General Thoracic Surgery, 7th Edition

The Problem This Book Solves

Thoracic surgery demands a mastery of complex anatomy, physiology, and both open and minimally invasive techniques. The margin for error is razor-thin—whether you are managing lung cancer, empyema, or chest wall trauma. General Thoracic Surgery, 7th Edition solves the problem of fragmented, outdated knowledge by delivering the single most authoritative reference in the field. It replaces scattered journal articles and piecemeal texts with a unified, two-volume resource that every thoracic surgeon can trust.

What Is General Thoracic Surgery? A Complete Overview

General Thoracic Surgery is the definitive, two-volume textbook on the surgical management of chest diseases. Edited by Thomas W. Shields, Joseph LoCicero III, Carolyn E. Reed, and Richard H. Feins, this 7th edition published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 2009 systematically covers anatomy of the chest wall and lungs, pulmonary physiology, thoracic imaging, diagnostic procedures, and every major open and endoscopic surgical technique. It has been called the bible of thoracic surgery for its exhaustive depth and practical, step-by-step guidance.

This edition includes comprehensive sections on lung cancer staging and treatment, mediastinal tumors, pleural disease, chest wall reconstruction, tracheal surgery, thoracic trauma, and esophageal surgery (though esophageal surgery is often covered in separate volumes, this text provides essential cross-references). Each chapter is written by a recognized expert and edited for consistency, ensuring that the reader receives both the underlying science and the operative pearls needed in the operating room.

Who Should Read General Thoracic Surgery?

This book is essential for three primary audiences: practicing thoracic surgeons seeking a complete reference for rare cases and emerging techniques; thoracic surgery residents and fellows preparing for board exams and daily operative cases; and pulmonologists, thoracic oncologists, and radiologists who collaborate with surgeons and need a deep understanding of surgical decision-making. Medical students rotating on cardiothoracic services will also benefit from the clear anatomical and physiological foundations.

If you are training for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or the European Board of Thoracic Surgery, General Thoracic Surgery is widely considered required reading. No other single text matches its combination of breadth and authority.

7 Key Things You Will Learn

• Complete open techniques for lung resection, including pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and segmentectomy
• Minimally invasive approaches: VATS lobectomy, mediastinoscopy, and thoracoscopic sympathectomy
• Lung cancer staging according to the latest 7th edition guidelines (as of publication)
• Management of pleural effusions, empyema, and malignant mesothelioma
• Chest wall reconstruction after resection for tumors or trauma
• Tracheal and bronchial surgery, including sleeve resections
• Thoracic trauma management, from rib fractures to great vessel injury

Each topic is illustrated with high-quality line drawings and intraoperative photographs that clarify critical steps. The text also includes evidence-based outcomes data to support clinical decisions.

Why General Thoracic Surgery Outperforms Every Alternative

Competing textbooks such as Pearson’s Thoracic Surgery or Sabiston & Spencer Surgery of the Chest cover similar ground, but General Thoracic Surgery offers unmatched depth in two full volumes. It dedicates entire chapters to topics that other texts treat only briefly—like pulmonary physiology testing, endoscopic ultrasound, and thoracic outlet syndrome. The 7th edition also integrates fresh perspectives from four renowned editors, ensuring balanced coverage of traditional and emerging techniques.

Unlike single-volume references, this two-volume set allows for exhaustive treatment of both basic science and clinical application. The page count (over 2,400 pages) means no topic is glossed over. For the thoracic surgeon who wants a single source of truth, this book is the gold standard.

Author Authority & Publisher Credibility

Thomas W. Shields, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a pioneer in thoracic oncology. Joseph LoCicero III, MD, is Professor of Surgery at SUNY Downstate and a leader in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Carolyn E. Reed, MD, was a highly respected thoracic surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina. Richard H. Feins, MD, is Professor of Surgery at the University of North Carolina and a specialist in lung cancer and chest wall disease. Together, their collective experience spans decades of practice, research, and teaching at top academic centers.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins is a flagship imprint of Wolters Kluwer, one of the world’s most trusted publishers of medical and surgical textbooks. Their rigorous peer-review and editorial process ensures that every chapter meets the highest standards of accuracy and clarity.

Is General Thoracic Surgery Worth It? Our Verdict

Yes—unreservedly. For any thoracic surgeon or trainee, General Thoracic Surgery, 7th Edition is a career-long investment. The 2009 vintage means you will not have the very latest 8th-edition updates, but the core principles, classic techniques, and foundational science remain timeless. In fact, many surgeons keep both editions to compare classic approaches with newer modifications. The eBook format gives you instant searchability and portability, making it even more valuable in today’s fast-paced clinical environment.

When you weigh the cost against the cost of a single misstep in thoracic surgery, this two-volume set pays for itself many times over. It belongs on the digital bookshelf of every thoracic surgery department and library.

Get General Thoracic Surgery — Your Comprehensive Reference

If you are a thoracic surgeon, resident, or fellow ready to master the full spectrum of chest surgery, General Thoracic Surgery, 7th Edition is the one resource you cannot afford to skip. This eBook edition gives you instant access on any device, searchable and hyperlinked for rapid reference. Add to Cart today and start learning from the world’s foremost authorities—brought to you by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a name synonymous with surgical excellence.