COURSE CONTENTS
The content covers sections on theory plus hands-on practical sessions. This course is designed to assist GPs in developing confidence in various procedures and understanding their limitations without further practical experience.
The common surgical problems often encountered by GPs such as ingrown toenails, foreign bodies, lacerations, sebaceous cysts, etc. can be readily dealt within general practice. The program demonstrates and practices a range of surgical procedures, local anaesthetic approaches, post-operative care and simple and more complex suturing with valuable tips on obtaining good cosmetic outcomes. All techniques are demonstrated with expertly filmed videos from A/Prof Brygel's extensive media collection and practised on models and wet specimens.
In the management of ingrown toenails, successful surgical treatment depends on obtaining satisfactory local anaesthesia. The program teaches and practices digital blocks to enable surgical correction and addresses other nail conditions such as acute paronychia abscess and subungual haematoma. The surgery ranges from removal of the nail edge, avulsion of the whole nail in selected cases, and more complex wedge resection. In addition, the increase in the popular use of Phenol ablation is demonstrated and informed consent, safety precautions and multiple attempts at post-operative care are dealt with in detail.
Hands and feet are common sites for splinters, nails and other objects to be embedded. Apart from local anaesthetic and surgical approaches to a diverse variety of problems, the course addresses the management of the wound and possible infections.
Lacerations can range from a simple clean cut to a dirty, potentially infected wound. The program offers an overview on the management of different lacerations with the aim to obtain primary closure. Debridement of the wound is also demonstrated and practised to give the practitioner the ability to cope with the most type of lacerations in the primary care setting.
Sebaceous and pilar cysts are ubiquitous and can occur anywhere on the body. They may present as an infection or abscess around a previous lump. The course demonstrates local anaesthetic techniques in both the non-infected and infected sebaceous cyst with abscess and addresses several surgical methods depending on the sites on the body, the severity of the infection and the skill and experience of the practitioner. Particular care is taken to demonstrate the management of the resultant cavity following the removal of a cyst and instructions are given to avoid damage to underlying structures.
The experienced course presenters also show how to manage subcutaneous lipomata and share tips and tricks of doing this procedure simply and avoiding excessive bleeding.
The course also discusses the treatment of haemorrhoids and anorectal conditions. The anorectal program will use power point presentations and video to visualize the common or important anal-related conditions, including haemorrhoids, haematoma, abscess, fistula, fissure, and warts. In diagnosing these conditions it is very important to differentiate them from more sinister problems. The anatomical and pathological basis are presented, in particular, the classification of haemorrhoids and the development of a fistula. The history with appropriate examination is usually sufficient to give a precise diagnosis.
The course also dedicates a session to practise simple and more complex suturing, including inverted suturing, deep suturing and subcuticular suturing.
The theory and practical sessions cover:
- Lacerations, leg ulcers and lipomas
- Abscesses and sebaceous cysts
- Foreign bodies
- Ingrown toenails
- Warts, skin lesions and haematomas
- Haemorrhoids and anal-rectal conditions
- Local anaesthesia
- Simple and advanced suturing
- Post-operative care and dressing selection
Course participants will:
- Observe experts performing clinical procedures techniques on a large screen with close-up camera
- Perform procedural techniques in a simulated environment and receive feedback
- Participate in online discussion of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions
- Receive a comprehensive course folder and research/readings in the field
- Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review
- Optional clinical attachments are also available at dedicated clinics
