Georgala C, Fokkens W. Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery: From the Lab to the Operating Room: An Evidence-based Approach. Thieme; 2013; 952 pgs.; 700 illustrations; $249.99
Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery is a highly graphic 952-page textbook with contributions from 103 authors. It contains many chapters which may be of interest to the radiologist, including information bearing on our specialty that is not covered in much depth in standard radiology texts. There is one chapter on imaging (26 pages), but it will hold little interest for the radiologist; rather, it is the material in the other chapters that will be of value to our readership.
Section 1 deals with basic science of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and upper airway. It is far more interesting than one would expect, and has information one can use readily on a daily basis (at least to understand the imaging manifestations of diseases). Here we see nice descriptions of anatomical physiology, normal variants (and the importance of recognizing these), allergies, airflow, polyps, and genetics, among and along with other vital areas.
Section 2 deals with rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. While the subject does not sound exciting (compared to all sorts of advanced techniques we deal with), this is one of the most common reasons for imaging, so we ought to know some of the fundamentals our ENT colleagues deal with daily. In this section, as throughout the book, there are well constructed tables, charts, flow diagrams, drawings, and scattered “notes” (points to be emphasized). Chapters contain Key Points, and then, to make sure you were paying attention, a series of Review Questions are included at the end of each chapter, the answers to which are at the end of the book.
Other sections of the book will have variable appeal to the radiologist (you can skip the rhinoplasty section), but sections dealing with tumors of the sella, periorbital masses, malignancies of the sinuses, and nasopharyngeal tumors all have direct implication for our specialty. Again, what has to be stressed is that the reader will see photographs and read information that is best available in a clinical book such as this one.
