Customer Reviews

Diseases of the Liver & Biliary System

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you need to read this book as a patient or significant other, do not despair excessively. It is written by and for specialists in the field, but with the aid of a medical dictionary and a sypathetic physician or nurse, you will be able to understand quite a great deal. This helps in demystifying the diseases contained within, giving you at least a foundation of vocabulary and watchsigns. It may help in discussions with your physician if you have a desire for very detailed information. The book also contains extremely extensive references. In the field, it seems to be the best there is. Although the vocabulary and jargon may confuse a bit, use your medical dictionary (essential), and realize that there are not many absolutes in this field. Each patient is an individual, not a statistic. Do not become depressed or anxious about the information--it can seem a little overwhelming and only presents a very clinical, hard look at liver disease. The text only contains the best of Western medicine and does not even remotely cover alternative therapies available to a patient. My advice is to have this as a Western medical reference and outlook. But remember that there is usually another way--search for other answers from alternative practitioners--accupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, herbs and herbalists, medical intuitives, healing books and tapes, etc. Most Western doctors at this point often dismiss these alternatives, but they themselves may be able to offer little to help the patient depending on the disease. Think of yourself (the patient) as the center of the medical team--surround yourself with the best you can--people, therapies, positive thinking, etc. Never loose hope or give up. This field is advancing daily, so this book may be out of date by the time you read it and you will have to talk to your physician for the latest information. Most physicians will be happy that their patients are well-informed about their condition and should be happy to discuss any questions you have related to your condition--indeed this is their job.

Sheila Sherlock is like the bible for anyone interested in Hepatology. Although there are several other books more advanced and comprehensive, this is an essential primer to the subject of Hepatology. It's approach is simple, yet reasonably comprehensive and the illustrations are superlative. This is a book every aspiring hepatologist should own.

The latest edition of Dame Sheila Sherlock's text on diseases of the liver is a welcome addition to the books available for those treating patients in the clinic. The text is easy to read and well organized. It is easy to find subjects of interest in the index and that cannot be said for every text in print currently.
The book offers clear and consistent handling of issues concerning patient care. This proves very valuable in daily practice. ... the book is a more than reasonable memorial to Dame Sheila Sherlock's work. Although, some might not find the text sufficiently encyclopedic there are other texts for that purpose. I combine Schiff's two-volume set with this when I feel a need to seek that kind of overview.