How much radiology knowledge for surgeons

[Sushi Chef]

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How much basic radiology should a surgeon be expected to know and if there are any good recommendations for radiology books for surgery residents. Thank you!

 

[Blade28]

If you're talking about General Surgery, the common studies that we'll look at include:

*Chest x-ray (PA/lat): pleural effusion, pneumothorax, hemothorax, widened mediastinum, rib fracture, pneumonia, ETT/CVL/PICC/CT placement
*Abdominal x-ray (AXR/KUB/supine/upright): free air, NGT/OGT/Dobhoff placement, SBO
*CT C/A/P: SBO, abscess, fluid collection, tumor, mets, lymphadenopathy, liver/splenic/renal hematoma, PE, aorta, gallbladder, appendix
*Mammogram (CC/ML): wire loc, calcification, mass
*Angiogram: basic peripheral vasculature
*Ultrasound: FAST, gallbladder, appendix, fluid collection, abscess

 

[Winged Scapula]

IMHO, you should become familiar with whatever common studies are in your field. Therefore, you should be able to read a CT scan of the chest/abdo/pelvis, swallows and small bowel follow-throughs, (for general surgery), plain film xray and MRI for Ortho, CT head for Nsgy, CT face for ENT, Chest XRay for everyone, etc.

The best way to learn is not to read a book, IMHO, but to look at as many of the films as you can and review them with senior residents and attendings.

 

[Blade28]

The best way to learn is not to read a book, IMHO, but to look at as many of the films as you can and review them with senior residents and attendings.

Agreed.

After a couple months on any G Surg service, you'll have reviewed numerous CXRs and CT A/P. Guaranteed.

 

[TheGrog]

What I would recommend is to look at EVERY film that comes through on your patients, THEN look at the report. If you did not see what it said, look at the film again.

If you are still having trouble with films, go to the radiology department and have one of them go over them with you (ask nicely). I have never had a problem if they know you are just trying to learn how to read films.

After a few months, you will get the hang if it.

You should look at the films anyway, I have seen MANY residents called out by attendings because they only looked at the report and did not look at the film. Reports don't always tell everything that is going on with a patient.

My $0.02 worth

 

[Blade28]

Fixed that for you.

Note I didn't include bone films since you guys are best at tracing the cortex all the way 'round.

 

[DrDawg]

Other studies to look at include HIDA, MRCP, and bleeding scans.

 

[opr8n]

i did a radiology elective as a 4th year med student and it helped alot
i spent alot of time in the plain film room, BODY CT, and GI
and it helped alot for whn i started resdiency

as a resident
look at every film you order!!
and even ones that your colleauges order (assuming its apt you have responsibility over)
the more you see the better you will be

 

[Blade28]

Then later you find out that was just the comparison film.

👍