The previous edition of this book was based on a simple but essential philosophy: provide a practical and up-to-date resource for the practicing surgeon detailing the specific needs and special considerations surrounding the surgical care of children. The second edition of Fundamentals of Pediatric Surgery stays true to the philosophy of the original with several significant enhancements. As well as encompassing the most up-to-date and practical clinical information for the experienced surgeon written in a straightforward narrative style, each chapter provides a rationale for the proposed approach based on the scientific evidence available in the literature and the author s personal clinical experience, supplies a detailed algorithm or clinical protocol in a graphic format, initiates a discussion regarding unanswered questions and proposals for future studies, and includes a list of suggested readings.