People undergo surgery for various reasons, sometimes as an effective treatment option to alleviate pain, treat diseases, or enhance bodily functions. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), almost 15 million people in the United States undergo surgery each year at hospitals or same-day surgery centers. While surgeries often save lives, they also carry significant risks such as bleeding, anesthesia side effects, and infection. Advancements in surgical techniques, like lasers and laparoscopic surgery, have improved surgeons' ability to manage complications and minimize patient risks. Surgery Sourcebook, Sixth Edition provides comprehensive information on surgical specialties, common types of surgeries, procedures, associated risks, pain management, and recovery. It also addresses rehabilitation after surgery and includes a glossary and directory of additional resources. Part 1: Introduction to Surgery covers surgical specialties, major types of surgeries (emergency, exploratory, cosmetic), techniques (laser, robotic-assisted), and includes statistics and latest research. Part 2: Preparing for Surgery advises patients on finding qualified surgeons, obtaining second opinions, and preparation tips. It details services of ambulatory surgical centers, blood transfusions, managing anxiety, patient safety, financial planning, and medical tourism. Part 3: Common Types of Surgery and Surgical Procedures outlines various surgeries including head and neck, eye, dental, breast, lung, heart, vascular, joint, spine, gastrointestinal, weight-loss (bariatric), gynecologic, obstetric, urological, organ, tissue transplantation, and plastic surgery. Part 4: Managing Pain and Surgical Complications focuses on postoperative care, including pain control, blood loss management, and preventing infections like catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridium difficile, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It also addresses complications such as abdominal adhesions, deep vein thrombosis, and surgical adverse events. Part 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation after Surgery discusses the recovery process, post-surgery expectations, tube feeding, artificial airways, assisted ventilation, hospital discharge planning, and disparities in surgical care. Part 6: Additional Help and Information offers a glossary of surgical terms and directories of organizations providing support and information to surgical patients and caregivers.