Lymphedema: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

As a service to our readers, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® reviews books, DVDs, practice management software, and electronic media items of educational interest to reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons. All items are copyrighted and available commercially. The Journal actively solicits information in digital format for review. Reviewers are selected on the basis of relevant interest. Reviews are solely the opinion of the reviewer; they are usually published as submitted, with only copy editing. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® does not endorse or recommend any review so published. Send books, DVDs, and any other material for consideration to: Arun K. Gosain, M.D., Review Editor, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Brookriver Executive Center, 8150 Brookriver Drive, Suite S-415, Dallas, Texas 75247. Arun K. Gosain, M.D. Review EditorLymphedema: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment is a comprehensive volume providing detailed covering of the complex element of lymphology and lymphedema. The editors of the volume provide an in-depth view of all aspects of lymphedema, backed with the most current literature in the field. The book is divided into five parts, and each part is subdivided into different chapters. Each part centers on a different aspect of lymphedema education. The book is organized to be read in sequence from part to part, or each chapter can be taken individually. The text is well written and easy to read. It begins with a series of chapters on the general overview of this subject and encompasses various subjects ranging from pathophysiology, to genetic causes, to myths associated with lymphedema. The first section gives the reader a foundation on which to continue the following sections of the book. Other parts of the volume focus on the classification, diagnosis, and nonoperative and operative management of lymphoma. The chapters within those parts provide the reader with a logical framework with which to approach the text. Each chapter begins with a bulleted “Key Points” section, providing clear insight into the important message of the chapter, and ends with a brief summary. Altogether, there are 30 chapters to cover the breadth of this subject, and all chapters were written by world-renowned experts in the field. The volume uses numerous illustrations, tables, histologic slides, anatomical photographs, and patient photographs that support the written text and enhance the reader’s understanding. The inclusion of medical imaging slides such as positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging is similarly useful. Summary lists and flow diagrams are used to highlight complex concepts. Each chapter ends with a comprehensive reference list to the material presented, permitting in-depth review as required. The strength of this volume is that it delivers on its goals of providing “high-yield” content in a simultaneously concise and comprehensive manner. One particular chapter we enjoyed was the one entitled Myths Associated with Lymphedema. The author list is impressive and diverse, with “giants” each in their respective field. Perhaps one point of addition for subsequent editions is the image quality from individual chapters; perhaps additional images would continue to augment the volume’s message. Overall, Lymphedema: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment is an excellent book providing the latest information on this subject. This publication is a valuable tool for physicians, surgeons, and lymphedema therapists.