F. Henry Ellis, Jr., and Arthur M. Olsen have brought us from the Mayo Clinic a comprehensive monograph on esophageal achalasia which must rank as a classic treatise on this poorly understood lesion. They combine an historical interest with one of the world's largest series, plus a productive investigational program, both clinical and laboratory, to produce this remarkably complete and readable book. It is the ninth and latest volume in the "Major Problems in Clinical Surgery."
The subject is logically presented in nine chapters, from history to surgical results. Special considerations are given to physiologic studies by C. F. Code, MD, and J. F. Schlegel, MD, and to roentgenologic manifestations by H. C. Carlson, MD. The surgeon will be particularly attracted to the chapter on the development of surgery for esophageal achalasia which skillfully presents, in word and diagram, the myriad procedures designed for relief of the lower esophageal obstruction