Peritoneoscopy and culdoscopy were first introduced in the second edition of TeLinde's Operative Gynecology in 1953. TeLinde noted, "In many instances we find peritoneoscopy to be a useful procedure. Nevertheless it often left something to be desired." During the subsequent four decades, enormous progress has allowed the expansion of the application of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy throughout gynecol- ogy. Thus, it is appropriate and quite useful to have a text devoted solely to this rapidly advancing specialty. In its second edition, the text Practical Manual of Operative Laparoscopy and Hys- teroscopy is a complete and honest overview of the field providing the reader with a critical appraisal of the current literature on technique, development, and long- term follow-up. Refreshingly, the authors include not only the American experi- ence but also advances from Europe and Asia. Ricardo Azziz and Ana Alvarez Murphy have carefully organized the text into general concepts and laparoscopic and hysteroscopic operative techniques. The editors have selected authors of national and international stature to prepare chap- ters in their areas of expertise. The edited text carefully analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each operative technique so as to allow readers insight as to the proper place for a particular endoscopic technique in their surgical practices.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a classic female infertility condition affecting an estimated 6-10% of all women, many of whom are unaware of the problem. A disease that affects women from adolescence to menopause, PCOS is the single most common endrocrinologic abnormality affecting women. This book is an edited collection of writings that comprehensively covers the disease, from diagnosis and epidemiology of PCOS to clinical evaluation.

The field of androgen excess disorders has advanced substantially since the original publication of this book. The Androgen Excess Society (AES) was founded to bring together investigators in the field. A better understanding of the screening, progression, and molecular genetics of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) has improved the clinical care and diagnostic accuracy of these patients. New criteria for the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were proposed in Rotterdam, criteria that have resulted in controversy and, hopefully, initiation of new studies. The association of insulin resistance with PCOS has been strengthened, and the role of metformin in tre- ing the infertility of the PCOS has been validated. Risks for diabetes and, more cont- versially, cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS have received substantial investigation. Our understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of these disorders has expanded, emphasizing their critical importance. These are but a few highlights of how the terrain has changed in a relatively brief period of time. In keeping with these advances, the title of this book has been revised to reflect the growing importance of PCOS as the most prevalent androgen excess disorder in women, and arguably, as the one that might have the most serious adverse consequences for general health. There are fewer chapters to provide a more focused elucidation of the area. Several chapters were penned by new (and young) authors who are conducting cutting-edge research in the field.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a classic female infertility condition affecting an estimated 6-10% of all women, many of whom are unaware of the problem. A disease that affects women from adolescence to menopause, PCOS is the single most common endrocrinologic abnormality affecting women. This book is an edited collection of writings that comprehensively covers the disease, from diagnosis and epidemiology of PCOS to clinical evaluation.

Peritoneoscopy and culdoscopy were first introduced in the second edition of TeLinde's Operative Gynecology in 1953. TeLinde noted, "In many instances we find peritoneoscopy to be a useful procedure. Nevertheless it often left something to be desired." During the subsequent four decades, enormous progress has allowed the expansion of the application of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy throughout gynecol- ogy. Thus, it is appropriate and quite useful to have a text devoted solely to this rapidly advancing specialty. In its second edition, the text Practical Manual of Operative Laparoscopy and Hys- teroscopy is a complete and honest overview of the field providing the reader with a critical appraisal of the current literature on technique, development, and long- term follow-up. Refreshingly, the authors include not only the American experi- ence but also advances from Europe and Asia. Ricardo Azziz and Ana Alvarez Murphy have carefully organized the text into general concepts and laparoscopic and hysteroscopic operative techniques. The editors have selected authors of national and international stature to prepare chap- ters in their areas of expertise. The edited text carefully analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each operative technique so as to allow readers insight as to the proper place for a particular endoscopic technique in their surgical practices.

The field of androgen excess disorders has advanced substantially since the original publication of this book. The Androgen Excess Society (AES) was founded to bring together investigators in the field. A better understanding of the screening, progression, and molecular genetics of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) has improved the clinical care and diagnostic accuracy of these patients. New criteria for the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were proposed in Rotterdam, criteria that have resulted in controversy and, hopefully, initiation of new studies. The association of insulin resistance with PCOS has been strengthened, and the role of metformin in tre- ing the infertility of the PCOS has been validated. Risks for diabetes and, more cont- versially, cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS have received substantial investigation. Our understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of these disorders has expanded, emphasizing their critical importance. These are but a few highlights of how the terrain has changed in a relatively brief period of time. In keeping with these advances, the title of this book has been revised to reflect the growing importance of PCOS as the most prevalent androgen excess disorder in women, and arguably, as the one that might have the most serious adverse consequences for general health. There are fewer chapters to provide a more focused elucidation of the area. Several chapters were penned by new (and young) authors who are conducting cutting-edge research in the field.