ABS General Surgery study plan

ABS General Surgery · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Alimentary Tract & Abdomen and its Contents

Outline the surgical anatomy and blood supply of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
Compare indications and complications of common bariatric and foregut procedures
Differentiate ulcer disease, gastritis, and gastric malignancy by presentation and workup
Describe the acute abdomen differential and initial diagnostic approach

A one-page decision algorithm for upper GI bleeding and perforated ulcer, plus 40 self-authored flashcards

Week 2

Trace the embryologic basis of intestinal rotation and common congenital anomalies
Explain pathophysiology and management of small bowel obstruction and ileus
Compare inflammatory bowel disease surgical indications with diverticular disease
Interpret abdominal imaging findings for obstruction, ischemia, and perforation

A table contrasting small bowel obstruction, large bowel obstruction, and ileus with management steps

Week 3

Outline hepatobiliary and pancreatic anatomy relevant to operative approach
Differentiate jaundice causes using liver function tests and imaging
Apply ATLS primary and secondary survey to abdominal trauma
Determine indications for operative versus nonoperative management of solid organ injury

A trauma abdominal assessment checklist and a hepatobiliary lab-interpretation worksheet

Week 4

Classify hemorrhagic, obstructive, and distributive shock and select initial resuscitation
Calculate fluid and blood product requirements in massive transfusion
Recognize and manage abdominal compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis
Prioritize injuries in polytrauma using damage-control principles

A shock and massive transfusion quick-reference card, plus a 20-question self-test scored at 80% or higher

Week 5

Manage sepsis and septic shock according to current bundle principles
Identify indications for and complications of mechanical ventilation in surgical patients
Interpret thyroid function tests and select operative indications for thyroid disease
Differentiate primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and Cushing syndrome workups

A critical care rounds template covering sepsis, ventilation, and electrolyte emergencies

Week 6

Outline parathyroid and adrenal anatomy and complications of neck and adrenal surgery
Evaluate a breast mass using triple assessment and staging principles
Differentiate benign and malignant skin lesions and select biopsy technique
Describe management of soft tissue infections including necrotizing fasciitis

A breast and soft tissue assessment flow sheet with biopsy and staging indications

Week 7

Apply TNM staging principles to common solid tumors
Compare indications and complications of sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymphadenectomy
Outline principles of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy
Evaluate melanoma and sarcoma using risk stratification and margins

A tumor staging summary sheet for breast, colorectal, and melanoma with treatment principles

Week 8

A full-length timed practice exam with a written remediation plan for every missed item

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a 40-question mixed test covering domains 1, 2, 5, and 7

Week 6: Complete all six domain summary sheets and pass a 30-question endocrine and soft tissue quiz at 80%

Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on a full-length timed practice exam across all seven domains