Top Must-Read Books for Surgery Residency

In clinical practice, having a strong foundation is crucial for success, and the right books can significantly shape your journey in surgery. Whether you're in medical school or residency, selecting the best surgery books is a game-changer for your career. The vast number of surgery textbooks can be overwhelming, but making informed decisions about what to read will set you on the path to success.

Here, I've curated a list of essential surgery books that every medical student and resident should read, to help you navigate your studies and clinical practice with confidence.

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Bailey and Love- Top book for Surgery residency

It is an essential  book to be  followed  from undergraduate level and to the  post graduation. The book has evolved beautifully from the earlier editions and is a nice read. The content is great , easy to understand and tables and diagrams are self explanatory. In the latest edition, summary boxes have been nicely placed which are essential for MCQs.

There are many new chapters in the 28th edition and many of the controversies of the previous years have been put to rest.

It gives snippets of great and famous surgeons at the bottom which itself is a great read. 

This book has a worldwide following and every time you read it, you feel you gain something new.

How to read and use this book

- General Surgery topics like inflammation, infection , wound healing, sutures are commonly asked in all exams . Important MCQs from bailey are covered here.

-Its better that you don't try to memorize everything that’s given in it. Just get a basic idea about the etiology, pathogeneses , work up and management.

- Give all the topics 2-3 reads and back it up with your clinical experience.

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2. NMS Surgery

Its a very good book in question and answers format.  This book's questions are very hard, but the explanations are thorough and useful. The book has been published recently  this year and the sources cited are fairly current. It gives very detailed and precise answers and help you understand the topic well.

This fully revised 21st Edition continues to provide the key information, essential teaching pearls, and completely updated content needed to make the most informed surgical decisions and achieve optimal outcomes for patients

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3. Hamilton Bailey Clinical Signs

This book teaches you how and where to start in an investigating type of way. It also highlights  Hamilton Bailey's original message regarding the importance of physical signs in clinical surgery.

The book is easy to understand and a must for your surgery clinical posting.

Why you should read it:

• Easy to understand, making it an excellent companion for clinical rotations.
• Focuses on the investigative approach to diagnosing surgical conditions.
• A timeless guide to recognizing and interpreting clinical signs

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Essential resources for surgical training include texts that support residents in mastering procedures and decision-making. Mastery of Surgery, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, and Farquharson's Textbook of Operative General Surgery are among the most recommended books in surgery residency, offering in-depth knowledge and practical skills for aspiring surgeons

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4. Sabiston text book of Surgery

The new edition of Sabiston is concise and precise. It  provides key  information, essential teaching pearls, and completely updated content to help you grasp and enjoy the subject. Chapters in General surgery, GI Surgery and Cardiac surgery are detailed and some times over whelming for undergrdauates.

Why it's a must-have:

• Detailed chapters cover all major areas of surgery, making it a cornerstone for postgraduate study.
• Precise and up-to-date, this book offers invaluable teaching pearls for mastering surgical knowledge.
• A challenging yet rewarding read for those preparing for higher-level exams.

The book is a must for post graduates and for those preparing for superspeciality exams.

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5. Mastery of Surgery 

Mastery of surgery has always been a favorite amongst undergraduates although for selective topics. Buy it in late 2nd or 3rd year  and use it for selective topics. The content is easy to understand and will help in OT postings

Its a  foundational text for surgical education, providing comprehensive insights into both fundamental and advanced surgical techniques.

This book is widely used for in-depth guidance on procedures, preoperative planning, postoperative care, and managing complications, making it a key resource for surgeons aiming to elevate their skills.

 

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6. Farquharson's Operative surgery

When we think of books in surgical residency, I found Farquharson indispensable. It wasn't just a textbook; it felt like a mentor in print, guiding me through the essentials with clarity and precision.

Every consultant and senior used to ask "Havent you read Farquharson?

Each procedure was broken down into manageable steps, making complex surgeries feel less daunting. The straightforward explanations and logical flow helped me grasp the “why” behind each maneuver, not just the “how.” The illustrations were great, helping me mentally prepare before entering the operating room. The book  gave me confidence when I was still building my skills, offering practical insights that stayed with me throughout my training.

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7. Zollinger Surgery Atlas 

During my surgical residency, Zollinger’s Atlas of Surgical Operations became a must-have resource. It wasn’t just a book; it felt like a mentor guiding me step-by-step through each procedure. The detailed visuals helped me understand the anatomy and the sequence of movements, which boosted my confidence before every operation. With so many procedures covered, I could always find what I needed, whether prepping for a routine case or something more complex. This atlas was my go-to for refining technique and building the precision essential to surgical practice.

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If you have spare time you might want to look at top novels for surgeons or top TV shows in Surgery