Basic Surgical Skills

Overview

This two day course, aimed at FY1 and above, is designed to instill core surgical skills at the very start of a surgeon's training by teaching the correct basic techniques. You will be taught instrument handling, knot tying, suturing techniques, fine tissue handling, wound management and diathermy.

These courses are delivered by experienced surgeons with a wide range of knowledge and experience in teaching. They are delivered both in the UK and internationally.

Suitability

FY1 (BSS is strongly recommended for all trainees who are about to embark on their first surgical position), FY2, ST1/CT1 and ST2/CT2, SCPs, SFAs and PAs.

Course Format

Course participants have access to pre-course material online giving them the opportunity to view the basic concepts covered by the course. The course is held over two days with a series of demonstrations and extensive hands on sessions. Techniques are practiced using a combination of prepared animal tissue, synthetic models and simulation.

Course Objectives

Junior trainees pursuing a career in surgery are expected to be able to perform a range of basic surgical skills prior to commencing specialty surgical training. These skills are not specifically covered during their foundation or core training placements. The Basic Surgical Skills courses have been running since 1994, with the involvement of all four UK and Ireland Colleges of Surgeons, and are designed to teach the essential basic technical skills required of a surgeon, instilling good practice at the early stages of training.

Participants are introduced to the principles underpinning the various techniques being taught and practice these techniques with individual tuition and under the expert supervision of consultant surgeons. Participants are assessed throughout the course and issued with a certificate upon successful completion.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:

Explain the principles of good practice in theatre etiquette, knot tying, suturing, haemostasis, anastomosis, surgical diathermy and ergonomics for minimal access surgery.
Describe correct handling and use of surgical instruments.
Demonstrate an appropriate procedure for 'gowning' and 'gloving' in accordance with recommended standards of practice.
Tie a variety of reliable knots, including surgical reef knots and the Aberdeen knot and tying at depth.
Suture a variety of tissues, including skin, bowel, vascular tissue and tendons effectively.
Perform abscess drainage and contaminated wound debridement in accordance with the basic principles of wound management.
Demonstrate basic techniques for small bowel, vascular and tendon anastomoses.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic diathermic technique.
Demonstrate effective management of ergonomic tissue commonly encountered with minimal access surgery.

Costs

Course Fee: £585.00

Course Fee for RCSEd Members/Affiliates: £527.00

Course Director

Saheel Mukhtar

Location Specific Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCSEd’s course cancellation policy?

What happens if RCSEd cancels a course I am booked on?
Occasionally, RCSEd may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or if it is not financially viable to run. If this happens, we will notify you as soon as possible and issue a full refund of any course fees paid.

Please note that RCSEd will not be liable for any additional costs such as travel or accommodation. We recommend arranging appropriate travel insurance to cover any non-refundable expenses.
What happens if I need to cancel my place on a course I am booked?

If you cancel within 48 hours of booking, you will receive a full (100%) refund.

Cancellations made more than four weeks before the course date will be refunded, minus a 20% administration fee.

If you cancel less than four weeks before the course date, after the course has started, or fail to notify us, the full course fee will be charged, and no refund will be given. However, if you have a valid reason and can provide supporting evidence, you may be eligible for an 80% refund, subject to approval.

Please note that course places are non-transferable. Many of our courses have waiting lists, and we are committed to offering any available places to those on the list.

Should you have any further questions, the Education Team can be contacted on 0131 527 1600 or by email to education@rcsed.ac.uk.

Can I cancel a course booking online?

NO, cancellations must be made directly with the education team via phone or email. (Email: education@rcsed.c.uk or phone 0131 527 1600)

Can I transfer to another date for the same course?

No – we do not offer the option to defer or transfer your place to a later date or an alternative course.

How do I book a place on an RCSEd course?

You can book a place for all our courses by visiting the RCSEd Website, https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/events-courses and selecting the course you wish to book. Please note that you will need to register and create an account with the College of Surgeons in order to book.

Please be aware that creating an account is free and open to non-members.

For some regional and international courses, you will need to book directly with the centre. Please check individual courses for details.

What payment methods do RCSEd accept?

Visa and MasterCard are accepted on the RCSEd website.

All course bookings will receive a booking confirmation email: this email acts as your receipt.

Request an Invoice: If your course fees will be paid by a third party (eg trust, hospital, charitable fund) and they wish to be invoiced then they must provide us with an official purchase order. We are unable to process applications without this.

The purchase order should be submitted with the application form and can be emailed to education@rcsed.ac.uk. Please note that we can only invoice organisations and not individuals. Please check with your hospital or trust, as some may require you to pay yourself and then claim the money back.

Basic Surgical Skills

Key Facts