handouts for students on a pain rotation.
I would not recommend this as a necessary text for pain clinicians. It is a good resource for teaching libraries in pain centers and an excellent, concise review of basic science and the principles of research for clinicians.
Stephen Butler is director of pain services at Uppsala Academic Hospital in Sweden.