BOOK REVIEWS

EUGENE L. ALFORD, MD
Book Review Editor

EDITOR'SNOTE: The reviewers have rated the books on a scale of one to five stars. The highest ratings are given to books
that fulfill thelr objectives and skillfully convey information to the chosen audlence. Books are judged on appropriateness
and completeness of detail for the targeted audience, quality of writing, editorial skill (especially multlauthored books),
illustrations, and photography. It is hoped thls code wlll aid the reader in selecting books for his or her permanent llbrary.
The rating scale is as follows: -k-k~.k.k Outstanding, a classic, should be on the shelf of anyone interested in the subject;
.k~-.A-.*- Strong, well-written book with major contributions in some areas; -k'k~r Informative book that should be read, if
not owned, by individuals with interest in the field; *~r Some worthwhile information, but with deficiencies in writing style
or completeness;. Major shortcomlngs, not recommended.

It.k~r~t operation. Of note, this color scheme can occasionally be con-

A t l a s of H e a d a n d N e c k S u r g e r y - O t o l a r y n -
g o l o g y , by Byron J. Bailey, Karen H. Calhoun, Amy R.
Coffey, and J. Gall Neely, 934 pages with illustrations.
Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1996. $231.00.
To attempt to review and describe all surgical procedures
within the purview of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in
a single text is an immense undertaking. In Atlas of Head and
Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology, Dr. Bailey and his coeditors
have succeeded in this challenging endeavor by providing a
thorough and comprehensive atlas while maintaining attention
to technical detail in the discussion of each procedure.
The atlas is divided into five sections, including "Head
and Neck," "Otologic Procedures," "Plastic and Reconstruc-
tive Surgery," "Endoscopy," and "Pediatric and General
Otolaryngology." Many prominent otolaryngologists have
contributed chapters, each dedicated to discussion of a single
operative procedure. The organization of the chapters is uni-
form throughout the atlas and includes indications, con-
traindications, special considerations, preoperative prepara-
tion, tips and pearls, and postoperative care issues pertinent to
each procedure. After this presentation is a precise technical
description of the operation, accompanied by a minimum of a
full page of illustrations. In addition, references are cited for
each chapter.
The chapters are informative and explicit, providing
detailed instructions for each procedure. Descriptions of inno-
vative, modern operations are included, as are traditional
approaches to surgical problems. With its focus on practical
issues, this atlas serves as a valuable resource for otolaryn-
gologists at all levels of expertise, from residents-in-training
to highly specialized clinicians. The format selected allows
for coverage of a tremendous scope of material, without
intending to provide a lengthy or definitive review of each
topic. The concise presentation of a single author's approach
to a procedure, however, inherently limits the reader's expo-
sure to potential variations in technique.
The illustrations are drawn in black and white, with red
color highlights of critical anatomic structures or technical
points. The drawings complement the textual description with
a clear visual representation of the procedure. The use of sin-
gle-color highlighting aids in emphasizing key aspects of the
fusing in its variance from traditional color atlases, in which
the use of red is specific to vascular structures.
Atlas of Head & Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology is an
extremely well organized and complete depiction of current
surgical procedures performed in all of the various subspe-
cialties of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The
strength of this atlas lies in the uniformity of its presentation
and in the breadth of the information it contains.
Undoubtedly, this atlas will serve as a useful asset to the col-
lection of any otolaryngologist.
Shelly J. McQuone, MD
~r~r~r~r
H e a r i n g Loss, by Peter S. Roland, Bradley E Marple, and
William L. Meyerhoff. 328 pages; 192 illustrations. Thieme,
New York, 1997. $69.00.
Since 1990 there have been a vast number of additions to
the diagnostic and therapeutic armementarium of heating care
givers. Hearing Loss provides a timely overview of a wide
range of ear-related disorders and clinical interventions used
to address hearing loss and vestibular disorders.
Anatomic features and pathophysiologic mechanisms are
described in detail in early chapters. Classic illustrations have
been reprinted in black and white, offering a compelling visu-
al complement to text that examines both the auditory and
vestibular systems. This text is particularly strong in the clar-
ity and completeness of its discussions of basic anatomy and
physiology. Chapters that discuss audiologic, vestibular, and
otologic diagnostic methods are similarly clear and succinct,
with ample illustrations. A lengthy chapter on retrocochlear
pathology provides a comprehensive overview of current top-
ics in neurotology and skull base surgery. The burgeoning
fields of auditory and vestibular rehabilitation are treated in
two particularly well done and up to date chapters that close
the text. The text is well indexed.
This text provides a concise and up-to-date information
source for any clinician interested in clinical aspects of hear-
ing and balance disorders. It provides a rich collection of
effective illustrations and is highly recommended as a gener-
al reference.
John K. Niparko, MD

422 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery March 1998