General Surgery Boards Case-Based Review

Like most surgical textbooks, the content of this book is divided into the subspecialties of the field. However, this categorization is based primarily on the presenting pathology of each case. The sequelae of each case may dive into crossover sections just as real cases and real exam setting scenarios may go. The answers to each question are written in active voice to help the reader practice verbalizing as if performing in an oral boards setting. Repetitive steps, such as seeking a multidisciplinary conference for all cancer cases or performing the ABC evaluation for trauma patients, are repeated to help internalize what may be secondhand in clinical practice but easy to forget to verbalize in a test scenario. Where possible, multiple options for correct answers are presented, especially in controversial arenas. Otherwise, the answers are dictated by the available literature and guidelines, which are provided in the Additional Reading section following each chapter.

This book does not include diagnostic challenges such as reading radiographs or interpreting a lab panel, as the focus is on decision-making given a particular situation. The decision to pursue a line of work-up in order to make a diagnosis is sometimes included if felt to be frequently tested. Along this guiding principle, relevant bloodwork values and conclusive radiographic findings are directly provided. The reader is encouraged to submit feedback to help develop future editions as the practice of medicine and surgery evolves.