The Fruits of Reinvention Surgery related to the human head, its compartment and contents has been reinvented over the past 40 years. A number of instruments, most notably the sophisticated medical imaging device and the operating microscope, have principally fueled this evolution. Along the way, endoscopy and sophisticated navigation capabilities have added to the realization of a unique comprehension of normal and abnormal microanatomy permitting corridors and manipu- tions that allow novel strategies for surgery in these highly vital functional areas. Cappabianca, Califano and Iaconetta have created a detailed and fully modern review of methods and strategies related to complex surgery and therapies associated with this robust reinvention. Technical innovations abound! Distinguished practitioners of these unique developments in the history of surgical - terprise present these amazing technical exercises. The catalog of these approaches, inst- mentation, techniques, strategies and manipulations is inspiring and stands as a testimony to the remarkable progress that we have witnessed in recent decades. The presentation in truly "modern" and represents in many aspects pinnacles of operative achievement. We must ask ourselves, what will be next? Los Angeles, November 2009 Michael L.J. Apuzzo, M.D., Ph.D (hon) Preface We belong to a lucky and happy generation, living during a period of many dramatic, if not revolutionary, technical and technological innovations, such as the digital era, which have changed and improved our routine surgical practice, together with the quality and quantity of life of our patients.

It is only recently that the use of the endoscope as the sole visualizing tool has been introduced in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with its favorable related implications and minimal operative trauma. Of course, microscopic and endoscopic anatomy are basically the same, but the optical distorsion of endoscopic images is quite substantial compared to microscopic depictions. An endoscope lens produces images with maximal magnification at its center and severe contraction at its periphery. Nearer images are disproportionally enlarged and remote images are falsely miniaturized. This optical illusion may disorientate a surgeon who is not familiar with this peculiar condition at the skull base. This atlas acts as a guide through the endoscopic anatomy and gives detailed descriptions of the preoperative management and the surgical procedures.

A comprehensive overview of the contemporary management of skull base meningiomas Meningiomas, the second most frequent of intracranial tumors, are characterized by a protean range of possible locations and appearances, due to their origin from the extensive and intricately formed meninges. As such, a wide variety of differential diagnoses is typical, and the therapies chosen are necessarily highly variable. The introductory chapters of this book cover the pathology of these tumors, the evolution of special surgical methods, instrumentation, intraoperative monitoring, and the role of radiosurgery. Ten surgical chapters cover the individual regions of occurrence, including the sphenoid wing, olfactory groove, cerebellopontine angle, etc., all of which require a specialized approach and therapeutic strategy. Key Features: Discussion of pathology and therapy organized by anatomic location of the lesions with the goal of providing best patient outcomes New WHO meningioma classification system based on most recent research in growth patterns, gene sequencing, and molecular patterns of development Important updates on the newest developments in treatment modalities for meningioma, including the lesser invasive radiotherapy and radiosurgery for the smaller lesions and to avoid the necessity of performing radical surgery Meningiomas of the Skull Base: Treatment Nuances in Contemporary Neurosurgery is an essential reference guide for neurosurgeons and neurologists (in training and in practice) and will also be welcomed by skull base surgeons and otolaryngologists. This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.