The complexity of decision making in thoracic surgery is growing exponentially. As new technology is introduced, physicians from nonsurgical specialties offer alternative and competing therapies for what was once the exclusive province of the thoracic surgeon. In addition, there is increasing knowledge regarding the efficacy of traditional thoracic surgical therapies. How to select among these varied and complex approaches is becoming increasingly difficult. The first two editions of this book have found wide acceptance among practicing surgeons, trainees, and educators. Chapters from them are regularly cited by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association as valuable resources for their weekly curriculum exercises. As in the first two editions, chapters adhere to a specific format (updated for the third edition).  This approach provides uniformity to the presentations, making it possible to identify useful material at a glance.

From the book reviews:

“This is the third edition of a book on difficult and controversial topics in general thoracic surgery that presents practical and evidence-based advice. … It is written for practitioners and trainees in the area of general thoracic surgery. The editor is a recognized authority and has assembled an impressive list of authors to contribute on a comprehensive list of topics.” (Michael Bates, Doody’s Book Reviews, October, 2014)

Mark K. Ferguson, MD is Professor of Surgery at University of Chicago Medical Center. He specializes in the surgical management of diseases of the lungs and esophagus. He is experienced in all techniques of lung and esophageal resection and is skilled in surgical methods to relieve airway obstruction and malignant pleural effusions. He has served on the boards and committees of numerous national societies and institutions including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Ferguson is the author of more than 75 chapters in medical textbooks. He has edited or written books on esophageal reconstructive surgery, failed anti-reflux therapy, and decision-making in thoracic surgery. He recently authored an atlas of general thoracic surgery. Dr. Ferguson has also written more than 175 papers in medical journals, and serves as an editor or associate editor for three cardiothoracic surgery journals. His research interests include risk analysis and long-term outcomes after lung resection and esophageal resection.