Becoming a general surgeon is a tough process. It requires knowledge, hard work, and practice. Residency is a key time to learn all these skills. Along with working in the operating room and learning from experienced surgeons, reading good surgical books is also very important. This article lists 10 important general surgery books and resources that every resident worldwide should read.

Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

Often called the "Bible" of general surgery, Sabiston covers everything from basics to advanced techniques. Regularly updated, it includes the latest research and treatments.

Why read it? Great coverage, clear illustrations, and expert authors. Ideal for learning the basics and going deeper into topics.

 Schwartz's Principles of Surgery

Schwartz teaches basic surgical concepts, disease processes, and decision-making in patient care. Its writing is clear, making it suitable for early-stage residents.

Why read it? Focuses on case thinking and understanding fundamentals, with helpful charts, step-by-step guides, and wide topic coverage.

Greenfield’s Surgery: Scientific Principles and Practice

Combines scientific principles with practical surgical guidance, explaining diseases and their molecular causes, as well as less common procedures.

Why read it? Detailed info on specific conditions and the science behind surgery; integrates theory with practice.

Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry

Mental health is critical in surgical care. This book helps understand patients' psychological issues and improves communication.

Why read it? Offers a full view of mental health in patient care, aids in managing pre- and post-surgical anxiety or depression.

 ABSITE Review / Board Review Books

Board review books vary by country and exam, such as ABSITE in the U.S. They provide summaries, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations.

Why read it? Efficient exam preparation, quick content review, and familiarity with exam structure.

 Comprehensive Care of the Surgical Patient

Covers pre-, intra-, and post-operative patient care, including fluids, nutrition, complications, and ICU management.

Why read it? Improves patient management skills, understanding of surgical physiology, and complication prevention.

 Langman’s Medical Embryology

Essential for understanding developmental disorders and birth defects requiring surgery. Explains embryonic development and related conditions.

Why read it? Enhances understanding of disease origins, aids in diagnosis and care of birth defects, and strengthens knowledge of body structures.

 Surgical Atlas Books (e.g., Zollinger’s Atlas of Surgical Operations)

Visual guides with step-by-step drawings of surgeries, both simple and complex.

Why read it? Improves visual understanding, spatial awareness, and preparation for the operating room.

 General Surgery Review Podcasts / Online Resources

Though not books, podcasts and online resources allow learning on the go, offering expert talks and latest info.

Why listen? Quick, accessible reviews; learning during free time; stay updated with new ideas.

 Non-Clinical Skills Books (Communication, Ethics, Leadership)

Surgery requires soft skills in addition to technical knowledge. Books on communication, ethics, and leadership help develop these essential abilities.

Why read it? Builds interpersonal, leadership, and management skills critical for successful surgical careers.

Final Thoughts

Engaging with these ten categories of literature provides a comprehensive guide for general surgery residents. Actively taking notes, discussing with mentors, and applying knowledge in practice are key steps. Investing in your education is the most valuable step toward becoming a skilled, empathetic, and proficient surgeon. Wishing you success on your journey!