the surgeon 8 (2010) 123–124
available at www.sciencedirect.com
The Surgeon, Journal of the Royal Colleges
of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland
www.thesurgeon.net
Book reviews
Surgery of peripheral nerves: A case-based approach,
R. Midha, E.L. Zager, Thieme (2008).
Peripheral nerve surgery is preformed by a variety of
surgical specialties including orthopaedics, plastic and
neurosurgery. This book provides a concise overview on
a wide spectrum of peripheral nerve pathologies.
It is a case-based reference structured in 4 sections,
brachial plexus, upper extremity, lower extremity and nerve
tumours. There are 57 cases presented, with differential
diagnosis, anatomy and management explained.
Each case is well organised, into case presentation, diag-
nosis, anatomy, differential diagnosis, diagnostic test, surgical
treatment and outcome/prognosis. This format is adhered by
all contributors. In addition, there is minimal repetition
between contributors writing on similar cases.
Overall this book’s strengths lie in its case-based approach,
its well-organised layout and helpful illustrations. The pearls
and pitfalls section, as well as the listed suggested reading at
the end of each case, makes a useful adjunct for trainee
revision. As this is a broad based exposure to peripheral nerve
surgery, details regarding secondary reconstructive proce-
dures are beyond its scope. The clinical photographs (in S þ W)
are well labelled and supplemented, in places by helpful
illustrations. This book is an excellent reference for the
orthopaedic surgeon and trainee in evaluating and managing
patients with peripheral nerve lesions.
E.E. Fogarty
Charlemont Clinic, Ireland
1479-666X/$ – see front matter
doi:10.1016/j.surge.2009.10.037
Oxford specialist handbook in surgery otolaryngology and
head and neck surgery. G. Warner, A. Burgess, S. Patel,
P. Martinez-Devisa, R. Corbridge
This compact and well presented volume is the latest
incarnation of the previous Oxford Handbook in ENT. It does an
excellent job of presenting a huge amount of information
comprehensively, in an easily accessible and succinct format.
It is aimed at trainees in the specialty but would be of value to
the interested undergraduate or General Practitioner, or those
sitting the Diploma in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. It
is designed as a reference volume which the reader can dip into
as required and should facilitate the building of expert
knowledge quickly.
Although most sections are presented in bullet point
format, in line with the relevant anatomical subdivisions of
the specialty, there are several useful additional chapters
providing complementary information of value to the trainee.
This includes a useful introductory section on such generic
areas as evidence-based medicine, statistics, communication
skills including dealing with difficult colleagues, audit
and clinical governance. This gives the book a rounded and
comprehensive feel. The content is presented logically and
orientated to make practical access easy, so that any topic
arising in the reader’s daily work can be quickly assimilated
and an overview of the condition, its management, operative
techniques and complications studied. Relevant basic
sciences are also covered in each section including anatomy,
embryology, physiology and pathology. There are excellent
sections on emergency management of ENT conditions and
on minor procedures, which are seldom described in text-
books but need to be acquired. A further section covers the
role of allied health professionals and audiologists, who are
integral to the provision of an ENT service.
Fastidious readers may be irritated by the number of
typographical errors but this does not seriously detract from
an excellent addition to the ENT literature. This book is likely
to be used on a regular basis rather than sitting on the book-
shelf. It is sturdily bound and suitable for the white coat
pocket (if such is still worn), failing which enthusiastic
trainees may care to wear it round the neck in lieu of
a stethoscope.