Mnemonic: ABCD(CD)E(CDE) – 4P A: Alternate diagnosis of DVT more likely (-2) B: Bedridden recently >3 days or Big (major) surgery within 3 months (+1) C: Cancer – treatment or palliation within 6 months (+1) D: Deep venous involvement: Mnemonic – CD Collateral (non-varicose) superficial veins present (+1) Deep venous…
Tag: General Surgery
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Pelvic Fracture Classification and Management : Simplified
Before proceeding to this topic, it would be wise to go through the topics listed below: Tile/AO Classification Tile classification divides pelvic fractures into three basic types according to stability based on the integrity of the posterior sacroiliac complex. Here is a mnemonic that can be used to remember tile…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Differentiating Necrotizing Fasciitis from other soft tissue infections
Necrotizing fasciitis can be misdiagnosed in about 75% of the cases in the intial stage of the disease. The most consistent feature of early necrotizing fasciitis is the pain out of proportion to swelling or erythema. Other features helping to differentiate from other soft tissue infections are: Tenderness extending beyond…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Postoperative fever – Rule of W (Mnemonic)
Postoperative fever is defined as a temperature >100°F (38°C) on 2 consecutive postoperative days, or >102.2°F (39°C) on any 1 postoperative day. The most common cause of fever within the first 48 hours is a pyretic response to surgery, which is self-limiting. Textbooks have long listed the common causes of…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Wound – It’s types
A wound is typically described as a break in the surface tissue (such as skin or mucous membrane) or any tissue under the surface. It may involve the superficial planes alone or the deep planes and deep tissue of the body alone or both. Superficial Tissue include: Skin, Superficial Fascia,…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Wound Healing : Stages
1. Haemostasis (immediate): In response to exposed collagen, platelets aggregate at the wound and degranulate, releasing inflammatory mediators. Clotting and complement cascades activated. Thrombus formation and reactive vasospasm achieve haemostasis. 2. Inflammation (0-3 days): Vasodilatation and increased capillary permeability allow inflammatory cells to enter wound, and cause swelling. Neutrophils amplify inflammatory response by release…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Common mistakes in Per Abdominal examination
1. Forgetting to Expose abdomen adequately: Before examination, patient should ideally be exposed from the nipples to mid thigh. Failure to do so may lead to missed findings during examination e.g. Hernia 2. Abdominal symmetry and movement: Abdominal symmetry and movement should be examined tangentially and from leg end. Comment…
Emergency Medicine 
Polytrauma Assessment and Management (ATLS) : Mnemonics
SIEVE triage system Mnemonic: ABC-30-2 Can Do Approach to assessment and initial management Mnemonic: ARM Adjuncts to Primary Survey Reflects the adequacy of resuscitation. Mnemonic: PEA COVER Primary Survey Follow the look, listen, feel approach – Mnemonic: ABCDE 1. Airway and C-spine protection: 2. Breathing: 3. Circulation and control of…