Since the first edition of Campbell’s Urology was published in 1954, this 3-volume text has been regarded as the bible of urology. It is basic, essential reading for urology residents throughout the world.
Reflecting the dynamic evolution and rapid changes in urology in the past decade, this seventh edition, which appears 5 years after the last one, has undergone major revision and expansion. The editors have added 22 new chapters and over 30 new contributing authors, all experts in their fields. The editors have tried to make the book user friendly. Within the text of most chapters the authors have used bold type to emphasize essential concepts. In clinical chapters, many management algorithms and decision trees have been included, which concisely summarize decision-making processes that often seem cumbersome when described in conventional text.
The book is arranged by organ system. Each system includes chapters on physiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and then both surgical and nonsurgical management. These sections constitute concise but comprehensive and, for the most part, clearly written mini textbooks.
Until recently by the time new ideas, discoveries or techniques had progressed from initial journal publication to hard-cover textbooks, these ideas were no longer fresh or new. Not so with this book: even Sildenafil is mentioned in the section on erectile dysfunction.
The depth of coverage is perhaps well illustrated by the introductory chapter of volume 1, which reviews basic molecular genetics. Similarly, the excellent oncology section is introduced by a brave and successful attempt to summarize recent developments in basic cancer biology, a daunting challenge for any author.
The entire section on pediatric urology is generally excellent, although some chapters on relatively rare conditions such as prune-belly syndrome seem to be disproportionately long.
The completely revised section on urinary lithiasis is outstanding. There is a detailed review of the many minimally invasive techniques that have been developed in recent years. Likewise, the section on endourology is superb. Finally, the section on urologic surgery is beautifully illustrated, comprehensive, up to date and well balanced when controversial approaches are discussed.
This seventh edition of Campbell’s Urology is the best yet. It belongs in every practising urologist’s library, every hospital’s surgical library and continues to be a sine qua non for all urology residents.