Reviewer: Ramsis Farid Ghaly, MD, FACS (Ghaly Neurosurgical Associates)
Description: This is the third edition of a well-established textbook on pediatric neurosurgery written by world-renowned authors. The previous edition was published in 2008.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a timely update of a standard reference in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. This edition is authored by 159 experts from around the world.
Audience: The audience includes pediatric and neonatal neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroanesthesiologists, and neuroradiologists, as well as trainees in these fields.
Features: The book is encyclopedic in nature, covering all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery, ranging from general concepts to specific disorders. The first part of the book reviews general information about neonates and children before addressing specific etiologies of brain and spinal disorders, including congenital and developmental, tumors, trauma, cerebrovascular, functional, and infectious. The last section covers neuroanesthesia. The book reviews some ongoing advances in neurosurgery, such as image guidance, and minimally-invasive technology including endoscopic and cellular therapy. It covers not only principles, but also medical management and rehabilitation. Each chapter is divided by common headings such as introduction, material and methods, clinical presentations, diagnostics, pathology, patient selection, surgical techniques, results, complications, discussion, conclusion, pearls, and references. Among the impressive features are the various types of illustrations (more than 1,000), which include operative photos and images, as well as the summary tables, algorithms, the pearls, and the extensive references for further reading. The actual patient photos and diagrammatic illustrations are very helpful, particularly for developmental and congenital disorders.
Assessment: This current and comprehensive review of the field of pediatric neurosurgery has been extensively updated and includes seven new chapters. The book is both practical and handy. The authors and contributors should be congratulated for this outstanding new edition.
Praise for previous editions:
"I am sure that this second edition of Principles and Practice of Pediatric Neurosurgery will continue to be the standard text for residents, consultants, and attendings the world over." Journal of Neurosurgery
"Lavishly illustrated and eminently readable, this book should find a place in every pediatric neurosurgeon's library." Pediatric Neurosurgery