A different kind of book! The clivus of skull base is an area difficult to reach in neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngolo- gy, maxillo-facial surgery, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and orthopedic surgery. It is for this reason that the various specialities gave found different approaches for different operations.

There is no question that the topic of this meeting in Seeheim, Germany, on intracranial and intralabyrinthine fluids is pertinent. This was the first international meeting at which these two closely-related topics were addressed together. Combining the clinical and research aspects of fluid and pressure regulation in the intracranial and the intralabyrint hine compartments as well as discussions on the clinical implications of abnormal fluid pressure was an excellent idea. The presentations and discussions of both the clinicians and basic scientists who participated proved that the concept of having such a combined focused gathering was both original and relevant. The two topics of the meeting in Seeheim have much in common. Maintaining both the intracranial pressure (lCP) and the intralabyrinthine pressure within normal limits is important for the normal functions of both the central nervous system and the ear. The intracranial space and the intralabyrinthine space are closed compartments that communicate with each other in an intricate manner. Deviations from normal intracranial pressure result in specific symptoms and signs. Medical problems related to elevated intracranial pressure vary from subtle to severe. Accumulated knowledge indicates that there are adverse effects from even relatively small elevations in ICP. Elevations in ICP may cause injuries to the brain and the ear. Abnormal pressure in the ear may cause abnormal function and injury. Maintaining the intracranial pressure within normal limits depends on a normally functioning pressure regulation."

The region of the skull base was long considered a surgical barrier because of its complex anatomy. With few exceptions, the region immediately beyond the dura or bony skull base constituted a "no man's land" for the surgeon working from the other direction. A major reason for this was the high morbidity associated with operative procedures in that area using traditional dissection techniques. This situation changed with the advent of the operating microscope. Used initially by ear, nose and throat specialists for resective and reconstructive surgery of the petrous bone and parana sal sinuses, the operating microscope was later introduced in other areas, and neurosurgeons began using it in the mid-1960s. With technical equality thus established, the groundwork was laid for taking a new, systematic, and interdisciplinary approach to surgical problems of the skull base. Intensive and systematic cooperation between ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurologic surgeons had its origins in the departments of the University of Mainz bindly supported by our chairmen Prof. Dr. Dr. hc Kurt Schiirmann (Department of Neurosurgery) and Prof. Dr. W. Kley (Depart ment of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery). The experience gained from this cooperation was taught in workshops held in Hannover from 1979 to 1986, acquiring a broader interdisciplinary base through the participation of specialists from the fields of anatomy, patholo gy, neuroradiology, ophthalmology, and maxillofacial surgery.

Abundantly illustrated with more than 1,850 figures, this comprehensive monograph describes the experience gained through the treatment of patients with spinal tumors over a 25-year period. It covers clinical presentations and neuroradiological features of intramedullary, extramedullary, and extradural spinal tumors. Coverage provides step-by-step intraoperative photographs to describe surgical strategies. In addition, the book offers techniques and gives detailed statistical analyses on postoperative outcomes by focusing on postoperative complications as well as short-term and long-term results.

This book covers the entire spectrum of cerebellopontine angle lesions, from the most common to the rarest. All aspects are considered, including biological and radiological characteristics, neurological presentation, diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up care. The main focus, however, is on surgical management, which is presented in detail with the aid of numerous figures and images documenting technical particularities. Emphasis is placed on an individualized approach tailored to the particular tumor type and extension pattern. Both novice and experienced surgeons will find the book to be an invaluable source of information and guidance. It will enable neurosurgeons in the initial years of training to understand and become familiar with the main steps in surgical management while simultaneously providing their senior colleagues with details and technical tips that will help to improve treatment results.