BOOK REVIEWS
Clinics in Oncology: Minimal and Invasive Cancer (Microcarcinoma). Edited by E. Burghardt and E. Holzer. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1982.52 pages. $24.00. The advances in fiberoptic endoscopy, computerized axial tomography and other diagnostic measures have increasingly allowed clinicians to encounter the “microcarcinoma.” A timely review of this minimally invasive carcinoma of 15 organ sites is presented by Drs. Burghardt and Holzer in this volume of Clinics in Oncology. The authors have enlisted the expertise of numerous international authorities on the organ-specific, minimally invasive lesion. Clearly, the identification of this independent pathologic entity is based on its clinical behavior. Further, the authors state that organ-specific neoplasms must be individualized according to curative approach with therapy aimed at better definitions of multicentricity and staging. In addition, adjuvant approaches may also be necessary after progression from preinvasive to formally invasive neoplasms. The book’s 31 chapters review organ-specific aspects of the pathologic criteria for establishing a diagnosis of microcarcinoma. For each organ site, a review of a diagnostic problem that may intervene is presented from both a pathologic and a clinical standpoint. A clinical problem is also often presented with suggested approaches for the implementation of successful therapeutic measures. The authors have included a commendable, candid, and concise discussion about the limitations of conservative approaches to all of the organ-specific neoplasms included in this volume. The book is well organized with updated bibliographic references. It provides a clinical orientation for the pathologist and a pathologic orientation for the surgeon. It would be a valuable desk reference for the pathologist, gynecologist, and surgeon. Kirby I. Bland, MD
Creativity and Disease. By Philip Sandblom. Philadelphia: George F. Stickley, 1983.140 pages. $12.00. Dr. Sandblom gives us a fascinating encapsulated view of talented and heroic artists. Because the author is both a distinguished surgeon and an avid collector of fine art, he is in a unique position to discuss both subjects with great competency. Reading the very impressive list of artists who have some form of disability, whether physical or mental, makes one realize the intensity of their drive to succeed. Many artists believe that they are at their creative best when tragedy or pain becomes a part of their lives. Does an artist who is suffering produce a more exceptional result? This question is one that pervades the underlying theme of the book. Dr. Sandblom seems to think that the artist he writes about would not perform as sharply if he were not driven by his illness and the ultimate fear of death. For example, Mahler’s music has the underlying sadness of one who knows that he is dying, but still hopes for life.
668
Dr. Sandblom tells the life histories of these artists with informative expertise in a warm, story-telling manner which allows us to become totally involved with these poignant biographic sketches. Is it true that the more agonizing the pain, the more intense the pleasure? For artists such as Nietzsche, Klee, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Gris, the answer is obviously yes. Van Gogh’s mental anguish was so severe that his canvases became so violently personal, so emotional, that every brushstroke makes us aware that his impastoed swirls were the result of extreme torment. Dr. Sandblom makes us cognizant of the multifaceted lives of the famous artists listed in his book. Theirs is mostly a solitary world-an empty canvas-a blank sheet of paper ready to be turned into a masterpiece. As this most interesting writer has explained, perhaps the creative work is greater in those artists who are driven not only by their tremendous talents, but also by their strong desire to accomplish during their lifetime of suffering. Marlene Byck Grissom
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Edited by Paul M. Lin. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas, 1982. 302 pages. This multiauthored book traces the history, principles, and techniques of posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The text is easily read, and each chapter contains excellent medical illustrations. The classic posterior lumbar interbody fusion operation as performed by Dr. Cloward is featured, as well as modifications of the procedure by Dr. Lin. The theoretic grounds on which the operation is based are presented, not only for degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine, but also for spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis as well. The aim of the book is twofold: to present the technique and to convince the reader that this operation is superior to the more commonly used methods of spinal arthrodesis. The authors strongly believe that by maintaining normal intervertebral disk height when a fusion is performed, a better decompression and fusion is obtained. In dealing with these concepts a few thoughts must be kept in mind. Not every diskectomy needs a fusion, and not every patient with a spinal segment instability is symptomatic. In those having pain, a properly performed posterior lateral fusion accompanied by adequate decompression has proved to be a very successful operation and has withstood the test of time. One cannot help but believe that a posterior lateral fusion carries much less risk than an anterior fusion performed from the posterior approach. This book illustrates a technique that is not simple, and it should not be undertaken by surgeons not trained with this method. I recommend this book only for those with a major interest in spinal surgery. John R. Johnson, MD
The American Journal of Surgery