Reviewer, Dr Rishabh Garg,

Batch 2019, N.C. Medical College and Hospital, Aff to PGIMS, Rohtak

Surgery, Beyond the Scalpel and Blood!

When you hear the word "surgery", what comes to mind?

For many, it’s a dramatic scene: a sterile room, a gleaming scalpel, and a focused surgeon performing a life-saving operation. You probably think of blood, wounds, cuts, the removal of organs, or broken bones/fractures. But surgery is much more than that.

Surgery is an advanced branch of medicine. It’s not just about using a scalpel; it also requires a deep understanding of how the body functions, a thorough knowledge of the disease, and the ability to make the right clinical decisions for patient care.

From Sushruta to Today: The Evolution of Surgery

In India, the earliest surgical techniques were documented by Sushruta, regarded as the Father of Surgery. His work described surgical techniques, instruments, and basic patient care methods that laid the foundation for modern surgery. Over centuries, surgery has evolved with anesthesia, antisepsis, and the development of specialized instruments.

The modern era brought laparoscopic surgery, organ transplantation, microsurgery, and now, advanced robotic procedures. In India, the adoption of minimally invasive surgery and transplant programs has revolutionized patient care. Today, surgery is a delicate balance of ancient wisdom, clinical judgment, and technological innovation.

Textbooks like the Manipal Manual of Surgery (7th Edition) help bridge this evolution by combining historical perspective, modern advances, and practical guidance.

For instance, a student can learn to recognize alarming features of peptic ulcer disease such as hematemesis or melena and understand the urgency for gastroenterology evaluation. Another can master the stepwise approach to acute appendicitis, which is not only crucial for exams but also lifesaving in real-world hospital practice.

Who Does Manipal Manual of Surgery Suit Better?

Many students are advised to read standard international books and journals. These are excellent for broader knowledge and a global perspective, but they may not always meet the needs of every student.

·         Learning styles matter: Some students prefer detailed theory and research, while others learn better with concise notes, flowcharts, and exam-oriented summaries. International books often cater to analytical readers, whereas Indian textbooks are designed to match local exams and clinical practice, making them more accessible for many students.

·         Differences in focus: International books emphasize global principles, guidelines, and conditions common in Western populations. Indian textbooks, however, highlight aspects more relevant to local practice, such as:

• Epidemiology and disease prevalence in India
• Clinical signs and symptoms frequently seen locally
• Diagnosis and treatment protocols adapted to available resources
• Structured formats aligned with exam patterns

In short, international texts broaden horizons, while Indian textbooks ensure practical relevance and exam readiness. A balanced use of both can give students the best of global perspectives and local applicability.

Beyond Appendicitis: Clinical Relevance Across Specialties

The book covers a wide variety of topics beyond the basics. Students can learn:

·         The ABCs of trauma care — how to prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation in emergencies.

·         The evaluation and management of thyroid swellings and the importance of ruling out malignancy.

·         The clinical features of breast carcinoma and the stepwise surgical management- a topic often tested in exams.

·         Practical guidance on burns management, from fluid resuscitation to skin grafting.

·         Surgical aspects of gastrointestinal bleeding, including when to involve endoscopy or surgical intervention.

This makes the book not just exam-friendly but also clinically indispensable.

Who Will Benefit from This Book?

This book is a valuable resource for:

·         MBBS students – especially in their final year, when surgery is a major subject.

·         BDS students – to grasp surgical principles relevant to oral and maxillofacial practice.

·         BAMS students – to learn modern surgical concepts and referral criteria.

·         BHMS students – to understand surgical procedures, signs, and patient management.

·         Postgraduates and competitive exam aspirants – to strengthen core concepts.

·         Healthcare professionals – who want clear and practical surgical knowledge.

Even students who find surgery intimidating discover that the Manipal Textbook breaks it down into understandable, manageable concepts. By integrating clinical examples, the book enables immediate application of theory during bedside learning, which is essential for building confidence.

Built for Students: Clear Layout, Practical Knowledge, and Trusted Design

The Manipal Textbook of Surgery (7th Edition) is designed with students in mind:

·         High-quality, colorful pages that are easy on the eyes.

·         Well-organized chapters for smooth reading.

·         Flowcharts, diagrams, and photographs for quick understanding.

·         Clear explanations focused on what is most relevant.

·         A balance of theory and practical guidance, connecting concepts to clinical reality.

It comes in two volumes, offering a comprehensive yet approachable structure. Students can revise a topic quickly before a ward round or go into depth while preparing for final exams or PG entrance tests. Generations of doctors in India have trusted Manipal not just as an exam tool but as a long-term professional resource.

Manipal and the CBME Advantage

The CBME curriculum introduced in India emphasizes competency over rote learning. Manipal aligns beautifully with this:

·         It highlights learning objectives for every chapter.

·         It uses flowcharts to explain decision-making, not just definitions.

·         It connects the basic science knowledge with clinical skills, exactly what CBME demands.

·         It includes structured approaches to common problems—hernia, appendicitis, trauma, breast lump, thyroid swelling—so students can apply the knowledge during clinical rotations.

This makes Manipal a bridge between theory and practice—something many international books fail to provide in the Indian context.

Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Surgery Companion

If you are a medical student or graduate, the Manipal Textbook of Surgery (7th Edition) is more than just a book. It is:

·         A complete guide for Indian medical education.

·         A practical resource for understanding surgery.

·         A trusted companion for exams and clinical practice.

·         An accurate, refined, and precisely written text for medical graduates.

But more importantly, it helps shape a student into a confident, competent doctor who understands not just the science of surgery, but also the art of decision-making. Whether you are revising for your MBBS finals, preparing for NEET-PG, or simply trying to make sense of your first day in the operation theatre, Manipal will guide you every step of the way.

In short, it makes surgery approachable, strengthens concepts, and prepares you for both exams and real-life challenges. No wonder it continues to be a must-have for every medical graduate—MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and beyond.

From the Desk of CBS Publishers

This book is now available for purchase on our website www.cbspd.com. It is also widely available across the country with all the CBS dealers and on e-commerce portals like Amazon and Flipkart. For any further information/queries about the book, we are happy to assist you via call/WhatsApp on 9599779677.