Book excerpt: Thoroughly updated for its Second Edition, this practical, portable handbook provides comprehensive, up-to-date information for all clinicians who need to perform preoperative assessments. The book provides a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of disease states relevant to anesthesiology and surgery and offers guidelines on history taking, physical examination, recommended diagnostic tests, and preoperative management. A chapter of case studies in preoperative evaluation is included. New chapters in this edition cover evaluation of the pregnant patient for non-obstetric surgery and preoperative assessment for specific procedures and locations, particularly out-of-OR and ambulatory procedures. This edition's more user-friendly format includes bullet lists and tables to facilitate quick reference.