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.