Invited Book Review: Prof. Hiralal Konar’s D C Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics Including Perinatology and Contraception

C. N. Purandare^1,2,3

C. N. Purandare is an Consultant Obst and Gyn, Purandare Hospital, Chowpatty, Mumbai, India; Purandare Hospital, Andheri Mumbai, India, and Dean ICOG/Past President FIGO 2015-2018, Former Prof and Unit Head G. M. C. and J. J. Group of Hospital, Mumbai, India.

C. N. Purandare dr.c.n.purandare@gmail.com

1 Purandare Hospital, Chowpatty, Mumbai, India

2 Purandare Hospital, Andheri, Mumbai, India

3 G. M. C. and J. J. Group of Hospital, Mumbai, India

The 10 edition of D C Dutta’s Obstetrics Textbook is released in 2023,within its due time frame. As before , this popular comprehensive textbook is aimed to serve the readers with the updated knowledge. It is enriched with the incorporation of contemporaneous guidelines and the recommendations of FOGSI and the other international academic bodies. Importantly, this 10 edition is written fulfilling the curriculum, as designed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. The presentation and the language throughout the text is simple and unambiguous. It is enriched with huge number (more than 790) of illustrations, photographs, images ( USG, MRI), sketches, flowcharts, and boxes. The key points at the end of each chapter are of special value for quick revision before the examination. QR codes are there for more information. The video lecture series, case presentations, animations for procedures, and maneuvers are added for easy understanding and skill development . Author has given much emphasis on the changing trends in current obstetric practice in India and the world over . Current progress in diagnostic imaging, prenatal diagnosis, labor monitoring and maternal –fetal medicine, have been adequately highlighted. I feel, D C Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics, authored by Prof. Hiralal Konar, is an updated comprehensive textbook .This book is a must for all the medical students, residents, practicing Obstetricians and the midwives.

The 10 edition of this book is just released in January 2023. The first edition came out in 1983. This textbook contains 42 chapters that are classified under respective titles, covering the entire subject of Obstetrics. Each chapter is discussed under different subheads; those are appropriately grouped as mentioned in the content pages. The sequence of presentation and the flow of text information is very appropriate. All the chapters are focused and concise. Each chapter is enriched with updated knowledge and current practice. The changes in this present edition are significant. Importantly, this 10 edition is structured on the curriculum, as designed by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The cover design of the book is meaningful. The presentation and the language throughout the text is simple and unambiguous. Reading the book and understanding are quick due to the incorporation of huge number (more than 790) of illustrations, photographs, sketches, flowcharts, and boxes. The key points at the end of each chapter are of special value for quick revision before the examination. The color selection and presentation of the book is attracting and has reading comfort.

More information as regarding the text could be obtained with the use of QR codes. The video lecture series, case presentations, animations for procedures, and maneuvers are added to help further understanding. The area of vivavoce, Single-Based Answer (SBA), and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) are for practice before the examination.

The chapter (Ch-40), “Current Topics in Obstetrics,” has been most appropriately discussed. The chapter on “Practical Obstetrics” (Ch-42) is a special. It is enriched with profuse number of figures and clinical photographs and imaging studies. Some of these photographs are with rare cases. These are of immense value. The topics “Medical Ethics” and “Effective Clinical Communication” (Ch-40), I like the most. It is the need of the day that a medical student must learn more to be a human being for the society, rather than a doctor to treat a patient.

I feel, Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics, authored by Prof. Hiralal Konar, is an updated textbook and should be a companion of all the students.