Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Review, 6th Edition

The Challenge It Addresses

Board certification and recertification in anesthesiology demand mastery of an ever-expanding body of knowledge—from basic pharmacology and physiology to advanced clinical techniques and perioperative management. Without a structured, high-yield review resource, even the most dedicated residents and practicing anesthesiologists struggle to retain critical information across the full spectrum of the specialty. Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Review, 6th Edition directly addresses this challenge by providing a focused, question-based approach that mirrors the format of board exams and reinforces core concepts through active recall.

This edition is designed to help you identify knowledge gaps, build confidence, and efficiently prepare for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exams, the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) requirements, and daily clinical challenges. It condenses years of clinical experience and exam expertise into a single, portable review tool.

What Is Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Review, 6th Edition? A Complete Overview

Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Review is a question-and-answer review book authored by Dr. Brian A. Hall and Dr. Robert C. Chantigian, published by Elsevier in its 6th edition (2020). The book contains hundreds of multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations, covering both basic science and clinical anesthesia. Each question is designed to test understanding, not just memorization, and the explanations clarify the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers.

The structure follows the major domains of anesthesiology: pharmacology, physiology, physics and equipment, regional anesthesia, pain medicine, obstetric anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, critical care, and subspecialty topics. This comprehensive coverage ensures that no area of the ABA blueprint is left unaddressed.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is specifically tailored for:

• Anesthesiology residents preparing for the ABA written board exam (BASIC, ADVANCED, or APPLIED stages)
• Practicing anesthesiologists seeking a focused review for MOCA (Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology) or recertification
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) studying for the NCE or continuing education
• International medical graduates preparing for USMLE or equivalent anesthesia examinations
• Anesthesia assistants and trainees who want to strengthen their foundational knowledge
• Medical students considering a career in anesthesiology and looking for a comprehensive introduction

Inside: What You Will Master

Working through this review book will help you master the following critical areas:

• Pharmacology of anesthetic agents—mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and adverse effects
• Physiology and pathophysiology—cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, and neurophysiology relevant to anesthesia
• Anesthesia equipment and monitoring—ventilators, vaporizers, anesthesia machines, and patient safety systems
• Regional anesthesia and pain management—nerve blocks, neuraxial techniques, and acute/chronic pain treatment
• Special populations—obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and critically ill patients
• Perioperative management and complications—preoperative assessment, airway management, fluid therapy, and crisis scenarios

How It Compares

While other review books such as Miller’s Anesthesia Review or Barash’s Clinical Anesthesia Review offer question banks, Hall and Chantigian’s 6th Edition stands out for several reasons. First, the questions are written by practicing anesthesiologists who are intimately familiar with the ABA exam style—they emphasize clinical reasoning and integration of knowledge rather than isolated facts. Second, the explanations are thorough and often include references to standard textbooks, allowing you to dive deeper when needed. Third, the book is updated with contemporary topics such as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and new anesthetic agents, reflecting the 2020 publication date.

Compared to online question banks, this printed (or digital) format allows for systematic, distraction-free review without screen fatigue. It is also more portable than a full textbook, making it ideal for study during clinical rotations or commutes.

About the Author

Dr. Brian A. Hall, MD and Dr. Robert C. Chantigian, MD are board-certified anesthesiologists with decades of combined experience in academic anesthesia and exam preparation. Their authorship of multiple editions of this review book demonstrates sustained expertise and a track record of helping thousands of clinicians succeed on board exams. The publisher, Elsevier, is a world leader in medical education and scientific publishing, known for rigorous peer review and high-quality content. The 6th edition has been carefully revised to align with current ABA exam content outlines and clinical practice guidelines.

Final Assessment

For anyone serious about passing the ABA written boards or maintaining certification, this book is an indispensable investment. The combination of high-yield multiple-choice questions, clear explanations, and comprehensive coverage makes it one of the most efficient study tools available. We rate it as the top choice for anesthesia board review in 2024. The 6th edition’s updates ensure relevance, and the format encourages active learning—a proven method for long-term retention. If you are looking for a single resource that can replace a stack of outdated question banks, this is it.

Add Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Review, 6th Edition to Your Library

Whether you are a first-year resident building your foundation or an experienced practitioner refreshing your knowledge, this book will help you achieve your goals. The 6th edition is current, comprehensive, and authored by trusted experts. Order your digital copy today and gain immediate access to hundreds of board-style questions and explanations. Don’t leave your exam success to chance—prepare with the best review resource in anesthesiology.