Head and neck reconstruction continues to provide a challenge to surgeons, driving innovative approaches in free-flap surgery and a need to embrace developing technologies. This excellent text, written primarily by authors from the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
The book is divided into two main sections. Within the first section, initial chapters adopt an anatomical approach with topics including reconstruction of the lip, oral cavity, mandible, pharynx, larynx and trachea, midface, skull base, scalp and calvarium, and facial nerve reconstruction. A number of chapters are then included on perioperative management of patients and the role of the multidisciplinary team. Lastly, a number of chapters on cutting-edge techniques, including robotic reconstructive surgery, computer modelling and composite facial allotransplantation, are presented. Many chapters in this first section also include an ‘expert commentary’ from a guest author.
These opinions not only reinforce the chapter’s content but also present alternative approaches used in other centres around the world. In the second section, the authors discuss in detail a number of flaps used in reconstructing the head and neck. Relevant anatomy, operative technique and guides to raising flaps with excellent accompanying diagrams and intraoperative photographs, make this section particularly useful for the head and neck surgical trainee, whilst the ’pearls and pitfalls’ sections act as a reminder of key points for each flap.
Overall, this is a well-written text covering the full breadth of head and neck reconstruction. Each chapter contains sufficient detail whilst remaining engaging. The diagrams and photographs are numerous and of high quality which further adds to the enjoyment of the text. This book would be a valuable resource for all surgeons involved in head and neck reconstruction, be they still in training or experienced in the field.
