Operative Skills in Neurosurgery at the Royal College of Surgeons

Abstract

This course is aimed at year 1 to year 3 specialty trainees in neurosurgery or core surgery trainees with an interest in neurosurgery. Many core surgical rotations include a neurosurgery post, and this course is a useful introduction to simple techniques and the operative anatomy of common procedures and approaches. The drill training day is also useful for trainees in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery and orthopaedics as this is solely drill handling, equipment, and familiarisation. A few trainees come from abroad to do the course. The course is held at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, the faculty consisting of consultant neurosurgeons from around the country. They give you individual feedback on your skills and tutor you within your group using cadavers for the operative approaches and anatomy. The high speed drill training day is taught mainly by a Medtronic senior clinical specialist with many years’ experience, along with several colleagues …