Book excerpt: Developed over previous editions by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to support students attending the three RCSI universities, this convenient handbook provides pragmatic guidance to the principles and practice of surgery that students can expect to encounter during undergraduate studies. Spanning the full range of surgical specialties, information is presented in a convenient and clinically relevant format that takes the students through the patient journey from presenting symptoms and aetiology to investigations, management and follow-up. The text, written as easy-to-read and easy-to-remember bullet lists, is supplemented throughout by tables, management algorithms and colour illustrations. Key Features: • Concise – specifically for the undergraduate medical student by a highly experienced team of surgical educators • Accessible – bullet text ideal for rapid reference • Flexible – for use when on the ward and during finals revision • Complete - print book supplemented by video clips, online question and answer material and an image library for the full learning and revision package Thoroughly updated, this fifth edition has enhanced pedagogy and, for the first time, is accompanied by video clips and questions for self-testing. Covering the core surgical knowledge needed to become a safe and competent doctor, the book will be an invaluable companion for clinical placements and during the critical run-up to final examinations.