A Handbook of Plastic Surgery for the General Surgeon

This guide provides postgraduate students and general surgeons with an introduction to the field of plastic surgery. The inclusion of some topics depends mainly on the frequency with which the condition is seen in general practice. Each procedure is accompanied with many illustrations.

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This handbook provides practical guidance to the general sugeon with limited experience in the field of plastic surgery, who may be called upon to undertake plastic surgery. If there are no plastic surgeons in the close vicinity, as is often the case in need-based countries, the decision to operate or to refer to a plastic surgeon is often difficult. It is hoped that with the information given in this book, the general surgeon will be able to make the right decision.Most of the conditions described are universally seen, e.g. cleft lip and palate, but the clinical presentation and management of these cases differ from region to region. The inclusion of a particular topic depends mainly on the frequency with which the condition is seen in general practice and the facility with which it can be tackled by a general surgeon.In order not to confuse the reader; only important principles have been defined and one or two well tried and safe methods of treatment are described for each condition.
The surgical procedure recommended is not necessarily the best that is available but one which in the hands of an average operator provides consistently good results, and it is described with the help of simple, clear illustrations whenever possible. Photographs have been included where necessary; to illustrate an uncommoncondition or to demonstrate the effectiveness of a particular operation.