Modern diagnostic imaging and operative approaches have witnessed significant improvements in our times. Computerassisted methods are in use in all microsurgical fields. Neuronavigation, novel stereotactic methods, endoscopic procedures, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and the progress in pre- and intraoperative epilepsy diagnostics must be mentioned in particular in this connection. However, the insights of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology have not become obsolete thereby, on the contrary: such knowledge is imperative and a prerequisite for all neurosurgeons, nowadays more than ever before. Otherwise, excellent modern approaches are liable to fall into discredit if microanatomical aspects are neglected. The goal of this book is two-fold: first, to guide the resident towards a fruitful application of anatomical basics in visualizing and operative techniques. Second, to draw attention to as many anatomical norm variants as possible to forestall complications during surgery. Standard methods, such as the pterional approach, often confront the surgeon with a range of anatomical variants.

As an addition to the European postgraduate training system for young neurosurgeons we began to publish in 1974 this series of Advances and Technical Standards in Neurosurgery which was later sponsored by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. This series was first discussed in 1972 at a combined meeting of the Italian and German Neurosurgical Societies in Taormina, the founding fathers of the series being Jean Brihaye, Bernard Pertuiset, Fritz Loew and Hugo Krayenbiihl. Thus were established the principles of European co operation which have been born from the European spirit, flourished in the European Association, and have throughout been associated with this series. The fact that the English language is well on the way to becoming the international medium at European scientific conferences is a great asset in terms of mutual understanding. Therefore we have decided to publish all contributions in English, regardless of the native language of the authors. All contributions are submitted to the entire editorial board before publi cation of any volume. Our series is not intended to compete with the publications of original scientific papers in other neurosurgical journals. Our intention is, rather, to present fields of neurosurgery and related areas in which important recent advances have been made. The contributions are written by specialists in the given fields and constitute the first part of each volume.

The traditional education of the neurosurgeon and duce simultaneous contrast preparations of the ar the clinician working in related specialties is based teries and veins and thus obtain a complex photo on their presumed knowledge of the macroscopic graphic representation of the structures of the prep anatomy of the brain as traditionally taught. Most aration. neurosurgical textbooks, therefore, provide macro The manuscript and drawings were completed in the scopic views of sections of the operative site. The years 1974-1976 after almost two decades of neu literature that has accumulated in recent years on rosurgical work. The data worked out in the early the subject of microneurosurgical operations also stages (Chapter 1 in particular) were used by the follows this principle. author as the basis for teaching programmes at the For some years, however, the customary macro University of Giessen. Chapters 2-7, dealing with scopic representation of the anatomy of the brain the operative technical aspects, were produced after has been inadequate for the needs of the neurosur mid-1975 and used by the author as the basis for geon using refined modern operative techniques. microneurosurgical teaching of his colleagues at the Furthermore, despite their detailed presentation, University of Freiburg. stereotactic atlases are also insufficient for neuro My thanks are due to Doz. Dr. E.

Brain edema is found in a wide variety of clinical disorders including stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, head injury, brain tumors and hydrocephalus. This volume brings together clinical and basic scientists from all over the world. Their expertise in the understanding of brain edema and shifts in brain water compartments has led to a further significant step in our understanding of those diseases characterized by brain edema. This book has also drawn on the expertise of the International Advisory Board of the Brain Edema Society, who have carefully summarized each section, thus providing an easy-to-read summary of the latest advances in each subject. The book is therefore much more than a collection of papers: it represents a critical appraisal and puts each paper into modern scientific context. The greatest advances have come from the rapid development of modern imaging techniques, especially with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging can now produce "water maps” and "metabolic profiles” that bring brain metabolism and water content right into every clinic with access to MRI. This book provides the background knowledge to understand these pathophysiological changes.

The first monograph dealing exclusively with the neuropsychological and psychosocial sequelae of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its treatment. It provides an overview of basic treatment modalities and functional outcome after SAH with special emphasis on aneurysm surgery. In the methods section, neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric and capacity of daily life assessment issues in patients after SAH are reviewed, and the neuroanatomical basis of the neurobehavioral abnormalities after SAH is critically discussed. Furthermore, the frequently overseen aspects of psychological adjustment including quality of life after SAH, the hemorrhage as a psychological trauma, and rehabilitational issues are met in this book.

This atlas shows drawings of anatomical landmarks for neuronavigation for preoperative planning. The authors show the relationships between bony landmarks and landmarks which are no longer available after opening of the skull but still recognizable during the operation. It also includes descriptions of many important anatomical variants, which are important for microsurgeons when using minimal invasive modern techniques to avoid errors and complications. The book describes unknown projections for MRI and CT which may be adapted for special surgical problems. The anatomical drawings are the result of a twenty-five-year study of the topographical anatomy of the brain and the surrounding structures combined with the experience of modern microsurgery.

The author describes in his unique style the anatomical variants of the brain and skull. This atlas is a continuation of his last work on "Neuronavigation and Neuroanatomy". Most anatomical reference volumes show a large number of common and rare variations. This atlas concentrates on well known and little known variants which are especially important for the clinicians, in particular the neurosurgeons and the radiologists. The variants have been grouped after areas of trepanation. The author presents also a number of so far unknown variants gathered from his personal theoretical and clinical experience of 50 years. Exact knowledge of anatomical variations which the surgeon may encounter helps to plan operations and to avoid unexpected complications. Variants of no clinical relevance, even rather common ones, have not been included.

This book fills the gap between the increasing demand for epilepsy surgical experience and limited training facilities in this area. It comprehensively describes surgical techniques, including tricks and pitfalls, based on the author’s 30 years of experience, providing optimal and effective training for young neurosurgeons by avoiding learning by trial and error. Moreover, it also includes useful information for epileptologists and other professionals involved in the epilepsy surgical program to allow them to gain a better understanding of possibilities and limitations of epilepsy surgery.

An illustrated atlas of anatomical aspects important for combinations of microsurgical and endoscopic approaches. The basis for Professor Seeger’s renowned drawings has been anatomical preparations, cadaver dissections and intraoperative pictures. The correct proportions are derived by measuring the distances of anatomical landmarks of cranial preparations and from CT and MR Images. A concise text supports the understanding of the anatomical figures. Numerous common anatomical variants are demonstrated with reference to their impact for the surgical technique.

Filling a gap in the anatomical and ENT literature, the authors show the various approaches to the middle ear which allow safe surgical manipulations, such as through the tympanic membrane or the Eustachian tube.