Cope's Early Diagnosis of the Acute Abdomen

This book came as a surprise to me. Having finished the residency some time ago already I was a bit disappointed that it was never even mentioned in our studies. Generations of med-students and residents in Europe and US seem to have used it (as the number of editions show) but for some reason the book is not considered to be important in Latvia - as of May, 2014, none of the libraries have any edition of it.But I was happy to find out that it's contents were very familiar. Reading it can be compared to a walk in an old park. One doesn't go there to find details about every tree or plant, but instead enjoys the view and the gardener's work. And it's the same with this book. It has no references and asks the reader to take most of the facts at face value. But the structure of the text is well planned, the language has been polished over the years and it's clear how every sign and symptom adds to the whole picture.That all together makes the reading an enjoyable experience.Although the author's belief in necessity to make the correct diagnosis just by clinical means seem to border with obsession. But then again without it it's nearly impossible to achieve perfection.

Are you going into gen surg or ER? What about pediatrics or ob/gyn? Rural family med? Do you plan on providing healthcare to human beings?If yes to any of these questions, then you definitely can benefit from this book. It gives a great breakdown of the various causes of abdominal pain as well as a guide to performing a thorough yet also time and cost effective differential diagnosis. This book will be of most benefit to ER and surgery physicians but anybody who deals with patients (hospitalists and rural family med especially) will likely benefit.It is not a quick reference type of book, but if you invest the time to read it and understand the concepts you will find your need for such materials vastly reduced.

My surgery attending raved about this book so I got it and it is by far the best primer on acute abdomen I have ever read. Everything is explained so conversationally but almost every other line is dripping with surgical pearls. Fantastic book and really increased my acumen regarding diagnosing acute abdomen. I highly recommend it for the serious surgical student.

Excellent book! Used it to brush up on my general surgery topics and it was very helpful. Well thought out and easy to read. A solid book to learn/re-learn from and most importantly well worth the money

In a world where the art of the physical exam and diagnosis are slipping away...this is an excellent resource. I will continue to go back to this book, over and over.

Great book, but not sure it's worth getting the latest edition if you are in school.

Delivered on time and brand new

As an Emergency RN, I was recommended this book by one of the physicians several years ago and have always had this in my wish list. I finally took the plunge and have not regretted it. It should make every provider realize how poor there hands on assessment really is, as Cope made these diagnoses without the aid of the CT Scan. At work sometimes, I think the radiologists are the only real diagnosticians anymore.

This book is a friend for a medical practitioner. As a french doctor, I have "Diagnostic Urgents. Abdomen" by Henri Mondor. This one is the english equivalent. Brilliant and to be read everytime.

Sticks to the basics of clinics , the most essential for any surgeon

Excelent!I read this book for a long time.Essential for all, specially medical students, residents in training, young doctors, clinics and surgeons.

This book contains a great deal of clinically oriented information that will help you make an accurate diagnoses early.... which is exactly what the title of the text promises. Considering that there are so few medical books that provide such vital information, Cope's Early Diagnosis of the Acute Abdomen is a required study for everyone in the medical profession.

classic book with deep insight in clinical features. very useful in emergency department.