This second edition consists of 18 sections with 75 chapters written by 79 contributors. Of these, 26 chapters are new, reflecting advances in thoracic surgery during the past ten years. Diaphragmatic pacing, lung transplantation, and laser endoscopic procedures are examples of this expanding field. The text is arranged in a logical sequence of anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures, and preoperative evaluation. Following is more specific consideration of the surgical treatment of trauma and diseases of the chest wall, diaphragm, lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. The section on anesthetic treatment of patients undergoing thoracic surgery includes discussion of postoperative care and ventilatory support. Considerable attention is devoted to the continuing study of the function and motor disturbances of the esophagus in the sections on physiology and the esophagus. Chapters dealing with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunology discuss the optional or adjuvant therapies currently available. Technical aspects are well presented in the section on