Surgery 101
Surgery 101 is a series of podcasts produced with the help of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. The podcasts serve as brief introductions or reviews of surgical topics for medical students, covering a single topic in 10-20 minutes. Each episode is divided into chapters and concludes with key points. The podcast was created by Dr Parveen Boora and Dr Jonathan White, and is supported by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta.
Episodes
447. Surgical Management of Rectal Cancer - Part 2 NOTES
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447. Surgical Management of Rectal Cancer - Part 2
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 l
446. Surgical Management of Colorectal Cancer – Part 1
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.
446. Surgical Management of Colorectal Cancer – Part 1 NOTES
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445. Recognizing Stomas
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.
445. Recognizing Stomas NOTES
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444. Laryngeal Cancer
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,
444. Laryngeal Cancer NOTES
PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Laryngeal Cancer.
443. Neck Dissection
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
443. Neck Dissection NOTES
PDF Notes for Surgery 101 episode on Neck Dissection.
442. Beyond the Horizon: Ongoing Innovations and the Future of Endoscopy
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.
442. Beyond the Horizon: Ongoing Innovations and the Future of Endoscopy NOTES
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441. From Fiber to Video: The Visual Revolution in Endoscopy and Laparoscopy NOTES
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441. From Fiber to Video: The Visual Revolution in Endoscopy and Laparoscopy
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.
440. The Fiberoptic Breakthrough: Hopkins, Hirschowitz, and the Flexible Scope NOTES
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440. The Fiberoptic Breakthrough: Hopkins, Hirschowitz, and the Flexible Scope
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
439. The Semiflexible Era: Schindler and the Pre-Fiberoptic Revolution
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.
439. The Semiflexible Era-Schindler and The Pre-Fiberoptic Revolution NOTES
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438. From Mirrors to Incandescent Bulbs: The 19th- Century Leap
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.
438. From Mirrors to Incandescent Bulbs: The 19th- Century Leap NOTES
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437. A Candle in the Darkness – Philipp Bozzini and the Lichtleiter
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.
437. A Candle in the Darkness – Philipp Bozzini and the Lichtleiter NOTES
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436. Endoscopy vs Laparoscopy and the Beginnings
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 misund
436. Endoscopy vs Laparoscopy and the Beginnings NOTES
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435. Laser Refractive Surgery
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
435. Laser Refractive Surgery NOTES
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434. Refractive Errors, Eye Optics & Vision Correction Options
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
434. Refractive Errors, Eye Optics & Vision Correction Options NOTES
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433. Arterial Ulcers and Diabetic Foot Ulcers
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
433. Arterial Ulcers and Diabetic Foot Ulcers NOTES
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432. Chronic Wound Care Principles and Venous 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
432. Chronic Wound Care Principles and Venous Ulcers NOTES
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431. Cardiac Tamponade
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
431. Cardiac Tamponade NOTES
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430. Rib Fractures
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 mecha
430. Rib Fractures NOTES
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429. The Whipple Procedure
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 ana
429. The Whipple Procedure NOTES
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428. Renal Colic
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
428. Renal Colic NOTES
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427. Preoperative Medication Optimization
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 shou
427. Preoperative Medication Optimization NOTES
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426. Pain Management in Outpatient Gynecological Procedures
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, includi
426. Pain Management in Outpatient Gynecological Procedures NOTES
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425. Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (Thyroid Eye Disease)
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
425. Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (Thyroid Eye Disease) NOTES
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424. Ocular Trauma 2: Intraocular Foreign Bodies and Globe Rupture
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 gl
424. Ocular Trauma 2: Intraocular Foreign Bodies and Globe Rupture NOTES
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423. Ocular Trauma 1: Lid Lacerations and Orbital Compartment Syndrome
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 syn
423. Ocular Trauma 1: Lid Lacerations and Orbital Compartment Syndrome NOTES
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422. Reflections on Surgical History
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
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
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.
420. The History of Suction Devices NOTES
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419. History of Handheld Forceps
Today, we explore the fascinating histories of the inventors behind two handheld surgical forceps: DeBakey and Adson.
419. The History of Handheld Forceps NOTES
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418. The History of Clamps
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
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417. History of Forceps
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.
417. The History of Forceps NOTES
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416. The History of Retractors
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.
416. The History of Retractors NOTES
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415. The History of the Scalpel and Cautery
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.
415. The History of the Scalpel and Cautery NOTES
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414. The History of Surgical Scissors - Mayo and Metz
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.
414. The History of Surgical Scissors - Mayo and Metz NOTES
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413. The History of Common Surgical Instruments
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.
413. The History of Common Surgical Instruments NOTES
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412. Tympanic Membrane Perforations NOTES
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412. 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
411. Nontechnical Skills in Surgery NOTES
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411. 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 no
410. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes
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,
410. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes NOTES
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409. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Maintenance & Emergence
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
409. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Maintenance & Emergence NOTES
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408. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Introduction & Induction
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, listener
408. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Introduction & Induction NOTES
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407. Facial Nerve Palsy Part 2
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
407. Facial Nerve Palsy NOTES
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