Surgery and Its Alternatives: How to Make the Right Choices for Your Health

"Surgery and Its Alternatives" is the first book of its kind, a groundbreaking work offering a comprehensive discussion of both surgical and alternative approaches to a wide range of medical issues. Dr. Sandra McLanahan, a respected family practice doctor on the East Coast, and Dr. David McLanahan, a general surgeon practicing on the West Coast, present everything readers need to empower themselves to be active participants in decisions about their surgery -- including how to avoid it altogether.

Dr David McLanahan covers those aspects of traditional surgery that many surgeons don't, including:
-- pre-operative tests
-- advantages and disadvantages of various types of anesthesia
-- precise and accessible descriptions of more than 200 operations
-- new surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures

Dr. Sandra McLanahan helps readers make informed decisions on:
-- when and how to use alterative and complementary medicine, either as a substitute for or in conjunction with surgery
-- preparing physically and mentally for surgery when it's deemed necessary
-- using nutrition, acupuncture, vitamins and stress management techniques to ease post-operative discomfort and speed recovery
-- lifestyle changes to avoid the unneeded dangers and side effects of a non-emergency operation

"Surgery and Its Alternatives" is a remarkable and seminal work that allows readers to become familiar with the full range of healing choices, so that they can make the best possible decisions about their own heath.