Principles of Operative Surgery: Viva Practice for the MRCS (3rd edn)

Abstract

This is the latest addition to the Master Pass series of texts designed to support candidates preparing for examinations and the third edition offering viva practice for the intercollegiate MRCS. The authors are based in the departments of surgery at St George's Hospital in London and the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. They have carefully assembled and updated the material to include topics collected from candidates who have sat the MRCS during the last 3 years with others from examiners who have set questions. Indeed, they point out in the preface that a number are questions that have actually been used, while others are included as teaching points. In addition, they recommend that the book be used with the assistance of a colleague playing the role of an examiner to improve its effectiveness. It opens with valuable tips for success in the viva, including a simple but practical framework for describing an operation from pre-operative preparation, in theatre and on to postoperative care. More than 60 surgical topics are covered in alphabetical order from, for example, acute limb ischaemia, appendicitis and ATLS through paediatric inguinal hernia, robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery and sutures and needles to vasectomy and wound healing. Each is completed in no more than four pages in a relatively simple, easy-to-read manner. Following this, there are short sections on controlled clinical trials, medical statistics and surgical audit with a helpful concluding list of guidance for further reading. Presented in an economical format in paperback, this book should fit into a white coat pocket (for the sadly diminishing number who wear them these days) with the consequent potential of being a helpful aide-memoire to reinforce live clinical scenarios on the ward, in the accident and emergency department and in the operating theatre. Although its stated aim is to assist MRCS candidates, it is also likely to prove helpful for those preparing for certifying examinations of the American Board of General Surgery, the fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Canadian Board examinations. In addition, those approaching undergraduate surgical finals will also find it helpful as will those needing to update their general surgical knowledge in preparation for postgraduate examinations in dental and oral surgery.