Book excerpt: Atlas of General Surgical Techniques covers the full spectrum and breadth of general surgery through nearly 1200 easy-to-follow anatomic drawings. Drs. Courtney M. Townsend, Jr. and B. Mark Evers present step-by-step guidance for common and complex procedures, including open and minimally invasive techniques. The highly consistent approach and format allow for large educational illustrations with pearls and pitfalls at the end of each chapter. Comprehensive coverage includes hot topics such as Thyroidectomy, Parathyroidectomy, Hepaticojejunostomy, Choledochojejunostomy, Splenectomy,Hernia Repair, Exploration of Neck for Trauma, and Subclavian Artery Stab. You’ll have a complete array of surgical procedures at your fingertips. 2009 PROSE Awards (awarded by Association of American Publishers for professional and scholarly excellence)Finalist/Honorable Mention, Clinical Medicine Features 1200 easy-to-follow, step-by-step anatomic drawings that clearly depict the full spectrum and breadth of surgical techniques—both open and minimally invasive. Covers hot topics such as Thyroidectomy, Parathyroidectomy, Hepaticojejunostomy, Choledochojejunostomy, Splenectomy, Hernia Repair, Exploration of Neck for Trauma, and Subclavian Artery Stab. Provides step-by-step instructions for each procedure in a highly consistent format that makes applying techniques easy. Highlights pearls and pitfalls at the end of each chapter so you know what to expect before entering the operating room. Presents the detailed guidance of authorities on what you need to know about common and challenging procedures.