Book Review

Atlas of Head and Neck Surgery — Otolaryngology

N Engl J Med 1997; 336:1461-1462May 15, 1997

Article

Atlas of Head and Neck Surgery — Otolaryngology
Edited by Byron J. Bailey, Karen H. Calhoun, Amy R. Coffey, and J. Gail Neely. 934 pp., illustrated. Philadelphia, Lippincott–Raven, 1996. $225. ISBN: 0-397-51315-1

Recent years have seen a proliferation of atlases of the head and neck. Most of these atlases are geared toward specialties of the head and neck, such as facial plastic surgery, oncology, reconstruction, and trauma. Only a few authors have attempted to address the broad field of otolaryngology in a single atlas. Often, a library is complete only if it has multiple atlases.

The editors of this atlas have undertaken to produce a textbook that encompasses the full range of otolaryngology. Approximately 200 authors contributed to the book, and all except 1 are in the United States. The lack of an international cast of authors means that the material presented, although most often state of the art, describes common practice in the United States. Certain procedures (e.g., percutaneous tracheotomy, suprachricoid laryngectomy with chricoidhyoidopexy, and suprachricoid laryngectomy with chricoidhyoidoepiglottopexy) that are common elsewhere but not in this country, are neglected, if not omitted.

Even with so many authors, the chapters have a uniform structure, with diagrams of each procedure. Pertinent indications, special considerations, preoperative preparation, instruments, positioning, and anesthesia are discussed. Pitfalls and potential complications are delineated, and the details of postoperative care are listed. Each procedure is described in sufficient detail for the novice surgeon. A short list of references is included. The uniform structure of the chapters provides a backbone for the book that makes reading about and understanding the various procedures simple. The editors have made sure that the references and material are up to date.

The uniform presentation of the anatomical drawings, which were done by a single artist, links the descriptions of the various techniques. Whether one is looking at a nasal procedure, facial plastic surgery, or an otologic procedure, the pictorial representation is unifying.

The textbook covers all areas of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. The detailed descriptions of simple, routine otolaryngologic procedures, such as septoplasty, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy, are excellent. More complex procedures, such as neck dissection and various otoneurologic procedures, are also covered in detail.

This atlas is excellent for residents and experienced otolaryngologists. It provides a good background for the majority of procedures that the novice otolaryngologist must learn to perform and a good review of pertinent anatomy for a procedure that the experienced otolaryngologist has not performed in a while.

Mark K. Wax, M.D.
State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214