There are numerous textbooks detailing almost every aspect of the different laparoscopic procedures. However, in this era of evidence-based medicine, a text focusing on the controversies - from the laparoscopic as well as the general surgeon's point of view - is missing.

This book is not intended to be yet another textbook of laparoscopy; instead, its main purpose is to address unsettled issues of controversy. This will significantly enhance evidence-based knowledge of this developing field, stimulate thinking and discussions in rounds and meetings, assist surgeons in their decision making and stimulate further research.

This book is not aimed only at laparoscopic surgeons - with their steadily increasing number - but also at general surgeons and surgical trainees. It will define and sharpen points of controversy by internationally recognized authors, and thus provide 'state of the art' quality to each topic.

This is not designed to be yet another textbook in laparoscopic surgery. Instead, its purpose is to specifically address topics of controversy in this rapidly evolving field. The book is aimed not only at the 'dedicated' laparoscopic surgeon, but also at general surgeons and surgical trainees. The aim of each chapter is to define, sharpen and emphasize issues of controversy, using the available evidence. Each chapter has been written by a leading, internationally recognised laparoscopic surgeon and is followed by a critical-'balancing comment' by another expert in the field, not necessarily a laparoscopic.

From the reviews:

"This treatise deals with the full spectrum of the complex and various fields of advanced laparoscopic procedures, including neck surgery. ? This book is directed at all surgeons ? and in the reviewer's opinion it should be mandatory reading for residents in both general and GI surgery. ? an accurate and realistic treatise on the indications, advantages and limitations of laparoscopic procedures ? ." (P. Danelli, Digestive and Liver Disease, Vol. 38, 2006)

"The authors have attempted to provide a written debate on a list of laparoscopic procedures. ? this is done very comprehensively in the text. ? It provides a timely and up-to-date bibliography on almost every subject and, therefore, would be quite easily used as a reference text ? . I think the authors are to be congratulated in delivering what cannot have been an easy project. Modestly priced, I would suggest that this book should be in any laparoscopic surgeon's library." (John R. Monson, Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, Vol. 50 (2), 2007)

"The editors have prefaced this excellent book concisely. ? written with a view to dissecting the available evidence for a number of topics in laparoscopic surgery. ? At the end of each chapter there is a summary which is particularly useful as a quick reference. ? The book is essential for the higher trainee laparoscopic surgeon and the trainer. ? My overall score of this book is a 4 out of 5 and I will be using it as a reference in the future." (Joseph Varghese, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons, Vol. 89, 2007)