With the collaboration of Manferd Tschabitscher, Axel Perneczky and Robert Reisch give an overview of specially designed minimally invasive surgical approaches to various areas of brain and skull base. The first volume of this book consists of 9 chapters. In first chapter as an introduction, they describe the historical evolution of neurosurgical technique from conventional surgery to the minimally invasive keyhole surgery and general technical principles for keyhole surgery. In last part of the introduction, step by step procedures of keyhole surgery from preoperative planning to wound closure are described in detail. In chapter 2 through 8, each chapter covers a specific keyhole approach to different part of the target area. Basically each chapter describes history of designated surgical approach, anatomical construction, surgical technique containing artistic drawings and photographs of cadaveric prosection, and potential errors and their solutions. In sub-chapter, variations of the basic craniotomy are described for extended clinical application.
Historical review of the development of each minimal craniotomy is thoroughly reviewed. The anatomical construction of the exposed surgical field is described in detail. Step by step procedure of the surgical exposure is beautifully illustrated and well visualized in microscopic and endoscopic view. At the end of each chapter, potential errors those a surgeon might meet during the approach is well summarized. And also tips and tricks are very useful for practical use. In general, well organized and concise text, artistic but detailed drawings, and clearly visualized microscopic photographs enhance further understandings for readers.
Minimally invasive surgery is gaining popularity in contemporary neurosurgery. The surgical strategy of this surgical minimalism is not focused on limited craniotomy but on minimal brain exposure and retraction. From this point of view, this book guides the narrow but exact surgical corridor through a keyhole to the target area. Axel Perneczky introduced this minimally invasive concept in formerly published book, "Keyhole concept in Neurosurgery", in 1999.
Now, he renews and updates the minimally invasive concepts for various cranial approaches and presents in this book. For neurosurgeons those eager to perform the cranial surgery in minimized fashion, this book will be a "key book" to keep in mind.