It is perhaps inevitable that this book will draw comparisons to the well-known Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: Clinical Reference Guide, edited by Raza Pasha and Justin Golub. That book, usually simply referred to as ‘Pasha’, has become a core text for FRCS and board examinations.
Pediatric Otolaryngology is very similar in layout and presentation. It is informative, up-to-date, clear and concise. It gives the important details on everything paediatric, from the most common pathologies to the rarest presentations. At around £100, it could be considered expensive, but is probably about the going rate for a comprehensive guide on this topic.
It is likely to fill a very different niche to its illustrious sister publication. The detail involved is probably in excess of the requirements of board or FRCS examinations. At over 700 pages – filled with facts – it would be a lot to take in if you also had otology, rhinology, sleep medicine, head and neck and facial plastics to consider (although it could be used to clarify points of contention). It is, perhaps more likely to be used in a clinical setting – particularly by those for whom paediatric otolaryngology is part of their clinical practice. The easy access to concise and reliable clinical information would be invaluable when less common presentations are encountered.
In summary, Pediatric Otolaryngology is a worthy addition to the bookshelf for any otolaryngologist who treats children. It is most useful in clinical practice, although it could still be worthwhile as a reference in the approach to exams.
