The authors of this book use concise text and very accurate drawings to present the basic steps of common pediatric surgical procedures. An efficient approach for each procedure, ranging from tonsillectomy to laryngotracheoplasty, is the result of their more than 60 years of surgical experience. The very well-qualified authors meet their objective to provide a visual reference for the general or pediatric otolaryngologist. It is extensive in the procedures that are included. However, it does not address esoteric procedures. A basic knowledge of disease etiology and treatment plans is assumed. Although written for the otolaryngologist, the complete and systematic presentation of each procedure will be appreciated by students, residents, and ancillary staff. It is an excellent tool for small group discussions or preoperative teaching. Separate chapters address the ear, the nose, the nasopharynx, oral cavity and oropharynx, sinus surgery, the neck, the salivary glands, endoscopy, and facial trauma. The following subsections are included for each procedure: indications, preoperative evaluation, operative technique, and complications. The operative technique text continuously refers to the illustrations that alone can be used to review a procedure. Shapiro Benman's precise black-and-white illustrations provide detail sometimes unattainable in photographs. The illustrations are well proportioned and nicely arranged. Fine details are clarified with enlarged fields. Avoiding confusion, the table of contents is composed of anatomical rather than proper names. The brief but complete index is helpful. Additional literary references are not provided. The atlas is a well-organized textwith abundant easy-to-follow illustrations. The general or pediatric otolaryngologist can rely on it for quick recall of procedures only seen or performed some time ago. Students, residents, and ancillary staff will enjoy using it. It is an important addition to the otolaryngology literature and will be used if available.
Reviewer: Robert M Arensman, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This is the second edition of a well-known "show and tell" or picture book on operative technique in pediatric otolaryngology. It has been 19 years since the first edition, so an update is very much needed to cover all the advances during that period. As Dr. Wetmore says in his foreword, "the breadth of pediatric otolaryngology has changed little but the complexity of many surgical techniques is now reflected in the advanced procedures required to return an affected child to a normal or nearly normal life."
Purpose: The book sets out to provide "a step-by-step well-illustrated description of the surgical procedures required for treating children with otolaryngologic disease..." The book succeeds wonderfully in fully illustrating almost all the common disorders of childhood with one or two well accepted and standard of care techniques.
Audience: Because the book is short and follows the same template from chapter to chapter (indications, preoperative evaluation, operative technique, alternative techniques, and complications), it is clear and easy to read. The illustrations are all black and white, generally full or half page, therefore large and easy to see and comprehend. Consequently, this book can be read and enjoyed by students, residents, fellows, other pediatric surgical specialists, and attending ENT surgeons. It is edited by four well-known pediatric ENT specialists in the U.S. who have assembled 24 contributors, primarily from the pediatric ENT services in Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
Features: The book is divided into eight sections based on anatomy: ear, nose, naso/oropharynx, sinus, neck, salivary glands, endoscopy, and facial trauma. It is easy to find a desired subject, but there are no references to support the techniques chosen for illustration. All illustrations are line drawings, in black and white, on good quality paper. There are no color illustrations or operative photographs. Of note is that most of the illustrations show drains, at a time when this practice is diminishing or has disappeared.
Assessment: Overall, this is a nice technical atlas for all the common operations in pediatric otolaryngology. It is a fun book to hold, open, and read. It is a valuable reference on what can be done for what are common, frequently encountered, and often vexing problems.
Drs. Potsic, Cotton, Handler, and Zur have created an outstanding tool for any pediatric otolaryngology fellow, general otolaryngologist, or for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist. — American Journal of Neuroradiology
Neatly simplified description of surgical steps make this book a very easy read...I would recommend this book to all otolaryngologists from residents to senior surgeons, who deal with pediatric population. — Otology & Neurotology
