The contents of this book are a selection taken from materials that have been developed during the preparation of continuing education courses (distance learning), whose scientific advisor is the volume editor, Professor Allaria, and that have never previously been published. The topics considered are wide ranging; particular attention is devoted to general topics of importance to the practitioner, but specific controversial issues, such as the role of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy, are also addressed. All of the authors are recognized experts on the subjects they discuss. The book is part of a wider project that aims to provide updated information each year not only in anesthesiology but also in other fields, including cardiology, ophthalmology, and nephrology.