Bailey is a decent text for surgery. It covers everything from physiology to diagnosis to treatment. However unlike most American textbooks it does not rely on evidence based protocols or standard guidelines. In fact you won't find many guidelines in there. It is a "traditional" text that tends to rely on authors experiences . I don't say that it is a bad text. But it is not advisable to read it in US med schools because you are likely to get answers in CK and shelf exams wrong . Also it is quite lengthy .
Having said that the book has an extraordinarily rich collection of images. It also covers urology , orthopedics and thoracic surgery quite well. In GIT the coverage of intestinal obstruction is superb , Practical guidance of what to do in an operating room is superbly offered. Other noteworthy coverage is that of rectal cancer . APR and LAR is nicely and succinctly covered. If you are truly interested in surgery you can use it for these purposes. However use the books recommended by your profs during the clerkship. And of course seniors. Don't try reading L&B cover to cover as a main text.
