Provides an introduction to the pioneers, most of them surgeons, who attempted to help their patients by extending the boundaries of their own knowledge and experience. This book helps medical students and young trainees to understand the principles behind modern gastrointestinal surgery.

This book is both a lively introduction and a guidebook to those pioneers, most of them surgeons, who attempted to help their patients by extending the boundaries of their own knowledge and experience. In the 16 chapters of the book, an international group of authors have provided something of value to all those with an interest in surgical gastroenterology. Medical students and young trainees will come to understand the principles behind modern gastrointestinal surgery. Researchers will find insights and inspiration for their work and publications. Established surgeons and physicians will be rewarded with information that adds colour to their teaching, either on ward rounds or during formal lectures. Great care has been taken in choosing appropriate portraits and illustrations to bring these remarkable pioneers to life for the reader.

Early Origins of Anatomy and Surgery
The Battle Against Infection
The Changing Tides in Oesophageal Surgery
The Arrival of Bariatric Surgery
Gastroduodenal Surgery
Surgery of the Liver and Billiary Tree
Surgery of the Pancreas
The Challenges of Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Reconstruction
The Story of Appendicitis
The Surgery of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Evolution of Surgery for Colorectal Cancer
The Anus and Peri-Anal Conditions
Alimentary Tract Disorders in Infants and Children.