Various types of surgical site infection (SSI) have been defined by CDC. Patient related factors Mnemonic: WASHING 1. Weight: Obesity (>20% of ideal body weight) 2. Antibiotic resistant skin flora: MRSA colonization 3. Advancing age 4. Smoking 5. HIV and other immune deficiency conditions 6. Infection coexisting at other sites…
Tag: General Surgery
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Colorectal carcinoma – Duke Staging and Management
TNM stage Duke’s stage Description 5 yr survival Surgery Chemotherapy Radiotherapy 0 – Tis, N0, M0 Limited to mucosa >95% Local excision/polypectomy → Surveillance No No Mnemonic I – T1-2, N0, M0 A A-Ok limited to bowel wall only 90% Wide surgical resection + Anastomosis No No II – T3-4,…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Spleen, Liver, Kidney Trauma
Approach to abdominal trauma has been discussed earlier. Spleen Injury Liver Injury Kidney Injury General 2nd m/c injured intra-abdominal organ in blunt trauma m/c injury requiring operative intervention in blunt trauma m/c injured intra-abdominal organ overall m/c injured intra-abdominal organ in blunt trauma m/c from blunt trauma maximum warm ischemia…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Inguinal Canal : Mnemonics
Walls of Inguinal Canal Mnemonic: SALP 2 X MALT Starting from superior, moving counterclockwise in order to posterior: 1. Superior (Roof): 2 Muscles (Internal oblique, Transverse abdominus) 2. Anterior: 2 Aponeuroses (External abdominal oblique, Internal abdominal oblique) 3. Lower (Floor): 2 Ligaments (Lacunar and Inguinal) 4. Posterior: 2 T‘s (conjoint…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) Grading : Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Upset Kidneys Drink Their Pee Grade 1: reflux up to Ureter (w/o dilation) Grade 2: reflux up to Kidneys (w/o dilation) Grade 3: Dilation (ureter/pelvis/calyces) Grade 4: Tortuosity (and worse dilation) Grade 5: Papillary impression loss Source: Tweet from Ben Abelson
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Hypertrophic Scar vs Keloid
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are both raised, firm scars formed from excess fibrinogen production and collagen during healing. Mnemonic: BAD SCARS Mnemonic Basis Hypertrophic scar Keloid B Behavior Natural regression No spontaneous regressio A Acuteness Appears in weeks Appears over months to years D Demographic All races affected More prevalent…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Severity Scores for Acute Pancreatitis : Mnemonics
Modified Glasgow-Imrie Score Severe pancreatitis likely: 3 or more of the following within 48 hours of symptom onset Mnemonic: PANCREAS Mnemonic Criteria Positive when P PaO2 <60 mmHg A Age >55 years N Neutrophils (WBC) >15,000/cu.mm C Calcium <2 mmol/l R RFT (Urea) >16 mmol/l E Enzyme (LDH/AST) LDH >600…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Epiploic foramen of Winslow : Mnemonic
Epiploic foramen is a vertical opening through which lesser sac (omental bursa) communicates with the greater sac (peritoneal cavity proper). It is at the level of T12 vertebra. Boundaries Mnemonic: Epiploic foramen is located between CD and HI. Superior: Caudate process of liver Inferior: Duodenum (1st part) Anterior: Hepatoduodenal ligament…