Book excerpt: Surgery is a constantly evolving specialty in medicine – research and technological advances have made surgical procedures safer and more effective and offer shorter recovery times. Recent Advances in Surgery 37 is the latest volume in the annually-publishing series that reviews current topics in general surgery and its major subspecialties. Divided into fifteen chapters, this volume includes updates on the use of intravenous fluids and management of knife injuries. Other specialist topics covered in this volume include modern prostate cancer management, phyllodes tumour of the breast, the management of varicose veins, and superficial venous incompetence. With contributions from recognised experts, the majority from throughout the UK, this new volume covers all the latest developments in surgery, providing excellent revision material for professional examinations, and helping consultant surgeons keep up to date across the specialty. Key points Latest volume in series bringing postgraduates and surgeons up to date with the latest developments in general surgery and its subspecialties Includes review of randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses in surgery Contributions from recognised experts, mainly in the UK Includes more than 60 images and illustrations