Surgery 101

After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy and blood supply of the distal colon and rectum. 2. List what is resected and what is reconnected during a low anterior resection. 3. Describe the major differences between a low anterior resection and an abdominoperineal resection, and the indications for each. 4. Outline risk factors for anastomotic leak after a low anterior resection.

After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy and blood supply of the proximal colon. 2. Outline the principles of resection for colon cancer. 3. List what is resected and what is reconnected during a right hemicolectomy. 4. Describe what is required for a successful anastomosis in colorectal surgery.

After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe different types of stomas, including ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, and mucus fistula. 2. Explain the indications for a permanent versus temporary ostomy. 3. Evaluate the type of stoma a patient has based on clinical history, location, appearance, and output.

Today, we're going to discuss the topic of laryngeal cancer, a difficult head and neck cancer which has significantly improved prognosis if caught early. Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or HNSCC for short. It typically arises from the epithelial lining of the larynx. After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to understand what laryngeal cancer is, risk factors of laryngeal cancer, common presentations of laryngeal cancer, basics of its diagnosis and treatment, and finally mimics of laryngeal cancer.

After listening to this podcast, you should be able to: Describe the basic anatomy of lymph nodes in the neck List 4 different types of neck dissections, and what they entail Be able to identify common complications of neck dissection Outline the initial management of the common complications of neck dissection

The close of the 20th century saw endoscopy and laparoscopy evolve from passive optical tools into dynamic platforms that integrated real-time guidance, autonomous movement, and computational interpretation for navigation, diagnosis, and therapy.

By the mid-20th century, endoscopy's long-standing challenge of safely illuminating internal structures was transformed by postwar advances—especially Harold Hopkins's 1950s rod-lens system, which enabled brighter, distortion-free, miniaturized imaging that could reliably guide clinical decisions.

By the mid-20th century, endoscopy and laparoscopy were ready for major advancement. Although instruments had evolved into semi-flexible designs, visualization was still limited by glass optics and heat-producing light sources. A breakthrough toward fully flexible, high-resolution imaging emerged through the combined demands of surgery and advances in optical physics, driven by the pioneering work of Harold Hopkins and Basil Hirschowitz.

By the early 20th century, endoscopy had evolved from candle-lit brass tubes into electrically illuminated rigid instruments. The decisive shift toward flexibility — the stage upon which Rudolf Schindler would make his contribution — was the product of several converging advances in optics, illumination, and instrument design that began in the late 19th century.

By the mid-19th century, improvements in illumination and optics transformed endoscopy from a theoretical idea into a practical clinical tool, culminating in Antoine Jean Desormeaux's work in Paris in 1853. Building on Bozzini's Lichtleiter and frustrated by diagnostic limits of palpation, Desormeaux replaced candlelight with a brighter, controllable source known as the gazogène.

In 1806, physician Philipp Bozzini introduced the Lichtleiter, a candle-lit, mirror-lined instrument designed for direct visual inspection of internal organs—an idea far ahead of its time and initially met with skepticism. Though dismissed by many contemporaries, the device is now recognized as the first true endoscope, establishing Bozzini as the founder of endoscopy.

Technological progress in medicine, as in other fields, emerges from the interplay of incremental refinement and decisive breakthroughs—those moments when a missing element is discovered and the path forward suddenly accelerates. The evolution of endoscopic surgery over the last century illustrates this well. Yet even today, the terminology surrounding procedures that employ scopes is often misunderstood. "Endoscopy" and "laparoscopy" are frequently used interchangeably, though they refer to distinct techniques, instruments, and purposes.

After listening to this episode, learners should be able to: - Outline the theory and physics of laser refractive surgery - Describe the differences between PRK, LASIK, and SMILE - List key indica1ons, exclusions, and essential pre-op tests - Explain common risks, benefits, and complications of laser eye surgery

After listening to this episode, learners should be able to: 1. Explain the anatomy and optics of the eye related to the optical axis of the eye 2. Describe common refractive errors 3. Explain how refractive errors are measured 4. Recognize important red flags for non-refractive causes of vision loss 5. Summarize current vision correction options

After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: ● Describe the important features of medical history related to arterial ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers ● Recognize the important physical exam findings associated with arterial ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers ● Outline a treatment plan for patients with Arterial ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers

After listening to his podcast, learners will be able to: ● List four wound prep principles and five patient related factors for caring for patients with chronic wounds ● Describe the important features of the medical history related to venous ulcers ● Recognize the important physical exam signs associated with venous ulcers ● Outline a treatment plan for a patient with a chronic venous ulcer

Today, we will go over what cardiac tamponade is, how it results, and most importantly, how we diagnose and treat it. After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: 1. Define cardiac tamponade and explain its pathophysiology. 2. Describe the boundaries of the cardiac box and list the elements of Beck's triad. 3. Identify the key clinical features of cardiac tamponade and explain how to make the diagnosis. 4. Discuss the management of cardiac tamponade, including emergent interventions and definitive treatment strategies.

Today, we will learn how to diagnose and treat patients who have sustained rib fractures, as well as gain some practical knowledge on how to identify if a patient's problem is more urgent than simple rib fractures. After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy of the ribcage and outline the mechanism of simple rib fracture in blunt force trauma. 2. Explain the mechanism of injury in rib fracture with pneumothorax, hemothorax and flail chest. 3. Outline the important elements of the history and physical examination in patients with rib fractures. 4. Outline the management of patients with rib fractures. 5. Outline the indications for surgical fixation of rib fractures.

In this episode, we will be focusing on the Whipple procedure itself and will not be covering pancreatic cancer patient presentation or investigations. Dr. David Shapiro's previous podcast on pancreatic cancer is a great resource for that information. Today we will talk about the procedure and look at a patient case. By the end of this podcast, listeners will be able to: • explain the surgical anatomy of the pancreas • describe the essential elements of the Whipple procedure • outline indications for a Whipple procedure

This episode was created by Katie Du, with content expertise provided by Dr. Trevor Schuler. By the end of today's episode, the learner will be able to: 1. Identify renal colic and differential diagnosis 2. Determine appropriate investigations when suspecting nephrolithiasis 3. Evaluate the need for stone treatment and referral to urology 4. Suggest appropriate stone prevention strategies

It goes without saying that surgeries come with a significant stress on the body, it is therefore imperative that patients, particularly those with significant co morbidities are medically optimized prior to surgery. Today we're going to consider how to properly prepare patients for surgery, looking specifically at the medications that patients are taking. After listening to this episode, you should be able to: 1. Explain the two main reasons why we need to know about medications that people are taking before they have surgery. 2. List classes of medications that should be: a. continued during the pre-operative period b. adjusted prior to surgery c. stopped prior to surgery

After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: • describe the innervation of the female reproductive system, • identify that pain is often perceived by patients undergoing office gynecological procedures, • outline factors associated with increased pain perception during office gynecologic procedures, • describe evidence-based techniques to reduce pain during gynecologic procedures, including pelvic exams, IUD placement, and endometrial biopsy.

In this episdoe we will explore Thyroid Eye Disease. You may also hear this topic referred to as thyroid orbitopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, but today we will use the overarching umbrella term of Thyroid Eye Disease. After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Explain the anatomy and pathophysiology behind thyroid eye disease 2. Recognize signs and symptoms of thyroid eye disease 3. List treatment options for thyroid eye disease, including surgical options

This episode will cover practical tips for recognizing and managing eye trauma. We will look at foreign bodies and globe rupture. Today's learning objectives: 1. Intraocular foreign body: take an effective history and select appropriate imaging depending on the type of foreign body. 2. Globe rupture: recognize that this also an ophthalmic emergency, and recognize signs that may indicate an open globe.

In this episode of Surgery 101 where we will cover practical tips for recognizing and managing eye trauma. This week's episode will cover lacerations and compartment syndrome. For today, our objectives are: 1. Eyelid lacerations: recognize if these involve the eyelid margin or the canalicular system, and recognize why medial lid lacerations are often the most concerning. 2. Orbital compartment syndrome: recognize signs of this ophthalmic emergency and explain why a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is the urgent procedure of choice.

In this final episode, medical student Sunpreet Cheema and Dr. White reflect upon the surgical innovations and innovators discussed in this ten-part series.

This episode features and interview with Dr. Carol Duncan who discusses her great grandfather's connection to surgical innovation. Dr. Simon Powell Sebastian was a renowned physician, surgeon, and the co-founder of two historic African-American hospitals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Today, Sunpreet Cheema and Surgery 101 will explore the fascinating histories of the inventors behind three indispensable surgical suction devices: the Yankauer, the Poole, and the Frazier.

Today, we explore the fascinating histories of the inventors behind two handheld surgical forceps: DeBakey and Adson.

During an operation, it's common to have to put a clamp on blood vessels in preparation for suturing. Today, Sunpreet Cheema will review a few of the most common clamps you'll encounter and look at the names behind the history: Kelly, Crile and Halstedt.

In this episode, Sunpreet Cheema will take a look at instruments used to hold tissue firmly, through the lens of two more surgical innovators: Emil Theodor Kocher and Oscar Huntington Allis.

Retracting tissues is an essential part of surgery. We need to be able to hold the wound open so you can see and operate on deeper structures. In this fourth episode of her ten part series, Sunpreet Cheema explores the fascinating histories of the inventors behind three indispensable surgical retractors: the Senn's, the Weitlaner and the Balfour.

Today, medical student Sunpreet Cheema continues her ten part series with episode three, which delves into the surgical history of the scalpel and cautery. This episode considers three surgical lives: Morgan Parker, Charles Russell Bard, and William T. Bovie.

Today, medical student Sunpreet Cheema explores the fascinating histories of surgical innovators who developed some of our most indispensable surgical instruments - scissors. Specifically, we'll be looking at the Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors.

In this introductory episode, Dr. White and Sunpreet Cheema discuss the the history of surgery through the lens of surgical instruments. Supreet Cheema provides an introduction to her ten part series by reviewing the Babcock foreceps.

Welcome to this episode of Surgery 101 where we will learn the basics of tympanic membrane perforations. After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy relevant to a tympanic membrane perforation. 2. List the mechanisms by which a tympanic membrane perforation can occur. 3. Gather pertinent positives on history and physical exam for a patient presenting with a suspected tympanic membrane perforation. 4. Recognize signs of an emergent presentation. 5. Outline treatment options for a tympanic membrane perforation including surgery.

It may come as a surprise that research suggests the biggest opportunity for improvement surgical outcomes lies not in a surgeon's ability to throw a stitch or find the plane, but in their NONtechnical skills. After this episode, listeners will be able to: • Define and describe the importance of nontechnical skills in improving surgical outcomes • Articulate the NOTSS framework for categorizing nontechnical skills • Identify a personal learning plan to improve nontechnical elements in surgical education

This is the third and final episode of the series focused on basic anesthetic drugs. In this episode, we will explore vasopressors and inotropes. After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Outline the role of vasopressors 2. List the 5 main vasopressors used in the OR and their indications 3. Describe the mechanism of action for Phenylephrine, Ephedrine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Vasopressin

In this episode, Swetha Prakash will be looking at the vital aspect of maintaining anesthesia, particularly through inhaled agents, as well as emergence from anesthesia. After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define the goals of the maintenance phase of anesthesia. 2. Define Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) and its use in providing an adequate level of anesthesia. 3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of volatile anesthetics. 4. Name 5 inhalation anesthetics that can be used and provide a brief description of when each one can be used. 5. Describe the key steps of emergence from anesthesia.

Swetha Prakash is a medical student at the University of Alberta. In this three part series, Swetha will discuss the essential components of general anesthesia and discuss the key medications associated with each one. The goal is to enhance your understanding of the basic drugs administered to surgical patients within the framework of a general anesthetic. After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: 1. Describe the 4 components of a general anesthetic 2. List the 3 phases of anesthesia 3. List four medications commonly used as amnestic/hypnotic agents in induction 4. Describe how each induction plan is tailored to the specific patient

This is part two of the facial nerve palsy series by Mauz Ashgar and Muaaz Ashgar. This episode streamlines their discussion on facial nerve palsy and crafts a clear, practical algorithm for diagnosing this condition. The objective of the podcast is the following: ● Develop an approach to the history and physical examination of patients with facial nerve palsy. ● Describe how Facial Nerve Palsies are graded. ● List the investigations that can be ordered for the workup of facial nerve palsy. ● Understand the basic management of facial nerve palsy.

University of Saskatchewan students Mauz Asghar and Muaaz Asghar share part 1 of the 2 part series on facial nerve palsies. In this episode the anatomy, symptoms, and etiology of facial nerve palsy are discussed. After listening to this podcast learners will be able to: 1. Describe the basic function of the facial nerve 2. Outline a differential diagnosis for facial nerve palsy.

In this episode Mauz Asghar, a second medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is joined by colleague Maauz Asghar, a first year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. By the end of this podcast learners should be able to: ● Outline the etiology of Cholesteatoma, ● Identify the key clinical features of a Cholesteatoma patient, ● List the key investigations to diagnose a Cholesteatoma, ● Formulate a management plan for a Cholesteatoma patient, and ● Detail the various complications that patients with Cholesteatoma may encounter

In this episode Mauz Asghar, a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is joined by his colleague Muaaz Asghar to discuss mandibular fractures. By the end of this podcast learners should be able to: ● Outline the etiology and epidemiology of mandibular fractures. ● Identify the key clinical features of a mandibular fracture. ● List the key investigations for mandibular fractures. ● Formulate a management plan for a patient with a mandibular fracture. ● Detail the various complications that patients with mandibular fractures may encounter.

In this episode 2nd-year medical student Mauz Asghar from the University of Saskatchewan, will be talking about Herpetic Whitlow infection. After listening to today's podcast learners should be able to: ● Identify the key features on history and physical examination of Herpetic Whitlow. ● Understand the pathophysiology of Herpetic Whitlow. ● List the pertinent investigations for a suspected Herpetic Whitlow. ● Outline the management for Herpetic Whitlow.

This episode is brought to you by Mauz Asghar, a second-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. Today we will be talking about Felon infection. This podcast was written and produced with the expert opinion from Dr. Adil Ladak from the University of Alberta Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Department. Today we will be talking about a specific type of hand infection called felon infection, which is an infection of the fingertip. After listening to today's podcast learners should be able to: 1. Identify the key features of history and physical examination of felon infection 2. Outline the pathophysiology of felon infection. 3. List the complications of felon infection. 4. List the pertinent investigations for a felon infection. 5. Outline the management for afelon infection.

Mauz Asghar is a second year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. This podcast was written and produced with the expert opinion from Dr. Adil Ladak from the University of Alberta Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Department. After listening to this podcast learners should be able to: 1. Describe the relevant anatomy surrounding skier thumb injuries. 2. Outline the mechanism of injury associated with Skier Thumb injury. 3. Identify the difference between a Gamekeeper thumb vs Skier thumb injury 4. Identify the key features of history and physical examination suggestive of Skier Thumb injury? 5. List the investigations that are pertinent to a Skier thumb injury. 6.Outline surgical and non surgical options for treatment of Skier Thumb and the indications for both.

In this final episode of the opthalmology series, University of Alberta students Kim Papp and Nourseen Aboelnazar discuss strabismus. Learners will review the basics of this ocular disease that is commonly seen in pediatrics but can affect any patient. After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to: Define strabismus Describe the anatomy relevant to strabismus List causes of strabismus Categorize different types of strabismus Explain amblyopia as a consequence of untreated strabismus Describe surgical and non-surgical management options for strabismus

This is the 4th episode in a 5-part series on opthamalogy. This episode is on Corneal Transplant, which is sometimes called keratoplasty or a corneal graft. After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the relevant anatomy of the cornea. 2. List indications for corneal transplant. 3. Match common indications for corneal transplant with which type of surgery may be most appropriate.

This is the 3rd episode in a 5-part eye series. This episode is brought to you by University of Alberta students Kim Papp, a 4th year medical student and Divya Goel a 2nd year medical student. Today we will discuss orbital fractures which are fractures of the bony eye socket. After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy relevant to an orbital fracture. 2. Gather pertinent positives on history and physical exam for a patient presenting with a suspected orbital fracture. 3. Explain the danger of muscle entrapment and how to diagnose this. 4. Outline treatment options for orbital fractures, including surgery.