From The New England Journal of Medicine
The title of this book may suggest that it is a general textbook of pediatric and adolescent gynecology that is unique in its multidisciplinary approach. However, it is actually a more specialized overview of congenital and developmental anomalies of the reproductive tract. It is unique in that it contains extensive discussions and information on the psychological aspects of these complex disorders for patients and their families. The first of the book's three sections discusses normal development, including embryology (a rather short chapter for this type of book), genetics, puberty, and bladder function, with a nice chapter on the psychology of sexual development. The second section, on general management, consists of several chapters that focus on the psychological needs of patients and their parents and includes discussions of communication at the time of diagnosis, as well as complex issues surrounding psychological treatment of patients with disorders of sexual differentiation. Also in this section are chapters on imaging (with a large number of magnetic resonance imaging scans), on laparoscopy and other surgical techniques, and on the dilator technique for women with vaginal agenesis. The third section deals with a wide variety of topics in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, ranging from specific anomalies to menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge, and anorexia. The choice of topics in general adolescent gynecology is interesting, but some seem out of place here. Contemporary and sometimes controversial topics include preservation of fertility before cancer therapy, surrogacy and egg donation, and gender assignment and the timing of such procedures. There is considerable overlap of information among chapters, but in such cases, references are made to other chapters. The index is extensive, which makes looking for a specific topic fairly easy. About half the color pictures are from cases of congenital anomalies and the others show endometriosis, ovarian cysts, general dermatology, and anorexia. The quality of most of the pictures is good, and excellent diagrams serve as a complement. Since most of the authors are from European countries (especially the United Kingdom) and Australia, some of the information in the book is not as applicable to U.S. physicians. However, the book certainly offers another perspective and presents an interesting overview of multidisciplinary management of reproductive anomalies. It clearly reflects the experience and opinions of experts in the field -- information that is presented with the available evidence. Although this is not a general textbook, it should appeal to physicians who must make complex decisions regarding the care of patients with reproductive anomalies. The chapters that deal with the optimal and individualized care of patients and their families, with all the controversies surrounding the management of their cases, are well worth reading. Elisabeth H. Quint, M.D.
Copyright © 2005 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
Copyright © 2005 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
Review
"This is a surgical reference and review, primarily for the gynecologic resident and practitioner. The anatomic illustrations will be most helpful to students and residents." Doody's Review ServiceG
"Highly recommended!!!" Melissa Cull Founder of AHN Support Network, Scottish Genital Anomalies Network
"It is unique in that it contains extensive discussions and information on the psychological aspects of these complex disorders for patients and their families." New England Journal of Medicine, Elisabeth H. Quint, M.D., University of Michigan Medical School
"This is an important book for all health care professionals with a specific interest in the gynaecology of the first two decades of life, and those who work in assisted reproduction. It is also a useful reference text for obstetricians and uro-gynaecologists, who deal with the consequences of the developmental abnormalities in later life." Human Fertility
"Numerous contributors and sharp editing by a number of experts in the field made it a pleasure to review." The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Shirin Irani
"Whilst this is an academic reference book...anyone working in these fields and wanting to learn more about these rare conditions or to imporve their care and treamtent of patients substantially it should be a text of first choice as it includes the latest research and approaches. Students would well benefit from reading as it's easy to digest and clearly laid out, pictures and diagrams are relevant, clear and concise. My rating for this book is highly recommended!!!" Melissa Cull, Founder of the Adrenal Hyperplasia Network
"This comprehensive textbook covers a wide variety of topics under the umbrella of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. The contributors are diverse and the content is well written and comprehensive. The target audience for this text is the practicing pediatrician or physician dealing with gynaecology. The book's multidisciplinary approach makes it far more applicable to every environment. The book is very user friendly, and the subject is timely and important for those for whom the book is intended. The references for the textbook are well documented and range in dates from the 1970s to the early 2000s. The cost is reasonable for a book with such a broad range of topics, written by such a range of internationalspecialists. I would recommend this book to everyone."
Paediatric Child Health
"Highly recommended!!!" Melissa Cull Founder of AHN Support Network, Scottish Genital Anomalies Network
"It is unique in that it contains extensive discussions and information on the psychological aspects of these complex disorders for patients and their families." New England Journal of Medicine, Elisabeth H. Quint, M.D., University of Michigan Medical School
"This is an important book for all health care professionals with a specific interest in the gynaecology of the first two decades of life, and those who work in assisted reproduction. It is also a useful reference text for obstetricians and uro-gynaecologists, who deal with the consequences of the developmental abnormalities in later life." Human Fertility
"Numerous contributors and sharp editing by a number of experts in the field made it a pleasure to review." The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Shirin Irani
"Whilst this is an academic reference book...anyone working in these fields and wanting to learn more about these rare conditions or to imporve their care and treamtent of patients substantially it should be a text of first choice as it includes the latest research and approaches. Students would well benefit from reading as it's easy to digest and clearly laid out, pictures and diagrams are relevant, clear and concise. My rating for this book is highly recommended!!!" Melissa Cull, Founder of the Adrenal Hyperplasia Network
"This comprehensive textbook covers a wide variety of topics under the umbrella of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. The contributors are diverse and the content is well written and comprehensive. The target audience for this text is the practicing pediatrician or physician dealing with gynaecology. The book's multidisciplinary approach makes it far more applicable to every environment. The book is very user friendly, and the subject is timely and important for those for whom the book is intended. The references for the textbook are well documented and range in dates from the 1970s to the early 2000s. The cost is reasonable for a book with such a broad range of topics, written by such a range of internationalspecialists. I would recommend this book to everyone."
Paediatric Child Health
