Hirshberg, Mattox - "Top Knife. The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery"

Title: Top Knife: The Art and Craft of Trauma Surgery Author:A. Hirshberg, K.L. Mattox Publication Year: 2009 Description: It is undoubtedly and by no means coincidental that the title of this bestseller draws a direct association with Top Gun—the popular name for the United States Navy Flight School. Its mission, as the authors of Top Knife point out, is to train the aces of the skies—pilots superbly prepared for aerial combat, human guns who react flawlessly in situations where bravado and risky decisions seem to be, if not the best, then often the only course of action. In moments when all conventional and predictable behaviors fail, and algorithms and meticulously crafted staff plans go up in smoke, only courage, a clear mind, and the ability to adapt to an increasingly difficult battlefield seem to be the key to victory. In these exceptional situations, the aerial acrobatics performed by skilled pilots—impressive to the layman—are in reality far removed from the artistry of the “dance of the wings” seen in aircraft at air shows, for example. Nothing—literally nothing—in Top Gun can be or is aimed at showmanship, but rather at effectiveness.  The same approach applies to trauma surgery—the beauty and grace of scalpel movements known from plastic, reconstructive, or microsurgery are of no significance until they produce a purely pragmatic result: the improvement of the patient’s condition. As the authors write, there are many analogies between a fighter pilot and a trauma surgeon—"clarity of thought under stress and pressure, effective response to rapidly changing situations, and a long training process." Top Knife discusses anticipatory thinking and tactical approaches in the operating room. It is a book about mindset, actions, and a clear-eyed assessment of the situation, no matter how dire it may be.  Professional literature, written by professionals and for professionals. In my opinion, required reading for every current or future surgeon.