Surgery 101

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Welcome to Surgery 101, a series of podcasts produced with the help of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. The podcasts are intended to serve as brief introductions or reviews of surgical topics for medical students. We've aimed to cover a single topic in between 10-20 minutes so that you…

Surgery 101 Team


    • Jun 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 14m AVG DURATION
    • 550 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Surgery 101

    430. Rib Fractures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 17:22


    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.

    429. The Whipple Procedure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 18:01


    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

    428. Renal Colic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 12:58


    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

    427. Preoperative Medication Optimization

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 16:48


    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

    427. Preoperative Medication Optimization NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025


    PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Preoperative Medication Optimization

    426. Pain Management in Outpatient Gynecological Procedures

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 15:10


    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.

    425. Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (Thyroid Eye Disease)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 14:49


    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

    424. Ocular Trauma 2: Intraocular Foreign Bodies and Globe Rupture

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 9:42


    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.

    423. Ocular Trauma 1: Lid Lacerations and Orbital Compartment Syndrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 12:09


    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.

    422. Reflections on Surgical History

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 7:14


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

    421. History of Surgical Innovator Dr. Sebastian - Interview with Dr. Duncan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 23:49


    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.

    420. The History of Suction Devices

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 7:32


    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.

    419. History of Handheld Forceps

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 6:58


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

    418. The History of Clamps

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 7:29


    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.

    418. The History of Clamps NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024


    PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on The History of Clamps  

    417. History of Forceps

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 7:40


    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.

    416. The History of Retractors

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 8:44


    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.

    415. The History of the Scalpel and Cautery

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 7:04


    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.

    414. The History of Surgical Scissors - Mayo and Metz

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 8:14


    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.

    413. The History of Common Surgical Instruments

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 7:22


    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.

    412. Tympanic Membrane Perforations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 16:56


    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.

    411. Nontechnical Skills in Surgery NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024


    PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Nontechnical Skills in Surgery 

    411. Nontechnical Skills in Surgery

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 15:13


    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    

    410. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 12:25


    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  

    410. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024


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

    409. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Maintenance & Emergence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 14:05


    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.

    408. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Introduction & Induction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 14:31


    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  

    407. Facial Nerve Palsy Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 18:47


    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.  

    406. Facial Nerve Palsy Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 18:59


    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.

    405. Cholesteatoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 18:32


    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

    404. Mandibular Fractures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 19:30


    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.

    404. Mandibular Fractures NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024


    Description: PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Mandibular Fractures  

    403. Herpetic Whitlow Infection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 11:33


    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.

    402. Felon Infection

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 13:05


    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.    

    401. Skier's Thumb

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 17:22


     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.    

    400.strabismus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 15:13


    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

    399. Corneal Transplant

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 15:15


      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.    

    398. Orbital Fracture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 16:26


    This is the 3rd episode in a 5-part eye series.  This episode is brought to you by Kim Papp, a 4th year medical student at the University of Alberta. 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.

    397. Glaucoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 17:06


    This is the 2nd episode in a 5-part eye series.  This episode is brought to you by Kim Papp, a 4th year medical student at the University of Alberta. Today we will discuss glaucoma and learn the basics of this common ocular disease. By the end of this podcast the listener will be able to: Describe the eye anatomy relevant to glaucoma Understand the pathophysiology, symptoms, and management options for open angle glaucoma Understand the pathophysiology, symptoms, and management options for acute angle closure glaucoma List other causes of glaucoma

    396. Eye Fundamentals

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 15:40


    This is the 1st episode in a 5-part Ophthalmology Series.  This episode is brought to you by Kim Papp, a 4th year medical student at the University of Alberta. Today we will discuss eye Fundamentals, where we will learn basics of the anatomy and physiology of the eye.  By the end of this podcast you should be able to: Name the major structures of the eye  Describe the function of these structures Relate these to common surgeries done in and around the eye  

    395. Small Bowel Malignancy NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023


    PDF Notes for Episode on Small Bowel Malignancy.

    395. Small Bowel Malignancy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 18:48


    After this episode, listeners should be able to: Understand the basic anatomy, physiology, and function of the small bowel List the types and common locations of small bowel malignancies Recognize risk factors for small bowel cancers Identify the clinical presentations for small bowel malignancies Understand the preoperative workup for diagnosis Describe the surgical treatment for small bowel malignancies

    394. Preeclampsia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 10:32


    By the end of this episode, you will be able to  Briefly describe the pathophysiology, risk factors of pre-eclampsia, and complications  Recognize the clinical presentation including history and physical findings  List and describe your work up Describe your management and treatment if possible 

    393. Amenorrhea

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 16:39


    By the end of this episode, learners will be able to: Briefly describe the aetiologies and pathophysiology of primary and secondary amenorrhea Recognize the clinical presentation including history and physical findings  List and describe your work up Describe your management and treatment if possible 

    393. Amenorrhea NOTES

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022


    PDF Notes for Episode on Amenorrhea

    392. Common Neurosurgical Infections

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 27:06


    After listening to this podcast you will be able to understand the following: Common causes of cranial and spinal infections that may develop into abscesses and lead to neurosurgical intervention Understand the workup used to assess patients that present with an infection that can be addressed by Neurosurgery List common differential diagnoses for these presentations Have a general knowledge of high yield surgical principles used Understand the non-surgical management of cranial and spinal abscesses

    391. Liver Series - Surgical Decision Making: Liver Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 26:29


    At the end of this episode, you will: Understand fundamental principles underlying various approaches to surgical treatment of the liver. Apply clinical scoring systems to decide between various treatment approaches for liver pathologies. Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of decision making for complex liver presentations.

    390. Liver Series - Liver Cancer (Malignant Liver Lesions)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 27:09


    By the end of this episode you will be able to: List the different types of liver cancer and their epidemiology Explain how to make the diagnosis in a patient with suspected liver cancer Describe how to stage a patient with suspected liver cancer Outline the treatment options for a patient with liver cancer

    389. Liver Series - Benign Liver Lesions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 29:50


    After listening to this episode, you will be able to: List the most common types of benign liver lesions Outline the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the patient diagnosed with a benign liver lesion

    388. Liver Series - Liver Cirrhosis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 36:24


    By the end of this episode you will be able to: Describe the anatomy and physiology of the liver Outline the pathophysiology and common symptoms of liver failure Explain how to assess and treat a patient with cirrhosis

    387. Interview with Dr. David Lesniak, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 20:58


    In this episode, University of Alberta medical student Ryerson Seguin interviews oncoplastic breast surgeon Dr. David Lesniak.

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