The Art of Surgery is a basic hands-on surgery course taught by Dr. Nabil Fanous at the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning to teach 91社区 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residents valuable tips and tricks that will听optimize their skills in the operating room.
This unique course incorporates knowledge acquired by Dr. Fanous, Associate Professor in the 91社区 Department of OTL-HNS during his surgical career as an otolaryngologist and cosmetic surgeon. 鈥淓verything in surgery鈥攅very step, every procedure鈥攈as a simpler, safer and easier technique and approach that can be used,鈥 explains Dr. Fanous. 鈥淚 want the learners to master that approach and make it a habit, to learn how to operate in a way that is elegant and efficient."
In addition to a theory component, the course provides residents with hands-on opportunities to practice these optimal techniques on pig legs so that they can operate in a manner that is controlled, precise and safe. Dr. Fanous uses humour and metaphors to teach the students as they practice various techniques, including body positioning, suturing, incisions, dissection, cauterization, and more.
As third-year resident Dr. Naif Fnais explains, 鈥淭here are certain basic techniques that we learn as students, such as cutting and suturing. We improvise as we go, but don鈥檛 necessarily use the most efficient techniques. During this course, Dr. Fanous shares methods that he has acquired over his 30-year career. He shows us optimal ways to handle the instruments and tissue, and other techniques that are more efficient and require less effort. He also shares tips on how not to get fatigued when operating for long periods of time, which is very practical.鈥 Drs. Deema Almutawa and Sena Turkdogan are in their second year of the program and have picked up valuable techniques that will enhance their surgical skills, such as the hidden vertical mattress stitch. 鈥淭here are certain techniques that you don鈥檛 notice while you鈥檙e in surgery, you just do them automatically鈥攍ike how to suture and how to hold the needle. This course draws our attention to that,鈥 says Dr. Almutawa. Her colleague, Dr. Turkdogan, adds, 鈥淒r. Fanous tells you and shows you methods that you can incorporate into your day-to-day practice. Little details, like how to turn the wrist, how to grab the needle, or what direction to turn your body, can make a big difference. This course opens up a new perspective.鈥听