This is a volume compiled into a ‘handy reading’ format on Complications in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, which cites as its special features:
1) the first complete, one-volume source on risks and complications in otology, rhinology, and head and neck surgery;
2) written by a team of leading worldwide authorities, who share tips, tricks, pearls and clinical experience in every instructive chapter;
3) formatted for easy accessibility, including a definition of each complication and its sequelae, incidence of occurrence, point during surgery when it is most likely to happen, tips for avoiding it, and techniques for managing it;
4) includes current scientific, evidence-based information throughout; and
5) generously illustrated, with more than 400 full-colour, intra-operative photographs and endoscopic images to help readers visualise surgical problems and solutions for every case, including revision surgery.
The volume is, as expected, up to the usual high standard of all Thieme publications, with the contents presented in three main sections, I) Otology and Lateral Skull Base, II) Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base and III) Head and Neck Surgery, each section having two editors responsible for the authorship of each subsection. Prof Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen from the University of Barcelona was the over-seer of the topics and content.
Within each section there are subsections, six in otology, 11 in rhinology, and six within head and neck, each of which contains additional sections dealing with complications specific to head and neck anatomic sites (17) or dealing with reconstructive techniques (3). Each of the sections is liberally referenced, up to the middle of 2011. The volume credits 63 authors, with the majority based in the USA, Spain, Italy, Germany and Canada, with the occasional contribution from Turkey, UK and Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Brazil and Australia, which reflects the section editors’ selection of contributors and their reputed clinical and surgical expertise.
There are a number of new chapters differing from the previous head and neck complication textbooks and reflecting changing surgical practice and innovations. New chapters covered are: cochlear implants and implantable devices, lateral skull base, nasolacrimal system, endoscopic skull base surgery, obstructive sleep apnoea surgery, cleft lip and palate, intubation injuries and airway management, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, transoral laser microsurgery for malignant tumours, cricotracheal resection, sialendoscopy, parapharyngeal space surgery and infectious diseases.
This book is a modern, up-to-date textbook on the avoidance and management of complications in otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery, which is well illustrated, well referenced, and beautifully printed and presented, and in the opinion of the reviewer, excellent value for money.
This book should be purchased by all residents and aspiring surgeons of head and neck (all specialty disciplines) who are starting out in their careers. It should be read prior to performing surgery and not after surgery, as most complications can be avoided if not minimised.
