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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on The History of Retractors

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on The History of the Scalpel and Cautery 

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on The History of Surgical Scissors - Mayo and Metz 

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on The History of Common Surgical Instruments

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Tympanic Membrane Perforations

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Nontechnical Skills in 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

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Maintenance & Emergence

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

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Introduction & Induction 

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on  Facial Nerve Palsy Part 2

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.

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on  Facial Nerve Palsy Part 1 

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

PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Cholesteatoma.

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.