The Books

The Laparoscopic Surgery Revolution
Finding a Capable Surgeon in a Rapidly Advancing Field
by David W. Page, MD, MFA, FACS

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Praeger; 1st edition (February 13, 2017)
ISBN: 978-1440844775

Written by a surgeon with 40 years’ experience in practice and instruction, this book provides vital, up-to-date information that explains the strengths and weaknesses of the laparoscopic surgery field to enable potential surgical patients to make the best decisions and choose a surgeon wisely.

More than 30 years ago, laparoscopic or “keyhole” surgery suddenly appeared as an operative technique. Laparoscopy quickly grew in the U.S. surgical field, where now more than two million operations annually use the technique. But is the training surgeons receive in laparoscopy sufficient to ensure patient safety? What are the specific situations where laparoscopy is beneficial and justified, and when is it ill-advised due to the additional complexity and risk factors? This is the first book written for general readers―avoiding medical jargon wherever possible―to expose the gritty history and downsides of “minimally invasive surgery.” Additionally, it provides the perspective and insights of an esteemed surgeon who was working at the inception of laparoscopy and has a full understanding of this now widely popular procedure across its development and lifespan.

Readers will learn about the emergence of laparoscopic techniques in the 1990s, understand how minimally invasive surgery has been a boon to the business of surgery and to patient health and recovery overall, appreciate how the complexity involved in laparoscopic surgery has led to a higher incidence of surgeon “incompetence,” and grasp the responsibility of a patient to take steps to assure that the surgeon is qualified before going into the operating room. Examination of eye-opening statistics on the outcomes of laparoscopic procedures documents the high level of capability of most surgeons, as well as the lack of appropriate ability with certain laparoscopic operations in the hands of some surgeons. The author also spells out how informed patients can be prepared to discuss and consider all aspects of an operation―and the surgeon’s training and experience―to assure the best outcome for their health.

“Dr. David Page has carefully documented the unforeseen consequences of the introduction of ‘band-aid’ gallbladder surgery in the late 1980s. In the rush by surgeons and device makers to be able to offer the procedure, the traditional methods for training surgeons were ignored and many patients suffered the consequences. Surgical educators have looked hard at our system of training as a result and have found it wanting. Many good improvement efforts are underway, but the introduction of new technology in surgery is still a risky proposition. Surgeons and patients would be well advised to read Dr. Page’s account of this illuminating episode.”  

– Richard H. Bell, Jr, MD, Past Chair, Surgical Council on Resident Education; Adjunct Professor of Surgery and Senior Surgical Educator, Lewis Katz School of Medicine of Temple University 

 

Body Trauma
A Writer’s Guide to Wounds and Injuries
by David W. Page, MD, MFA, FACS

Trade Paperback 6 x 9 Writing Reference
Release date: October 2006 254 pages ISBN: 978-1-933016-41-2

From murder/mystery to medical fiction – from trauma, mass casualties, or blunt trauma, surgeon and trauma expert Dr. David W. Page is a writer’s best friend.

Whether your fictional character is a detective investigating a crime or a doctor racing down the hallways toward an emergency, it’s a given that someone is hurt. Credible storytelling is the key to plausibility and Dr. Page offers the perfect prescription.

Body Trauma explains what happens to body organs and bones maimed by accident or intent and the small window of opportunity for emergency treatment. You’ll learn about what goes on in a hospital operating room and the personnel who initiate treatment. Use these facts and bring a new realism to your stories and novels.

Excerpt available here.

Dr. David W. Page’s talents go beyond the O.R. as he takes you up close and personal to reveal:

• The four steps in trauma care
• Details of skull and brain injuries
• What the Glasgow Coma Scale is, and why it’s important
• Specifics of penetrating and blunt neck injuries
• The “dirty dozen” dreadful-but survivable-chest injuries
• What blunt trauma, blades and bullets do to abdominal organs
• Effects of injuries to arms and legs, hands and feet
• The facts about bites and stings
• What happens in impalement injuries
• The truths of abuse of elders, women and children.
• How organ donation works

This fine writing tool has been updated to include:

• New trauma surgery techniques
• Persistent vegetative state
• Transplant ethics
• Torture andpower
• Terrorism and mass casualties
• Shock states

Here you’ll find graphic explorations of serious bodily damage. You’ll be able to work backward, deciding how severe a character’s wounds should be and then writing the action that causes the pain. You’ll put your characters in harm’s way and mistreat them-believability-to within an inch of their fictional lives.

Reviews and Accolades

Silver Medal Winner
2007 Independent Publisher Book Awards — Reference Category

“Dr. David Page has written an authoritative guide to all the ills that might befall your body after an accident and delivers both diagnosis and plot ideas with a wry bookside manner that will keep you reading even if you’ve never been to the emergency room.”
– James Patrick Kelly, Hugo award-winning author of BURN.

” A fascinating and most helpful reference for any writer of fiction or non-fiction”
– Suzanne Strempek Shea, author of Shelf Life

” A valuable resource for writers. I will certainly consult it the next time a physical mishap befalls one of my characters.”
– David Anthony Durham, author of Pride of Carthage

“Body Trauma unquestionably provides useful information on subjects that we-and our characters- simply may not be able to avoid.”
– The Writer Magazine

“This book contains valuable information and will show you how to make it – and the clean-up – realistic.”
– Curled Up With A Good Book

“If Melville had been fortunate to have had this helpful guide by his side, Ahab’s missing leg might have been referred to as a traumatic amputation of the fibula and tibia.”
– Michael White, author of The Blind Side of The Heart, A Brother’s Blood, A Dream of Wolves, The Garden of Martyrs