This book provides a thorough overview of the detection of PCNs using modern imaging techniques and a clear guide to the recognition of the different subtypes of PCN based on their radiologic and histopathologic features. This volume will serve as an excellent aid to the selection of optimal therapeutic strategies based on preoperative diagnosis. A further important feature is the emphasis placed on radiologic, clinical, and surgical correlations. Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) have been increasingly recognized during the past decade, mainly because of the widespread use of modern imaging modalities for the investigation of often unrelated abdominal symptoms. The three most common subtypes of PCN are serous cystic neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. These subtypes have distinct radiologic and histopathological features, and their biological behavior differs greatly. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is of prime importance in selecting the optimal therapeutic strategy: while serous cystic neoplasms are almost always benign, and may be treated conservatively, mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms have malignant potential, warranting an aggressive surgical approach, i.e., pancreatectomy. Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms will be of great interest to surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, and pathologists, and also to internists and residents in these specialties.

Sepsis is one of the most frequent complications in the surgical patient and one of the leading causes of mortality in intensive care units. During the past two decades, a great deal has been learned about surgical bacteriology, antibiotic prophylaxis, supportive management, and the host response to microbial invasion. Sepsis can be caused by infection with gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, fungi (and particularly Candida), or viruses. Sepsis may also occur in the absence of detectable bacterial invasion, and in these cases, microbial toxins, particularly gram-negative bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and endogenous cytokine production have been implicated as initiators and mediators. Although activation of the immune system during microbial invasion is generally protective, septic shock develops in a significant number of patients as a consequence of a poorly regulated immune response to the offending organism. Sepsis can be presented with a spectrum of severity. Septic shock represents the most severe form of host response to infection. The aim of this monograph is to summarise the currently available data regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, and optimal management of septic shock, with a particular emphasis on the role of source control in sepsis. Emerging therapies for septic shock are also discussed.