The traditional method of history-taking and examination allows for the collection of comprehensive clinical information, but what do the signs and symptoms elicited mean? Taking the most commonly presented surgical complaints, this book guides the student, initiating the process of thinking that should lead to accurate and effective diagnosis. The handbook shows how to make a rapid analysis of the history and examination of the patient. It offers a problem-orientated approach covering common symptoms, classification of causes of symptoms, case presentations illustrating each chapter, and guidance on which questions to ask the patient, together with the reasons for asking and interpretation of answers.