ABPS General Surgery study plan

Draw the peritoneal attachments and blood supply of the stomach, duodenum, and small bowel, then explain how each predicts patterns of ischemia and obstruction.

Compare the presentation, diagnostic steps, and operative indications for small-bowel obstruction, large-bowel obstruction, and closed-loop obstruction.

Perform a primary and secondary trauma survey aloud on three simulated scenarios, stating the trigger for laparotomy in each.

List bedside findings that distinguish acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and perforated viscus, and map each to the first three management actions.

Trace nutrient absorption and resection consequences along the GI tract, and predict which patients need parenteral nutrition or specific supplementation.

Explain sepsis and septic shock bundles, vasopressor selection, and lactate clearance targets in postoperative surgical patients.

Differentiate ARDS from cardiogenic pulmonary edema using ventilator, imaging, and hemodynamic criteria.

Calculate fluid resuscitation and maintenance needs for a 70-kg adult with abdominal sepsis, showing each step.

Map breast cancer staging, receptor status, and surgical options to a treatment sequence for early, locally advanced, and metastatic disease.

Compare thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and adrenalectomy indications, complications, and postoperative monitoring.

Outline workup and operative decision-making for obstructive jaundice, gallstone pancreatitis, and a pancreatic head mass.

Explain transplant immunosuppression phases and the signs of acute rejection in kidney and liver recipients.

Apply damage-control resuscitation principles to hemorrhagic shock, including blood product ratios, calcium replacement, and hypothermia prevention.

Interpret arterial blood gases and ventilator waveforms in surgical ICU patients and propose two changes for each abnormality.

Build a burn resuscitation and airway plan for a 40% TBSA inhalation injury.

Prioritize operating room triage for five simultaneous trauma and emergency general surgery cases.

Compare open, endovascular, and hybrid repair for AAA, carotid stenosis, and peripheral arterial disease, including follow-up surveillance.

Explain thoracic trauma management for pneumothorax, hemothorax, rib fractures, and esophageal injury.

Plan perioperative risk assessment for cardiac, pulmonary, and renal complications using functional capacity and risk indices.

Design an opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia plan for major abdominal surgery, including regional options and discharge tapering.

Stage common surgical oncology scenarios for colon cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma and state margins, lymph node sampling, and adjuvant referral triggers.

Reconcile perioperative anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for elective and urgent operations using procedure bleed risk.

Explain enhanced recovery components and identify three deviations that predict readmission.

Prepare a preoperative goals-of-care and informed consent discussion for a high-risk oncologic resection.

Interpret liver function tests and imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal liver metastases to propose resection or transplant referral.

Manage pancreatic fistula, posthepatectomy liver failure, and biliary leak using standardized definitions and step-up therapy.

Evaluate vascular access options and complications for hemodialysis and long-term chemotherapy.

Decide when thoracic surgery consultation is urgent for empyema, mediastinitis, or massive hemoptysis.

Distinguish pediatric surgical emergencies such as pyloric stenosis, intussusception, malrotation, and appendicitis by age, examination, and imaging.

Outline cleft lip and palate repair, burn reconstruction, and skin graft principles with timing and functional goals.

Apply professional practice concepts including informed consent, error disclosure, teamwork, and resource stewardship in two scenarios.

Review all prior missed items and schedule spaced repetition for weak domains.