Urinary Tract and Kidney Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook
Search in google:
Like others in this series, this volume presents documents and excerpts from publications issued by numerous government agencies and private organizations, thus assembling basic consumer health information in an accessible, thematically arranged (and indexed) format. After an overview of how the urinary system works, the selections cover preventive, statistical, diagnostic, treatment, and research information on kidney and urinary tract disorders in adults and children. Financial aspects of dialysis and kidney transplants are also covered. The volume concludes with a glossary, further reading, and organizational resources. Annotation © 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR Doody Review Services Reviewer:Mony Fraer, MD(University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)Description:This is the second edition of a book that gathers information about urinary tract and kidney diseases from various publications issued by U.S. government agencies and national organizations as well as medical journals, with consultation from a faculty member at University of Michigan. Topics are presented clearly and in detail over the course of more than 600 pages.Purpose:The goal of the author is to provide lay people with health information that will help them understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for common diseases in a clear and accessible format.Audience:This book is a good choice for a consumer or public library and definitely for patients with kidney or urinary tract problems.Features:The first part introduces readers to the physiology of the genitourinary system, risk factors for kidney disease, statistical data, and commonly used tests as well as current areas of research. This section, rightfully so, is the largest one; its purpose is to help people understand the magnitude of the problem, the underuse of prevention or risk avoidance measures, and the current state of diagnostic and treatment strategies. The next six parts cover the pathophysiology (infections, cancers, incontinence, disorders of the prostate, congenital disorders, kidney failure, etc.). The index is well organized and the book concludes with a glossary of commonly used, specialty related, medical terms, a chapter on additional resources for further reading, and a directory of related organizations.Assessment:This is a good reference for a lay person to learn about kidney and urinary tract disorders. Some of the important aspects that are covered include health maintenance tips, financial information for dialysis patients, and facts about kidney transplantation. At times, the information is rather too detailed for a lay person and more appropriate for a medical student, nurse, or ancillary healthcare personnel. In a book that is designed to provide medical information on a complex topic to the general public, I would have preferred to see more pictures, figures, and diagrams. Nevertheless, this remains an excellent source of information.
