Minimal Access Surgery in Oncology
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* Sarkis Meterissian

**MINIMAL ACCESS SURGERY IN ONCOLOGY.** Edited by James G. Geraghty, Howard L. Young and Jonathan M. Sackier. Associate editors: H. Stephan Stoldt and Riccardo A. Audisio. 173 pp. Illust. Greenwich Medical Media Ltd, London, UK; Oxford University Press Canada, Toronto. 1998. Can$187.95. ISBN 1-900151-022

On reviewing this book I was pleasantly surprised to find that it examines the current evidence for a minimalist approach to a variety of tumour types rather than addressing technical issues alone. As such, this text will be of value primarily to surgical oncologists as they decide on the utility of a particular laparoscopic approach in the management of specific tumours in their practice. Nevertheless general surgeons specializing in laparoscopy will also find this book enjoyable since it will help them decide whether or not they should offer certain procedures to their local medical oncologists.

The book has an impressive list of contributors from both sides of the Atlantic, providing an unbiased view of the current state of the art of laparoscopic surgery. It comprises 13 chapters. The initial section deals with the effect of laparoscopy on immune function and the biology of cancer. The ensuing chapters review the literature on the use of laparoscopy in a variety of malignant conditions including pancreatic, gastroesophageal and biliary cancers. There is an excellent chapter on the concerns and benefits of laparoscopic colectomy, in particular the evidence of port-site recurrences. The role of video-assisted surgery in thoracic and gynecologic oncology is explored. Finally, a chapter is devoted to the role and technique of sentinel-node mapping in melanoma and breast cancer.

In conclusion, I found this book readable, containing good illustrations and an exhaustive review of the literature. It is up to date and would be useful to those interested in better understanding the role of minimal access surgery in oncology.