Potsic WP, Cotton RT, Handler SD, Zur KB, eds. Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2016; 694 pp; 900 ill; $169.99
Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology, edited by William P. Potsic, Robin T. Cotton, Steven D. Handler, and Karen B. Zur, is the second edition of this textbook dedicated to the surgical procedures involved it the Pediatric Otolaryngology subspecialty. The first edition, published in 1997, has been an essential tool for most pediatric otolaryngologists. This new edition helps brings updated information involving new technology that has made routine procedures more effective as well as advancements in tech, particularly in the field of hearing. The surgical procedures explained include the surgical protocols used by 24 other faculty members at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Cincinnati Children’s hospital.
The textbook is divided into 8 different sections. Each section begins with highlights regarding the disease processes covered. The first section encompasses ear surgical procedures for chronic otitis media, congenital malformations, trauma, hearing restoration with cochlear implants, and bone anchor hearing aids. An additional chapter on perilymphatic fistula management was surprising due to the rare nature of this entity. The second section deals with problems of the nose, including the management of nasal deformities and trauma, tumors of the nasal cavity, and repair of nasal stenosis, including choanal atresia. This section contrasts the endoscopic versus open approaches for the surgical management of narrowing of the nasal passages. The endoscopic portion provides key instruments that can ease the surgical process.
The next section of the atlas encompasses the surgical management of tumors in addition to structural and functional problems of the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx, particularly the management of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, where it provides a thorough explanation on endoscopic assisted techniques. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are discussed using multiple surgical techniques and advancements in technology.
The fourth section of the textbook addresses the aspect of endoscopic sinus surgery. The first chapter in this section describes all the steps with necessary illustration to perform a full side sinus case. The images within this particular chapter are key for the full understanding of the technique. Included in the description is the surgical management of the frontal sinuses, which are often not fully developed at time of surgery. This section lacks on the endoscopic management for turbinate hypertrophy through partial resection of coblation technique. Similarly, there is no detail-dedicated section for the technique of balloon sinuplasty.
The authors then focus their attention in the management of the neck and airway. This is the most extensive section of the textbook, encompassing the management of difficult airway, both open and endoscopic. Every open technique that can help resolve a congenital or acquired airway narrowing is explained. Furthermore, they discuss the management of congenital airway anomalies including laryngomalacia and glottis webs, as well as tumors of the airway. Surgical techniques, including the use of laser and endoscopic balloon dilation, are proposed for specific cases. The section ends with the management of both congenital and inflammatory neck masses and their surgical management.
A complete section is dedicated to the management of the salivary gland disease, including chronic drooling, stricture and duct repair, as well as completed resection the salivary glands. Of note was the lack of a chapter dedicated to the treatment of salivary gland with botulism injections.
The book dedicates a full section on the value of endoscopic procedures in the pediatric otolaryngology surgical practice. It discusses appropriate positions but assumes the reader has a comprehensive knowledge on instruments available and the indications for each of them. Although office based evaluation of the larynx is explained, no dedicated portion for videostroboscopy was found. Finally, the textbook finishes with the surgical management for facial trauma.
At first glance, the textbook seems to have very simplistic images to illustrate the key points of the surgical procedures. However, upon a closer look it is impressive the work that was done by artists Susan Shapiro, Birck Cox, and Eo Trueblood. Each of the surgical procedures clearly points towards a respective image. Each of these images conveys the surgical step, sometimes better than the written explanation. A nice addition to the textbook would have been digital media that can present some of the most common procedures explained.
Throughout the textbook the surgical procedures that will require preoperative evaluation via neuroimaging are outlined. However, the textbook is skimpy in outlining the particular neuroradiologic findings that will be important during the case. This would be of particular importance during the management of otologic and rhinology surgical cases. Another limiting factor is indication of perioperative antibiotics as recommended by current guidelines.
After reviewing this textbook I have to agree with the authors’ remarks that it serves as a workhorse for pediatric otolaryngologists. However, it is a great asset to most general otolaryngologists who might not be exposed to these procedures on a routine basis but who want still want to maintain their acumen. The book is very well organized allowing it to be a great reference for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist. As a surgical atlas, it relies on the years of experience of the surgeons at these two pediatric institutions and, therefore, no specific references are cited, as the book also assumes that the operating surgeon has previous knowledge regarding the pathophysiology for which the surgical procedure is intended. Drs. Potsic, Cotton, Handler, and Zur have created an outstanding tool for any pediatric otolaryngology fellow, general otolaryngologist, or for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist.
