Shaw’s Textbook of Operative Gynaecology, 7th Edition

Shaw’s Textbook of Operative Gynaecology, 7th Edition, authored and edited by C. N. Hudson and Marcus E. Setchell, is a comprehensive reference covering the principles, techniques and multidisciplinary management of modern gynaecological surgery. This edition combines established operative procedures with important developments in minimally invasive, endoscopic and robotic surgery.

The seventh edition has been extensively reorganised to provide a logical separation between benign and malignant conditions and between congenital and acquired disorders. Strong emphasis is placed on patient choice, informed consent, surgical safety, appropriate procedure selection and the prevention and management of complications.

The opening section introduces women’s healthcare needs in a changing society and provides detailed discussions of surgical anatomy, preoperative assessment, diagnostic procedures, imaging, basic surgical skills, postoperative care and complication prevention. These foundational chapters support safe surgical planning and effective perioperative management.

The benign gynaecology section covers operative management of conditions affecting the cervix, vagina, vulva, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It also discusses congenital abnormalities of the genital tract, endometriosis and other commonly encountered gynaecological disorders.

Dedicated chapters on minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery demonstrate the growing role of less-invasive procedures in gynaecological practice. Richly illustrated operative discussions help readers understand surgical approaches, instrumentation and techniques designed to reduce hospital stay and promote faster patient recovery.

Urogynaecology and pelvic-floor surgery are covered through detailed chapters on stress urinary incontinence and pelvic-organ prolapse. Both established operations and newer techniques are discussed, enabling readers to compare available surgical approaches and select appropriate treatment according to individual patient requirements.

The gynaecological oncology section presents surgery for vulval, vaginal, cervical, uterine, ovarian and tubal malignancies. Conventional oncological procedures are retained where clinically relevant, while newer developments—including robotic surgery—are introduced to reflect contemporary specialist practice.

The book highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in modern gynaecology. Specialist chapters address radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medical oncology, anaesthesia and critical care, urological involvement and cooperation with gastrointestinal surgeons. This approach reflects the team-based management required for complex gynaecological conditions.

Clinical photographs, anatomical illustrations and operative guidance support understanding of both fundamental and advanced procedures. The combination of surgical principles, perioperative care, oncology and multidisciplinary management makes this book a valuable learning and reference resource.

Shaw’s Textbook of Operative Gynaecology, 7th Edition is particularly suitable for postgraduate trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, practising gynaecologists, pelvic-floor surgeons, gynaecological oncologists and other professionals involved in women’s surgical healthcare.