Tarascon Medical Procedures Pocketbook

and then I realized that over my time as a military physician, well I've done the majority of these procedures. Many of the procedures I would NOT do based solely on this book and illustrations, however as a quick refresher before doing something I haven't done in awhile (or many times) I can see it being very helpful. The procedures I'm doing most commonly at this point are the GYN ones, and I carefully reviewed their IUD insertion instructions and found them useful and accurate for example. I did laugh a bit as the spatula for a pap was not exactly to scale, but it was a good description of the procedure.I think what struck me most was the wide scope of what was chosen to be included--it's hard to imagine anyone doing a majority of these procedures in a calendar year. That said, though, I HAVE done most of them, whether it was a pathology or ER rotation as medical student/intern, or deployed as a general medical officer, during residency during Onc or ICU rotations, or even as staff--I've got many of them covered. I think I would have loved to have had this book in my pocket to sneak a peak at before starting a few of those things!Nicely done as well is that each topic has indications, contraindications, equipment needed, procedure description (with line drawn pictures that are clear), complications, coding and resources for more information. Each topic also has other applicable information that is procedure specific--such as follow up testing, complications, pre-procedure work up. monitoring, result interpretation and more.Considering the scope I was a little surprised there wasn't something on shoulder dislocation reduction, ganglion cysts, childbirth (including perineal laceration repair) or umbilical vein access.A listing of the procedures, split by specialty:Procedural SedationAirway (endotracheal intubation, positive pressure ventilation)Cardiac (pericardiocentesis, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing)Dermatology (laceration, cryo, shave/excisional/punch biopsies, ingrown toenails, I&D of abscess, lipoma/subq mass removal)ENT (tympanometry, intranasal device/packing for epistaxis)GI (paracentesis)GU ('no-scalpal' vas, Gomco infant circ)GYN (pap, endometrial biopsy, IUD--both Mirena and copper--insertion and removal)Heme/Onc (bone marrow aspiration--though I did this on a pathology rotation)Neuro (lumbar puncture)Ortho (splinting and casting of extremities, arthrocentesis, joint injection--all with various joints described)Pulm (spirometry, thoracentesis, mechanical ventilation. tube thoracostomy)Vascualar (central venous access including IJ, subclavian, femoral, a-line placement including radial and femoral, pulmonary artery catheter including a nice wave form picture and intraosseous access)Again, I was surprised at how many I've actually done over the years, but many of those were a long time ago, during a rather broad based early experience in the military. I'm not sure an FP or transitional intern would be doing a pericardiocentesis anymore.Also, I don't think this little book (typical Tarascon sized shirt pocket sized) would be the basis of all ones educational materials, HOWEVER it is full of useful reading and is a great memory aid. The vent setting description alone would have been very reassuring in my pocket rather than the hordes of heavier books that had similar information in a much more weighty (literally and figuratively) fashion.Recommended for anyone having a general approach to training and/or a broad based work situation. Also, great for medical students/interns to study up on procedures as well. For these groups this is a 4.5 star book--I really think given what else is in there, a few pages for shoulders and ganglions especially would suit. My professional bias insists that childbirth/perineal lacs and umbilical veins are also as important....I am rounding up to the whole 5 stars though.JTG

As a PA student, I know I can never possibly remember every exam and test for every condition. Having this allows me to refresh my memory without carrying around a textbook. If you are thinking of the kindle version to use on an iPhone 6, consider a few things- the pages don't really fit well so things get a bit off kilter and harder to read, also if an attending sees you reading this, you look smart. If they see you staring at your phone, you look like you are slacking off. I wish Tarascon sold these in sets, I'd probably buy more of them. If you buy this thinking you can learn to be a surgeon, you are delusional. This is a quick reference to refresh your memory or orient you to a procedure you are less familiar with, this isn't the quick guide to field medicine.

Exactly as described

As usual, a fantastic Tarascon book, Tarascon medical procedures are always great. That's why I get them. They explain and diagram everything so well.

Good basic reference for doctors. Obviously not comprehensive, since it is a pocket size.

Used this during surgical rotation, helped. I kept it because it has some really good info incase I want to change specialities.

Pictures could be better, there is not instruction on how to inject the ankle or the hip.But otherwise it has everything you could ever need.

This small book concisely makes important points clear during procedures

be careful its a very very very small book, buy the desk version instead of the pocket one, its very small about 4 inch long and half inch thick

A+