Otologic Surgery 5th Edition, edited by Derald Brackmann, Clough Shelton, Moises Arriaga and Richard Gurgel, is a textbook masterpiece. The book is written in tribute to the editors’ mentors: Drs Howard House, William House and James Sheehy, whose pioneering work at The House Clinic and Institute helped put otology on the map as a speciality unto itself.
This 700-page comprehensive book comprises well organised chapters, covering all aspects of otology including auditory implantation, neuro-otology, skull base and facial nerve reanimation. Surgical steps are beautifully depicted in artistic illustrations which represent surgical techniques that have stood the test of time and form the bedrock of what is still performed by surgeons today.
The authors are almost exclusively US based and so, in places, there is a slight variance in some aspects of management compared to the UK, but this does not detract from the high standard of information throughout. The textbook is also supplemented by 70 surgical videos spanning a wide range of otological procedures, the less common operations including; reconstruction for patulous eustachian tube, superior canal dehiscence surgery, infracochlear drainage of the petrous apex etc.
Based on the content, which gives a wealth of expertise in anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgical technique, postoperative complications and evidenced-based management, I think this book is appropriately priced and, as an otologist, I consider it a prized possession on my bookshelf!
