logo
    Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama Department of Otorhinolaryngology University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
    We learn more from our mistakes and the mistakes of others than we do from our triumphs. This book is designed to prevent those mistakes in ear and skull base surgery that can harm our patients. In 207 pages, more than 40 contributors cover a wide range of topics from complications of anesthesia to surgery for glomus jugulare. Each chapter highlights the common problems one encounters in various surgical approaches. An example would be the chapter entitled "Surgery for Cholesteatoma." In this chapter Dr Jay Farrior discusses ossicular chain erosion, labyrinthine fistula, facial paralysis, infections, brain hernia, exposed dura, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. The monograph is well illustrated. Chapter 10, entitled "Myringotomy," has some beautiful color photographs of tympanic membrane pathology. The final chapter covers the topic of malpractice and how to prevent that type of complication in your practice. In summary, this book should be required reading for all
    The exciting new developments in the field of otolarynogology—head and neck surgery can be categorized under three headings: new technology, new applications for recent advances, and refinements in surgical techniques. As we continue to gain experience with innovative diagnostic procedures and operations, they are being employed more appropriately and effectively in the care of patients. Leading this year's parade of progress has been the wider use of the implantable cochlear prosthesis, or cochlear implant. It assists profoundly deaf individuals by providing enhanced sound awareness. While it is not capable of restoring normal hearing ability, it has been found to significantly benefit most individuals in their ability to speech-read (lip-read) in face-to-face conversation. A small group of patients, called "superior listeners," have been able to understand free speech without visual cues after the implant. A number of clinical trials are in progress comparing the models that have a single electrode with