Skull Base Themed Issues Functions as Reference Journals for Medical Professionals

New York/Stuttgart – Last year, Michael Gleeson, M.D., the co-Editor in Chief of “Skull Base: An Interdisciplinary Approach” began his journey to reinvigorate the journal for 2007 and beyond. His idea consisted of producing individual issues focused on one specific topic. Dr. Gleeson began commissioning guest editors to produce 'themed' issues based on subjects significantly important to skull base surgeons. Papers included in the first issue focus on skull base reconstruction and reflect the changes in the practice while giving invaluable insight regarding what lies ahead.

Dr. Gleeson is the Head of Otolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery at Kings College London in Guys Hospital located in London, England. He launched the project "…in the hope that the [publications] would become reference issues and increase our impact factor." Dr. Gleeson believes that there is a demand within the community for brief, informative articles on important topics in skull base surgery from leading medical professionals in the field. He continues, "These brief reviews express their own clinical experience and views, give tips to avoid pitfalls, and act as a key reference in clinical practice." According to the editor, by regularly providing such information, the publication is situated to fill the present void.

Dan M. Fliss, M.D., with the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center located in Tel-Aviv, Israel, is the Guest Editor for the first issue. Dr. Gleeson states, "Reconstruction of the skull base after tumor resection or trauma is without doubt, one of the most important parts of any operation. Failure to obtain an adequate repair commits the patient to further surgery and potentially serious, if not fatal, neurological sequelae." In the preface of the current issue Dr. Fliss writes, "Various surgical techniques for extirpation of anterior skull base tumors have been established over the past years. Tumors that are located in this anatomical area may invade both soft and hard tissue of the skull base. Failure of the reconstruction carries potential life threatening complications." Papers in the premiere issue are organized in such a way as to effectively assist readers in evaluating and planning the reconstruction of the skull base following the removal of tumors.

Skull Base is a multidisciplinary journal that publishes original articles containing clinical and experimental information that is utilized by practicing skull base surgeon. It covers anatomy, maxillo-facial surgery, neuro-opthalmology, neuro-radiology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and plastic surgery. The journal highlights new technology and surgical innovation in clinical studies. Content consists of original articles, reviews, case reports, as well as clinical problems relating to the skull base.

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