This is the latest edition of Sir Zachary Cope's classic on the physical diagnosis of the acute abdomen. Cope died two years after the last edition (14th) appeared in 1972. The present edition has been carefully and thoughtfully prepared by William Silen.
Cope's Early Diagnosis of the Acute Abdomen retains the essence of the earlier editions. The outstanding feature of the book is the clear, succinct description of symptoms and signs by an astute and experienced clinician who has based the narration solidly on anatomy and pathophysiology.
Dr Silen has effectively handled the difficult task of maintaining the original thrust and flavor, while updating sections in need of change. This has been done by deletions, revisions, and additions of new material.
The approach has been conservative. The basic description of symptoms and signs has been preserved. Most of the deleting and rewriting has been in the description of differential diagnosis