Evaluation of patients who have sustained blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) may pose a significant diagnostic challenge to the most seasoned trauma surgeon. Blunt trauma produces a spectrum of injury from minor, single-system injury to devastating, multi-system trauma. Trauma surgeons must have the ability to detect the presence of intra-abdominal injuries across this entire spectrum. While a carefully performed physical examination remains the most important method to determine the need for exploratory laparotomy, there is little Level I evidence to support this tenet. In fact, several studies have highlighted the inaccuracies of the physical examination in BAT;The effect of altered level of consciousness as a result of neurologic injury, alcohol or drugs, is another major confounding factor in assessing BAT.Due to the recognized inadequacies of physical examination, trauma surgeons have come to rely on a number of diagnostic adjuncts. Commonly used modalities include diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) and computed tomography (CT). Although not available universally, focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) has recently been included in the diagnostic armamentarium..Has DPL still a role in presence of FAST –as DPL tells only that there is collection-without telling the magnitude of injury and whether operative approach will be therupetic- it dfefeats the philosophy of nonoperative management of solid organ injuries; DR&gt;FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI -MBBS:MS:MAMS:FICA:FICS(USA) ACUTE CARE SURGEON KING FAHAD HOSPITAL MEDINAH MUNAWARAH KSA:<br><br>Post edited by: fiazfazili, at: 2007/04/14 02:11

Hi

I have completed a Bachelor Degree of Medicine and Surgery (MB.Ch in Aden University in Yemen; and after completing this course I worked as a junior Doctor in A&E in a central hospital in Aden (Yemen).

Currently I am preparing myself for the IELTS exam in The Sheffield College which will take place soon. Due to the great reputation of this country in terms of education, I would like to further my education in medicine and therefore I am writing to you to enquire about whether there is Master in General Surgery course available in the UK if not is there a similar course which involves both taught and practical skills that will allow me to become a surgeon in the future. However, I am not looking for Master in General Surgery course which is research based.

I hope you can help me by directing me to the right place and right people because up to now i still dont have any idea who and where i can further my skills in this field. If you require anymore information please don't hesitate to email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

I hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Many thanks in advance

Dr. Maha Saleh