Iran General Surgery Board Exam study plan

Draw and label the surgical anatomy of the inguinal canal, femoral triangle, and posterior abdominal wall from memory, then verify against an atlas and correct errors

Explain the physiology of surgical stress response (catecholamine, cortisol, cytokine, and ADH axes) and predict its effects on glucose, sodium, potassium, and protein catabolism in a written paragraph

Derive maintenance and deficit fluid calculations and practice three worked electrolyte scenarios (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic alkalosis) with the correction plan written out

Summarize wound healing phases, factors impairing healing, and suture/biomaterial selection in a one-page table

Review surgical microbiology and antibiotic pharmacology: classify common surgical pathogens and state empiric coverage for community-acquired intra-abdominal infection

Map the blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and resection margins for esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, and rectum on a single labeled diagram

Compare presentation, workup, and operative strategy for upper and lower GI bleeding in a structured table

Differentiate the types of inguinal, femoral, and ventral hernias by anatomy and state repair principles and recurrence risks

Outline the diagnostic algorithm for acute abdominal pain by quadrant and identify which diagnoses require emergent laparotomy

Describe staging and surgical principles for colorectal and gastric malignancy, including lymphadenectomy extent and anastomotic considerations

Trace the biliary anatomy including variations of the cystic duct and right hepatic artery, and list structures at risk during cholecystectomy

Compare gallstone disease, choledocholithiasis, and acute cholecystitis by presentation, imaging, and timing of intervention

Explain the surgical management of pancreatic head mass versus chronic pancreatitis, including the Whipple procedure steps and complications

Outline portal hypertension pathophysiology and the indications and options for shunt versus devascularization surgery

State the indications for splenectomy, perioperative vaccination, and postoperative thromboprophylaxis

Run the primary and secondary survey of trauma aloud in sequence, stating the decision point at each step for airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure

Apply damage control principles: identify the lethal triad, indications for abbreviated laparotomy, and staged packing

Calculate resuscitation volumes and blood product ratios for hemorrhagic shock and explain permissive hypotension indications

Describe burn depth assessment, fluid resuscitation formulas, and indications for escharotomy and burn center transfer

Build a perioperative risk assessment framework including cardiac risk indices, VTE prophylaxis, and enhanced recovery elements

Outline the workup of a thyroid nodule and the indications, extent, and complications of thyroidectomy including recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid preservation

Explain primary hyperparathyroidism localization and the criteria for focused parathyroidectomy

Differentiate adrenal incidentaloma workup and indications for adrenalectomy by hormonal syndrome

Describe the evaluation and management of peripheral arterial disease, acute limb ischemia, and abdominal aortic aneurysm by size threshold

Summarize varicose vein pathophysiology, venous ulcer management, and vascular access planning for dialysis

Interpret chest imaging patterns for pneumothorax, pleural effusion, lung mass, and mediastinal widening and state the surgical approach for each

Explain indications for tube thoracostomy, VATS, and lung resection with attention to pulmonary reserve assessment

List the congenital anomalies presenting in the neonate (esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, anorectal malformation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Hirschsprung disease) with timing and initial stabilization

Describe pediatric trauma priorities and differences from adult resuscitation

Outline common pediatric oncology surgical principles for Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma

Explain donor and recipient selection criteria and the phases of kidney, liver, and pancreas transplantation including vascular anastomoses and biliary reconstruction

State immunosuppression principles and the recognition of acute versus chronic rejection

Apply oncologic surgical principles: margins, en bloc resection, lymph node sampling, and multidisciplinary sequencing of neoadjuvant therapy

Compare laparoscopic versus open approaches for cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and hernia repair by indication, contraindications, and conversion risk

Describe the role and complications of endoscopy and interventional procedures in surgical patients

Apply informed consent requirements, capacity assessment, and disclosure of complications to five written scenarios

Explain error reporting, root cause analysis, and quality improvement cycles with a concrete surgical example

Review Iranian medical regulations relevant to surgical practice, documentation, and medico-legal reporting, noting areas needing verification in official texts

Re-drill the highest-yield basic science, trauma, and critical care facts using spaced repetition of previously missed items

Complete two timed mixed-domain mock exams and analyze errors by domain