Atlas of Sellar, Suprasellar, and Parasellar Lesions

Review by L Flood
Middlesborough, UK

This is a multi-author book, largely drawing on contributions from Indian authors. It is yet a further surgical Atlas from Thieme, publishers who continue to be the mainstay of ENT-related text books. In contrast to their “Atlas of 360 Degree Skull Base Surgery”, which was so all encompassing, this concentrates on one specific anatomical region, territory now so familiar to many an otolaryngologist. For decades the operating microscope allowed our speciality to tackle hypophysectomy, but the advent of the endoscope greatly expanded what could be achieved.

We would expect to see high quality reproduction of imaging and endoscopic colour photography in an atlas from this publisher and they do not disappoint. Labelling of the photographs is discrete and particularly appealing. The text offers a step-wise approach very well tied in to the illustrations and makes excellent use of Case Studies e.g. “Revision Pituitary Macroadenoma with Suprasellar Extension”.

The opening chapters obviously cover the relevant anatomy, together with the role of radiology, anaesthetic and peri-operative care and reconstructive techniques. Lengthy Chapters 7-9 then address the endoscopic approach to sellar lesions, suprasellar lesions and especially the challenge of parasellar extension into the cavernous sinus. Each of the three chapters relies on numerous (11, 19 and 15 respectively) case presentations, many with accompanying videos (no fewer than 25). The emphasis is on macroadenomas of the pituitary gland, but for variety we see craniopharyngiomas, cavernous haemangiomas and even pituitary tuberculosis.

The final chapters discuss the role of intraoperative MRI scanning, traditional but updated open techniques and the place of radiation therapy for pituitary tumours. The videos do prove to be the “Plus” flagged up in red on the cover and really do add to the appeal of this book. It will attract a highly sub-specialised readership, but may also encourage trainees into what the authors suggest “is rewarded by an extreme professional satisfaction.”

Amazon Link: Atlas of Sellar, Suprasellar, and Parasellar Lesions
By purchasing books via this link you will help to fund the JLO