Media Type : Textbook (Hardcover) and DVD

Synopsis : Techniques in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery: A Personal Tutorial , is based on Dr Nerad’s previously well-acclaimed Requisites in Oculoplastic Surgery that appeared in 2001. The author has kept the same format with significant updates and inclusion of new material which covers from the basics to the most recent advances in the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. This may be perhaps one of the most, practical, and authoritative practical textbooks of its size in the field of oculoplastic surgery that could be used as a reference. It offers more than 700 illustrations both in drawings and in full color photographs along with a DVD that cover many surgical videos.

Target Audience : Ophthalmology residents, oculoplastic surgery fellows and practicing ophthalmologists

Review : Dr Nerad has been one of the most respected leaders in the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery over the past three decades. He has earned this status by being at a very busy academic environment and interacting with so many residents, fellows and colleagues and teaching them the fine art of the highly evolving subspecialty. Techniques in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery presents the topic of oculoplastic surgery in a systematic fashion, providing guidance for surgeons of all skill levels and experience. The book has 16 chapters that cover clinically-relevant surgical techniques and anatomy as related to the eyelids, orbit and face. Every chapter starts with a detailed outline format. Sub-sections within chapters are logically organized and include clearly highlighted topics of importance. The tables and illustrations, including color photographs and surgical management steps, are most helpful additions to the text. I found this book to be well-organized with a clean, concise outline of surgical thought process and approach. Since there is only one author, the book reads with a uniform voice.

Specifically, the diagnosis and management of ectropion, entropion and misdirected eyelashes is covered in three chapters. Involutional periorbital changes in the form of dermatochalasis and brow ptosis along with aesthetic surgery of the face are covered in two chapters. Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of ptosis as well as abnormal facial movement disorders are covered in two chapters. One full chapter is dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of tearing problems encountered in children as well as in adults. Two chapters cover diagnosis and treatment of benign as well as malignant eyelid lesions along with methods of reconstructions that include specialized procedures such as Mustarde cheek rotation flap. One chapter offers comprehensive coverage of the broad spectrum of eyelid and orbital trauma. Injuries to the orbit may be isolated or combined with injuries to other areas of the craniofacial skeleton and adnexa. The author believes that failure to diagnose and treat these injuries on a timely basis may result in severe disability and multiple later-on surgical attempts at rehabilitation. Two chapters cover orbital pathology by outlining the causes of proptosis, diagnostic approaches and various surgical options in the management of such patients. An extensive coverage of indications and methods of enucleation, evisceration and exenteration has been addressed in the last chapter along with care of the anophthalmic socket.

The greatest strength of this book is the wealth of information it provides concerning the current state of understanding of the field of oculoplastic surgery with respect to accurate diagnoses. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on knowing and understanding eyelid, orbital, facial anatomy and physiology, which I found to be useful since it is often a neglected subject. The book appeals to both the ophthalmic plastic surgeons in training as well as practicing surgeons on a daily basis involved in the care of patients with eyelid, orbital and facial problems. Each form of surgery and different approaches have been consolidated to allow practitioner to compare and contrast the authors’ perspective about what is likely to be preferred for a better outcome. One weakness in this book is that some of the techniques advocated may not only be advanced but can be argued to be outside the realm of an oculoplastic surgeon, but that can be debated. Nevertheless, this is the most complete text dealing with evaluation and treatment of oculoplastic condition using the latest available techniques and the technology.