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An otolaryngologist's guide to allergy
Book Reviews
Book Reviews ROGER KAUFMAN, MD, EDITOR
Lasers in Otolaryngology-Head
Davis. Philadelphia, $85.
and Neck Surgery. RK
PA, Saunders,
as a reference source, as well as an atlas, on laser applications for all subspecialists within the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
1990, 220 pages,
CRAIG S. MURAKAMI, MD Seattle, WA
Lasers in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, edited by R. Kim Davis, MD, is a concise update of laser applications for today’s otolaryngologist. Since the first discovery of the ruby laser in the 196Os, numerous lasers have appeared in the surgical literature and operating theater. With each instrument more sophisticated and complex than its predecessor, the field of laser surgery has now grown into a complex topic difficult to present within the confines of a ZOO-page volume. For the most part, Dr Davis has achieved this benchmark, producing a good reference for all otolaryngologists interested in laser surgery. Contributors to the book include John A. Dixon, MD, Robert Ossoff, DMD, MD, James Parkin, MD, and Stanley Shapshay, MD, who collectively represent a vast amount of clinical experience in laser surgery. Most have been instrumental in the application of laser surgery to otolaryngologylhead and neck surgery, and are well represented in the laser literature. The purpose of this book is to provide a general reference to head and neck, facial plastic, and otologic surgeons within our specialty. It is well written, generously referenced, easy to understand, and includes sufficient photographs and drawings to also function as a surgical atlas. The broad range of current otolaryngologic laser practice is covered, with especially descriptive chapters on benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck, laryngeal surgery, vascular lesions, and facial plastic applications. Each topic is reviewed in a thorough manner, with the authors sharing the benefits of their personal experience, including items of particular interest to the clinical reader. The few shortcomings of this book stem primarily from the participation of multiple authors. Some material is repeated, while other important topics are unfortunately glossed over. For example, there is no chapter devoted strictly to a general discussion of basic laser physics and theory. This is a minor problem for readers with experience in laser surgery, but could pose a difficulty for interested residents or less-experienced otolaryngologists who might approach this book as a reference source for more basic information regarding how a laser functions. Additional chapters devoted to laser instrumentation, safety, and endoscopic equipment modifications would also be helpful. This is not meant to imply that these topics are entirely omitted: each author discusses aspects of these subjects, but only in relation to that chapter’s primary focus of interest. Despite minor problems, this book is recommended
An Otolaryngologist’s Guide to Allergy. HC King. New York, NY, Thieme Medical, 1990, 256 pages, $49. Dr Hueston King has written a superb guide for those otolaryngologists interested in incorporating the field of allergy into their practice. This book was written for the novice just entering the field of allergy. It differs from Dr King’s Otolaryngologic Allergy published in 1981 by Symposia Specialists in that it is not a textbook, but rather a guide into the field. The book is divided into three sections. The first is a general introduction to the field of otolaryngologic allergy, discussing both inhalant and food allergens. There is also a simplified chapter on immunology in which the four Gel1 and Coomb’s type reactions are discussed. The next two sections deal with testing and therapy. Both skin testing and in vitro testing are clearly explained and outlined for the reader who may be new to this field. The diagnosis of food allergy as seen in the otolaryngologist’s office is also clearly outlined. The section on therapy includes chapters on immunotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and the treatment of food allergy. After a very concise and accurate description of some of the complications of allergy care, the guide ends with a chapter on the practical aspects of incorporating allergy into the practice of otolaryngology. An Otolaryngologist’s Guide to Allergy fills a very useful niche in the literature, in that it clearly, succinctly, and with a positive attitude encourages the general otolaryngologist who wishes to start an allergy practice. This book is meant to whet the novice’s appetite, following which he or she can delve into more detailed texts, such as Dr Helen Krause’s Otolaryngic Allergy and Immunology (Saunders, 1989). The otolaryngologist considering starting an allergy practice would be well advised to read this guide. Residents in otolaryngology as well as experienced allergy technicians will also find this book very interesting, informative, and well written. Dr King has done an admirable job and should be complimented for recognizing and fulfilling the need for such a guide. ROGER S. KAUFMAN, MD Syracuse, NY
63
Book Reviews ROGER KAUFMAN, MD, EDITOR
Lasers in Otolaryngology-Head
Davis. Philadelphia, $85.
and Neck Surgery. RK
PA, Saunders,
as a reference source, as well as an atlas, on laser applications for all subspecialists within the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
1990, 220 pages,
CRAIG S. MURAKAMI, MD Seattle, WA
Lasers in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, edited by R. Kim Davis, MD, is a concise update of laser applications for today’s otolaryngologist. Since the first discovery of the ruby laser in the 196Os, numerous lasers have appeared in the surgical literature and operating theater. With each instrument more sophisticated and complex than its predecessor, the field of laser surgery has now grown into a complex topic difficult to present within the confines of a ZOO-page volume. For the most part, Dr Davis has achieved this benchmark, producing a good reference for all otolaryngologists interested in laser surgery. Contributors to the book include John A. Dixon, MD, Robert Ossoff, DMD, MD, James Parkin, MD, and Stanley Shapshay, MD, who collectively represent a vast amount of clinical experience in laser surgery. Most have been instrumental in the application of laser surgery to otolaryngologylhead and neck surgery, and are well represented in the laser literature. The purpose of this book is to provide a general reference to head and neck, facial plastic, and otologic surgeons within our specialty. It is well written, generously referenced, easy to understand, and includes sufficient photographs and drawings to also function as a surgical atlas. The broad range of current otolaryngologic laser practice is covered, with especially descriptive chapters on benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck, laryngeal surgery, vascular lesions, and facial plastic applications. Each topic is reviewed in a thorough manner, with the authors sharing the benefits of their personal experience, including items of particular interest to the clinical reader. The few shortcomings of this book stem primarily from the participation of multiple authors. Some material is repeated, while other important topics are unfortunately glossed over. For example, there is no chapter devoted strictly to a general discussion of basic laser physics and theory. This is a minor problem for readers with experience in laser surgery, but could pose a difficulty for interested residents or less-experienced otolaryngologists who might approach this book as a reference source for more basic information regarding how a laser functions. Additional chapters devoted to laser instrumentation, safety, and endoscopic equipment modifications would also be helpful. This is not meant to imply that these topics are entirely omitted: each author discusses aspects of these subjects, but only in relation to that chapter’s primary focus of interest. Despite minor problems, this book is recommended
An Otolaryngologist’s Guide to Allergy. HC King. New York, NY, Thieme Medical, 1990, 256 pages, $49. Dr Hueston King has written a superb guide for those otolaryngologists interested in incorporating the field of allergy into their practice. This book was written for the novice just entering the field of allergy. It differs from Dr King’s Otolaryngologic Allergy published in 1981 by Symposia Specialists in that it is not a textbook, but rather a guide into the field. The book is divided into three sections. The first is a general introduction to the field of otolaryngologic allergy, discussing both inhalant and food allergens. There is also a simplified chapter on immunology in which the four Gel1 and Coomb’s type reactions are discussed. The next two sections deal with testing and therapy. Both skin testing and in vitro testing are clearly explained and outlined for the reader who may be new to this field. The diagnosis of food allergy as seen in the otolaryngologist’s office is also clearly outlined. The section on therapy includes chapters on immunotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and the treatment of food allergy. After a very concise and accurate description of some of the complications of allergy care, the guide ends with a chapter on the practical aspects of incorporating allergy into the practice of otolaryngology. An Otolaryngologist’s Guide to Allergy fills a very useful niche in the literature, in that it clearly, succinctly, and with a positive attitude encourages the general otolaryngologist who wishes to start an allergy practice. This book is meant to whet the novice’s appetite, following which he or she can delve into more detailed texts, such as Dr Helen Krause’s Otolaryngic Allergy and Immunology (Saunders, 1989). The otolaryngologist considering starting an allergy practice would be well advised to read this guide. Residents in otolaryngology as well as experienced allergy technicians will also find this book very interesting, informative, and well written. Dr King has done an admirable job and should be complimented for recognizing and fulfilling the need for such a guide. ROGER S. KAUFMAN, MD Syracuse, NY
63