Abstract

The goal of this textbook is to provide a substantive coverage of the fundamental aspects of otology. Although it is always difficult to determine the most appropriate scope of any textbook, a concerted effort to include pediatric otology in this textbook was considered a priority. The first 9 chapters include both pediatric and adult otology and are organized based on anatomic sub-sites. Each chapter includes a brief embryologic review, a more comprehensive anatomic review, and a discussion of pathologic disease processes. Although skull base surgery is certainly a complicated and expansive field, some of the basic principles and fundamental surgical techniques regarding skull base surgery are an important part of otology and are consequently included here in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 is a thorough review of common and uncommon systemic diseases focusing on their otologic manifestations. The subsequent chapter on radiology focuses on normal anatomy as seen on CT scans and MR images. Finally, Chapter 12, Surgical Procedures, is an overview of the common surgical procedures performed in the practice of otology as well as some of the essential skull base procedures. More than 550 coloured images and illustration describing step-by-step presentations of the principal of otological operations.