Francis HW, Niparko JK. Temporal Bone Dissection Guide. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2016; 96 pp; 165 ill; $89.99
The second edition of Temporal Bone Dissection Guide provides an excellent foundation for mastering temporal bone anatomy as well as otologic and neurotologic surgical procedures through a well-organized presentation of essential temporal bone anatomy and its clinical application in temporal bone surgery. The authors’ systematic approach to the presentation of the material parallels the progression of knowledge acquisition and skill development among otolaryngology residents and neurotology fellows-in-training. Following a well-emphasized discussion on the proper use of the operating microscope and otologic instruments, including suction/irrigation and high-speed drills, the authors describe temporal bone surface anatomy and the fundamentals of performing a successful and safe mastoidectomy before proceeding to discuss deeper, more complex anatomic features and mastery of anatomic landmarks in lateral skull base procedures. The second edition has also added a section on endoscopic middle ear dissection, which has become an essential component in mastering otologic surgical technique. Furthermore, this edition has expanded the description of techniques for infratemporal and extended middle fossa dissection.
The text of the dissection manual provides easy-to-follow, fundamental information that is supplemented with well-labeled illustrations, histologic slides, and radiographic images, as well as current references with suggested reading. Furthermore, included with the purchase of the dissection manual is access to online videos of cadaveric and intraoperative temporal bone dissection with narration by the contributing authors. A potential limitation of the manual is that it does not provide images of cadaveric or intraoperative temporal bone dissection, which could help readers further hone their understanding of the complex 3D anatomy.
The accurate and concise information presented in the dissection manual reflects the cumulative surgical and teaching experience of the contributing authors. Although several temporal bone dissection manuals have been published with an emphasis on temporal bone anatomy as it pertains to surgical approaches, a distinguishing feature of this publication is the insight provided by the contributing authors concerning clinical or surgical pearls, potential pitfalls, and the management of complications. Furthermore, the genuine commitment of the contributing authors to teaching and mentorship gleams throughout the manual with words of encouragement, advice on how to remain motivated for lifelong learning, and recommendations for the assessment of competence.
This dissection manual is recommended to medical students, otolaryngology residents, as well as otology/neurotology fellows. The text and illustrations, as well as supplementary online videos, collectively provide focused fundamentals for even the most inexperienced surgeon to understand and apply to procedural technique. The manual also provides descriptions of more advanced temporal bone dissections and surgical approaches, which can challenge even the most advanced surgeons seeking mastery of lateral skull base surgery. An otologist interested in teaching future surgeons would also find this book beneficial, particularly the sections on skill development and the assessment of procedural competence, which include a validated mastoidectomy surgery checklist instrument. A neuroradiologist seeking a more comprehensive understanding of temporal bone pathology may find this manual useful as well.
