Arab Board Surgery Clinical study guide
Arab Board Surgery Clinical · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Arab Board of Health Specializations awards a specialty certification in surgery that is recognised across much of the Arab world and is widely treated as a marker of independent consultant-level competence. The clinical examination is the final hurdle for candidates who have completed accredited surgical training and passed the written components. The Arab Board Surgery Clinical study guide has 11 sections and about 2,645 words.
01General Surgery and Gastrointestinal Surgery
Candidates must master the evaluation of acute abdominal pain, including the differentiation of surgical from nonsurgical causes. Key topics include appendicitis (Alvarado score, imaging choices), biliary colic and cholecystitis, bowel obstruction (small vs.
279 words, about 1 min02Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Splenic Surgery
Focus on gallstone disease, acute pancreatitis, and hepatobiliary malignancies. Understand the indications for cholecystectomy (symptomatic gallstones, acute cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis).
261 words, about 1 min03Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Master the ABCDE approach to trauma. Understand indications for emergency thoracotomy, laparotomy, and damage control surgery.
255 words, about 1 min04Vascular Surgery
Understand the evaluation and management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid stenosis, aortic aneurysms, and venous disease. Key concepts: ankle-brachial index (ABI) for PAD, indications for carotid endarterectomy (symptomatic stenosis ≥70%), and surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
261 words, about 1 min05Endocrine Surgery (Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal)
Focus on thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, and adrenal incidentalomas. Know the Bethesda system for thyroid cytology and the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine for high-risk).
254 words, about 1 min06Breast Surgery
Understand the evaluation of breast lumps, breast cancer screening, and management of early and advanced breast cancer. Key topics: triple assessment (clinical, imaging, pathology), staging, and multidisciplinary treatment.
246 words, about 1 min07Surgical Oncology
Focus on the principles of oncologic surgery: en bloc resection, margins, lymphadenectomy, and multidisciplinary care. Understand staging and management of common cancers (colorectal, gastric, melanoma, sarcoma).
244 words, about 1 min08Pediatric Surgery
Understand common pediatric surgical emergencies: appendicitis, intussusception, pyloric stenosis, malrotation, and inguinal hernia. Know the differences in presentation and management compared to adults.
210 words, about 1 min09Urology and Transplant Surgery
Understand the evaluation of hematuria, renal colic, and urinary tract infections. Know the management of urolithiasis (observation, medical expulsive therapy, lithotripsy, ureteroscopy).
224 words, about 1 min10Perioperative Care, Critical Care and Surgical Ethics
Master preoperative risk assessment (cardiac, pulmonary), prophylaxis (antibiotics, DVT), and management of common postoperative complications (wound infection, dehiscence, ileus). Understand critical care principles: sepsis management, mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic monitoring.
203 words, about 1 min11Colorectal and Anorectal Surgery
Understand the evaluation of colorectal symptoms: bleeding, change in bowel habit, and anorectal pain. Key topics: colorectal cancer screening, staging, and surgical management (colectomy with adequate lymphadenectomy).
208 words, about 1 min