Written especially for patients and allied health care students by experts in the field, The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests provides in-depth coverage of approximately 450 surgical procedures, medical tests and related topics, such as anesthetics, common lab test and procedures, medications and postoperative care.

Entries for medical test and surgical procedures follow a consistent format, covering definition, purpose, demographic information, diagnosis and preparation, aftercare, risks, morbidity and mortality rates, alternatives, and more.

Additional features include 175 full-color illustrations and photographs, bibliographies of further reading sources, a glossary of medical terminology, appendices listing top centers for specific surgical procedures and national organizations and support groups for patients, and a comprehensive index.