212 lNTENSlVEANDCRITI<:ALCARENURSlNG

Quality of Lie after Open Heart Surgery P J Walter (ed) Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 1992. Price fll2.00

This tide, volume 132 in the series Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine, is the summary of the pro- ceedings of an international symposium which was held,in Belgium in 199 1. Participants included cardio- logists, cardic surgeons, psychologists, and others (but evidently not nurses!) exploring the quality of life of patients after open heart surgery.

The book comprises the 5 1 papers presented at the symposium. It is divided into four parts: quality of life after heart valve replacement; coronary bypass surgery; surgical correction of congenital heart disease and heart transplantation. Each part is divided into five aspects which the editor believes can com- prehensively reflect the quality of life outcome of the operation: physiological state, intellectual func- tioning; emotional state; performance of social roles and general satisfaction. However, many of the papers do not lend themselves to being neatly compartmenta- lised in this manner; in most caSes the contributions address two or three of these aspects, and in some cases all five. One of the major strengths of this volume is that if offers an holistic scope of quality of life, with an integration of all its components. It is a useful reference guide to nurses and other health pro- fessionals involved in the care of patients undergoing open heart surgery.

DAVID R THOMPSON

Bsc, MA, PhD, RGN, RMN, ONC, FRCN

A Manual of Cardiopulmonary Transplantation A J B Kirk, D Richens and J H Dark Edward Arnold, Sevenoaks, 58 pages. Price f14.99

This small and relatively inexpensive book is ideal for those who wish to gain an overview of cardiopulmo- nary transplantation. It would certainly be a useful reference book for those undertaking the ENB 100 General Intensive Care Nursing Course, but may possibly be in insufficient depth for those undertaking the ENB 249 Cardiothoracic Nursing Course.

The book is certainly easy to read and the principles of cardiopulmonary transplantation are presented in an uncomplicated manner. However, the text would have benefited from some illustration for those readers unfamiliar with the surgical procedures under discussion. The structure of the book follows a logical

progression from Assessment Criteria for Transplan- tation, Donor Management, Transplant Organisation, Postoperative Care, Complications, Infection and Management of Immunosuppression. The chapter pertaining to Postoperative Care does require know- ledge of the care of patients following routine cardiac surgery. Five texts are suggested for further reading, but references are not provided at the end of each chapter in support of the guidelines presented therein. The book does contain information which is up-to-date and accurate.

Of particular interest are the chapters relating to immunosuppression (a knowledge of cell mediated mechanisms of rejection is assumed), complications and the prophylaxis and management of infection. These furnish the reader with clear management guidelines for those who have little experience of cardiopulmonary transplantation.

CAROLBALL MSc, RGN, DipN, DipNEd, ENB 100

Nursing care of the transplant recipient K M Sigardson-Poor and L M Haggerty W B Saunders, Philadelphia. 1990. 455 pages. Price $32.50

This book was written by nurses for nurses to provide information important to holistic care of the organ/ tissue transplant recipient.

A historical perspective of transplantation is followed by discussion of organ procurement and preservation, the immunology of transplant rejection, immunosuppression and infection post-transplant. Nine chapters give very detailed descriptions of the indications for the transplantation of various organs and tissues, donor selection and maintenance, the transplant surgery, postoperative management and possible complications together with a helpful precis of the normal anatomy and physiology. The nurse’s role is emphasised throughout and there are numer- ous care plans. The remaining chapters focus on patient education and the management of psychoso- cial responses, the role of the Clinical Transplant Co-ordinator, legal and ethical issues and the need for recognition of cultural differences.

The book will, I feel sure, be read with great interest by nurses involved with transplantation and will be a source of reference for others. Although all the authors are American, the issues are international with one exception - in this country patients do not have the additional burden of seeking funding for trans- plantation and subsequent aftercare including medi- cation.

ANNE SIMPSON RGN, SCM