Nader R, Gragnaniello C, Berta SC, Sabbagh AJ, Levy ML, eds. Neurosurgery Tricks of the Trade. Thieme; 2013; 748 pgs.; 869 illustrations; $249.99.

While obviously written primarily for neurosurgeons, this 748-page hardcover book allows the neuroradiologist not only to gain an appreciation of the surgical approaches to abnormalities of the brain/skull base but also helps in the interpretation of postoperative imaging. Even more importantly, we gain an understanding of what the neurosurgeon looks for and evaluate as surgical plans are considered.

Edited by Drs. Nader, Gragnaniello, Berta, Sabbagh, and Levy, there are nearly 250 contributors, allowing the publication to draw on the expertise of many. There are nine major sections: General Cranial Approaches, Intracranial Tumors, Endoscopic Neurosurgery, Cerebrovascular Surgery, Cranial Trauma, Cranial Infections, Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Functional Neurosurgery, and Pediatric Cranial Surgery. All told there are over 150 surgical procedures described and illustrated (with imaging and excellent drawing).

Although the descriptions of the surgery associated with each area varies from procedure to procedure, the background, clinical presentation, indications, risk factors, operative procedure, outcomes, complications for these areas are described. Endovascular procedures, coiling, stents, liquid embolization are incorporated. Overall, the book provides the neuroradiologist with the information needed to understand what is done (and how) for a host of lesions.

Take, for example, the options in intraparencymal hematomas. Here the indications/contraindications for hematoma evacuation are described (just as indications for other surgeries is done elsewhere in the book) in a bullet-like manner. Included are drawings showing burr holes, cranial flaps, and the extent of the surgery. While it is unlikely that a neuroradiologist would buy a personal copy, this book would be valuable in a neuroradiology library. My suspicion is that it would be referred to often.