This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a scholarly reply Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mills, K. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Mills, K. R.

Basic Science for Anaesthetists, 2^nd Edition

Sylva Dolenska. Cambridge University Press, www.cambridge.org. 2006, 199 pages. $55 US. ISBN 0-521-67602-9

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Anesthesia practice requires a good understanding of physics and mathematics as well as physiology and pharmacology. It is not often that all four topics are reviewed in the same text. The changes in technology require that we review and understand the application of the basic sciences to anesthesia.

This book is a paperback focused on those preparing to take their primary FRCA exams in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dolenska mentions that she wrote the book from notes taken when reviewing for her primary exams and also when preparing subsequent tutorials.

The book is divided into four parts:

Part 1: Physics, mathematics, statistics, anesthetic apparatus

Part 2: Clinical measurement

Part 3a: Physiology: the cardiovascular system

Part 3b: Physiology: the respiratory system

Part 4: Pharmacology

Each part contains a number of topics, each of which is clearly explained on the left page with supporting diagrams and drawings on the right. The format is clear and there is ample use of drawings. In fact, Dr. Dolenska had originally planned to use the subtitle "do you get the picture?" indicating the importance given to the text-linked illustrations.

Some examples of topics include: flow and resistance, mathematical concepts, Mapleson A breathing system, pulse oximetry, electromanometers, cardiac output measurement, respiratory mechanics, drug elimination. The book ends with a short list of six references for further reading. All the texts are well known authors, the building blocks of anesthesiology. The book is founded on the basics and does not depend on pages of references.

This is a reference text and is not one to pick up and browse. There is a random organization of topics within the parts. The form of the book is appropriate and the learning aids are well chosen. It does not aim to be all encompassing, but does within one cover include notes on many of the concepts that could be stumbling blocks in understanding anesthetic practice. Criticism could be made that some concepts do not have enough information. The book is not meant as an introductory text and hence is not exhaustive. It is best used as a supplement, and in reviewing. However, the topics are well written and will stimulate further questions that can be pursued in a more thorough basic science text. Some of the topics do not seem relevant to clinical practice, but the focus of the primary FRCA exam is different from that of the FRCP(C) Canadian fellowship examination.

Dr. Dolenska’s book is one that should be part of a departmental library. It has a role in exam review. Individuals interested in teaching will find it invaluable in providing illustrations that will help clarify topics that are important. For those with a particular interest in the physics and mathematics of anesthesia, it is a worthwhile purchase at a not unreasonable price.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a scholarly reply Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mills, K. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Mills, K. R.