This review is intended to supplement Sabiston’s Textbook of Surgery. The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice (15th edition) and is divided into subject areas roughly corresponding to the chapters in the textbook. The review comprises a series of multiple-choice questions. Each one is followed by a different number of choices (usually 3 to 5), and 1 or more may be correct. This format differs from that of most examinations and greater consistency in the structure of the questions and number of correct answers would have improved it.
The multiple choices are followed by a brief explanation and the correct answer(s). To reproduce the examination environment, these explanations would have been better placed at the back of the book.
Having a review book to supplement a textbook is useful, particularly to those preparing for an examination, such as medical students, residents and practising surgeons preparing for recertification. The discussions are generally clear and are supported by reference to the page(s) in the textbook where the material can be reviewed.