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When a man has given the major part of sixteen years of his working life to the development of a special technique, it can be concluded that he has at least gained a very considerable knowledge of the theory of the subject; when in addition, as a surgeon, he has treated over sixteen thousand cases in the same length of time, it will be understood that the technique devised must have merit. Therapists, like other men, should remember that the greatest good for the greatest number is a well approved goal. Time is of the essence, and all doctors must apportion their time with a certain regard to the value of its expenditure.
Now, there is scarcely anything more common to humanity, more aggravating to patients, and more time-consuming to surgeons than varicose veins; thus anyone who proposes a method which is rapid, safe, and readily reproducible by the hands of those properly taught, has conferred a boon on the community in general, and has reduced the burden on surgeons in particular. Here in Dublin, we have watched the development of Mr. Fegan's technique and clinics with admiration; firstly, for his organizing ability, and secondly, for the fact that despite the increased load of practical responsibility, he has also expanded parri passu his methods of recording and his research activities in this subject.
The result of this is a book which cannot fail to be of considerable interest to many different medical men. Herein will be found his technique, his results, his attitude towards other methods of treatment, sometimes controversial, often instructive, and at all times stimulating. This book is no mere record of technical minutiae, but these are clearly given; the chapters on more fundamental aspects of the varicose vein problem, particularly those on the relevant anatomy, clinical pathology and histology, contain much that is new and thought-provoking.
Finally, I wish to thank Mr. Fegan for asking me to write this foreword, because it gives me an opportunity of expressing my admiration for his efforts and for those of his assistants and research workers towards devising a simple and rational approach to a common but surprisingly baffling human affliction.
PATRICK A FITZGERALD
Senior Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, University College Dublin.