The Healing Blade: A Tale of Neurosurgery

by Edward J. Sylvester

Describes the work of neurosurgeon Robert Spetzler and his colleagues at Barrow Neurological Institute and the cases of eight patients, illustrative of the accomplishments and limitations of modern neurosurgery. By the author of Cancer. 30,000 first printing. Tour.

Genres: Science

240 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1981

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a way to know better who would be operating on my son and later, on myself. What I wasn't prepared for was the fascinating, dramatic side of neurosurgery--the standstill procedure--where the patient has no heartbeat, no breathe, no blood flow, no viable temperature, no brainwaves or brain activity. Patients are taken to death and brought back to life. Healing Blade is a fitting title. When a neuro patient is in the hands of a skilled and experienced doctor, one such as Spetzler, miracles are a frequent occurrence. The chapters on Barrow's history can be slow reading--just pass over it. Otherwise, a must read for anyone with a brain ;)

[Sa'Adatu Yakubu]

Good book