First Incision

Guest Episode on Small Bowel Tumours with Tamara Vu

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the second of a series that has been produced in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Training Board in Colon and Rectal ...

Guest Episode on Chest Trauma with James McKay

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the topic of chest trauma, with the James Mckay, an incredible general surgeon, trauma surgeon, and dual trained intensive care ph...

Guest Episode on Familial Cancer Syndromes with Chris Wakeman

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This guest episode with colorectal surgeon Chris Wakeman focuses on the common familial cancer syndromes. For each we go through diagnosis, genetics, ...

Guest Episode on Malignant Colorectal Polyps with Henry Drysdale

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the first  part of a series that has been produced in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Training Board in Colon and R...

Guest Episode on Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) for Rectal Cancer with Simon Richards

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this guest episode we are joined by Dr Simon Richards, as colorectal surgeon from Christchurch New Zealand.This episode is a masterclass in Total ...

Guest Episode on Bariatric Surgery with Carla Gillespie

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this guest episode we are joined by Dr Carla Gillespie, an UGI, bariatric and general surgeon from Sydney to cover the topic of bariatric surgery.W...

Intestinal Failure

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the vault (courtesy of Tara who found it).This episode covers the topic of intestinal failure. It includes:- definition- classification- pathophy...

Guest Episode on Fellowship with Ashwini Pondicherry and Jamie Crichton

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's 'Christmas Special' episode I am joined by Ashwini Pondicherry and Jamie Crichton to reflect on our first year of fellow...

Breast Cancer Cases - Guest Episode with Ashwini Pondicherry

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our first episode back (in a while - sorry!) is an incredible guest episode that is worth the wait. We talk through a series of breast cancer cases wi...

Guest Episode on Operative Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Michael Johnston

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This guest episode covers the essentials you need to know when talking about operative surgery in inflammatory bowel disease.We are joined by colorect...

Salivary Gland Pathology and Neck Space Infections

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we go into some of the pathologies that can affect the salivary gland, as well as the different neck infections we need to know about....

Financial Guest Episode with DPM Financial

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this guest episode, we talk to Anthony Payne, a financial and tax consultant with DPM Financial about some of the financial changes we will face tr...

Salivary Gland Anatomy and Tumours

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode from the Head and Neck module of our curriculum we touch on salivary gland pathology. Including:- Salivary gland anatomy - inclu...

Guest Episode on Urology with Dr Anita Clarke

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by the incredible urologist Dr Anita Clarke to talk about all things urology!We cover:- the benefits of multidisciplinary surg...

Guest Episode with A/Prof Phil Carson

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this guest episode with A/Prof Phil Carson. A/Prof Carson is a general surgeon from Darwin and the most recent ex-censor in chief of RACS. ...

A/Prof Kellee Slater Guest Episode on HPB and Liver Transplant

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are lucky enough this week to be joined by the incredible Kellee Slater - HPB and hernia surgeon from Queensland. In addition to being an incredibl...

Introduction to Transplant

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm back! After a nice break holidaying around Italy I bring you an introduction to the transplant module! Hopefully this covers enough backgroun...

Appendix - acute appendicitis, appendiceal tumours and pseudomyxoma peritonei

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I know I promised you all a series on urology but I'm taking a break this week and releasing a bonus episode from the vault!This episode covers a...

Urology - Testicular Tumours, Varicocles, Hydroceles and Epididymal Cysts

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode continues our foray into the urology topics we need to know for our general surgical exams. We cover:- testicular tumours including the p...

Urology Anatomy and Embryology

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

From the abdominal wall, retroperitoneum and urogenital module from the curriculum I bring you the first in a series of podcasts covering urology!We h...

Pathophysiology Exam Quiz - sepsis and critical care, nutrition, skin and soft tissue, trauma, vascular and abdominal compartment syndrome

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is number 3 in our series of pathophysiology quiz episodes.We cover pathophysiology topics from the following modules:- sepsis and critic...

Pathophysiology Exam Quiz - UGI, Breast, Colorectal, Emergency and Head and Neck

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is number 2 in our series of pathophysiology quiz episodes.We cover pathophysiology topics from the following modules:- Upper GI- Breast-...

Pathophysiology Exam Quiz - Endocrine, Small Bowel, Bariatric and HPB

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After the success of our Genetic Syndrome's Quiz episode, we bring you the first in a series of Pathophysiology quiz episodes!This episode is in ...

Critically Ill Surgical Patient: Sepsis, Shock, SIRS, MODS

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a short hiatus First Incision is back!This episode goes through the definitions of all the conditions which may affect our critically ill surgic...

Surgical Oncology - Genetic Syndromes Exam Quiz

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone! We're trying something different this week with a new format for the podcast.This episode covers a range of genetic syndromes that w...

Exam Recap with Ben Finlay

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spoiler alert - We Passed! In this week's episode we reflect on the exam and the whole process of preparation for and actually sitting the exam. ...

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Featuring Julie Howle

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers retroperitoneal sarcoma. Another difficult sarcoma topic most trainees wouldn't see during their training. This e...

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Featuring Julie Howle

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers everything we need to know about soft tissue sarcomas.There are so many sarcomas it can feel a bit overwhelming, so th...

Anatomy of the popliteal fossa and leg

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode finishes our series on limb anatomy!This is an area of anatomy which is not as frequently encountered by general surgeons so ...

Anatomy of the thigh and gluteal region

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode continues our series on limb anatomy.This is an area of anatomy which is not as frequently encountered by general surgeons so...

Anatomy of the wrist, carpal tunnel and hand

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode completes the upper limb component of our series on limb anatomy.Limb anatomy is not as frequently encountered by general sur...

Anatomy of the forearm and cubital fossa

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the second in our series on limb anatomy.This week we cover the anatomy of the forearm and cubital fossa.This is an area o...

Anatomy of the shoulder, brachial plexus and arm

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode kicks off a series on limb anatomy.This is an area of anatomy which is not as frequently encountered by general surgeons so i...

Aneurysmal Disease

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the topic of aneurysmal disease from the vascular module of the general surgical curriculum.We cover:- definition- classification-...

Diabetic Foot

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers what we need to know about the diabetic foot - a favourite topic for the general surgical exam. - background- pathophysiology - wo...

Venous disease

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers the topic of venous disease. This includes varicose veins and venous hypertension (chronic venous insufficiency).- the...

Acute Limb Ischaemia

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers everything we need to know about acute limb ischaemia. - definition- aetiology- risk factors- severity assessment- pathophysiology...

Chronic Limb Ischaemia

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode starts us off with the vascular module of the general surgical curriculum.We cover chronic limb ischaemia, also known as chro...

Hyperhidrosis and Hidraadenitis Suppurativa

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers the sweat-gland related pathologies covered in the skin and soft tissue module:Starting with anatomy of the sweat glan...

Basal Cell Carcinoma

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers everything you need to know about basal cell carcinoma including- presentation- risk factors- histological subtypes- p...

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers everything you need to know about cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.- presentation- risk factors- premalignant lesions...

Merkel Cell Carcinoma feat. Julie Howle

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers the topic of Merkel Cell Carcinoma - a favourite question in the exam.  We have added the discussion we had with Dr J...

Guest Episode on Melanoma with Julie Howle

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode welcomes our guest Dr Julie Howle who is a surgical oncologist from Westmead Hospital in Sydney.We cover a wide range of topi...

Management of Melanoma

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode continues on from last week to discuss the management of MelanomaThis episode covers:- wide local excision and the surgical m...

Introduction to Melanoma

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode introduces us to the topic of melanoma We cover: - Risk factors- Precursor lesions- Histopathology and important histopatholo...

Introduction to Skin

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode introduces us to the topic of 'skin'. I know it seems weird that I would do an episode just on this but bear with m...

Topical Haemostatic Agents and Anticoagulants

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers the useful topics of topical haemostatic agents and anticoagulants.We discuss principles of haemostasis, the coagulati...

Burns, Blasts, and Extremity Compartment Syndrome

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is co-hosted by Ben Finlay. We cover a wide range of topics including:Burns- initial resuscitation including the parkland for...

Hollow Viscus and Pelvic Trauma

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's trauma episode is presented with our guest host Ben Finlay.We cover hollow viscus injuries including:- gastric- duodenal- small bowel...

Abdominal Trauma - solid organ and retroperitoneal

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode welcomes back Ben Finlay to help present abdominal trauma.We go through:- trauma laparotomy- liver trauma- splenic trauma- pa...

Neck Trauma

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores blunt and penetrating neck trauma with special guest Ben Finlay.We discuss:Blunt cerebrovascular injury including:- the grading ...

Introduction to Trauma

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode introduces us to some concepts in trauma with our new guest host Ben Finlay!We cover a wide range of topics including:- Prima...

Guest Episode on Operative HPB with Michael Crawford

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's guest episode features Dr Michael Crawford who is a hepatobiliary, hernia and liver transplant surgeon from Sydney.We cover a wide ra...

Guest Episode with Laurence Webber

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's guest episode is with Dr Laurence Webber, a hepatobiliary surgeon from Western Australia.We cover a wide range of topics including:Pr...

Genetic Endocrine Disorders

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode has everything you need to know about genetic conditions that predispose to endocrine tumours. We cover:- Multiple endocrine noeplasia (M...

The Adrenal Gland: incidentalomas, cancers, and functional tumours

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode looks at the adrenal gland:- adrenal incidentalomas- the important questions to ask about adrenal lesions - is it cancer and is it functi...

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers everything you need to know about pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours- what they are- classification into functional and non-functio...

Hyperparathyroidism and calcium homeostasis

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers a range of topics related to calcium:- pathophysiology of calcium homeostasis - causes of hypercalcaemia- workup of hypercalcaemia...

Thyroid Cancer Management

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode follows on from last week's episode on thyroid nodules and an introduction to thyroid cancer. We cover:- surgery for thyroid cancer-...

Thyroid Nodules and Introduction to Thyroid Cancer

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the presentation and workup of thyroid nodules. It includes a targeted history, examination, blood tests, and imaging modalities. ...

Thyroid - physiology, hyper and hypothyroidism, thyroid function tests, thyroiditis and thyrotoxicosis

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode kicks off the endocrine content with the thyroid. In this episode we cover:- Physiology of thyroid hormone and iodine metabol...

Endocrine Anatomy and Embryology

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hi everyone! It's time to change tack and tackle the endocrine module from our curriculum.I have a feeling this will be a wild, feedback-cycle ki...

Chronic Liver Failure and Perioperative Management

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers chronic liver failure:- the causes- pathophysiology of what actually happens when the liver fails- diagnosis of chroni...

Liver Infections

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers liver infections, including pyogenic liver abscesses, hydatid cysts, amoebic abscesses and other rarer types of liver ...

Spleen

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers all surgical topics related to the spleen:- anatomy- embryology- pathophysiology and function- all the things that can...

Chronic Pancreatitis

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers chronic pancreatitis- what is it- risk factors- pathophysiology of it's aetiology and complications- how it prese...

Acute Pancreatitis

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers acute pancreatitis.- risk factors- aetiology- pathophysiology (a beloved question in the exam)- workup- severity classification (i...

Pancreatic Cancer

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers pancreatic cancer. Topics discussed include:- risk factors- familial pancreatic cancer syndromes- pathophysiology- presentation- w...

Liver Metastases and Liver Surgery

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode delves into liver metastases and liver surgery. We discuss both colorectal and non-colorectal liver metastasesFor colorectal liver metast...

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Intraoperative Pitfalls

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's operative episode covers laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and some of the intraoperative pitfalls they might throw your way in the exam....

Guest Episode on Maximising Exam Performance with Sarah Dalton

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're taking a break this week from the HPB module to talk about the exam. Specifically how to manage your stress and maximise your performance i...

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Topics covered include: - Epidemiology- Risk factors- Presentation- Surveillance- Histopathology i...

Non-Malignant Liver Lesions

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wanted to know how to differentiate all the different types of non-malignant liver lesions? Us too! Don't fret - this is the episode for you...

Benign Biliary Strictures and Choledochal Cysts

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode briefly covers the various causes of benign biliary strictures. This includes:Iatrogenic causes- Bile duct injuries at cholecystectomy- T...

Cholangiocarcinoma

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers cholangiocarcinoma:- the different types (intrahepatic, hilar and distal bile duct)- classification systems (Bismuth, TNM)- risk f...

Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers pancreatic cystic neoplasms including:Neoplastic mucinous cystic lesions- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)- Mucino...

Gallbladder adenomyomatosis, polyps and cancer

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers three gallbladder pathologies from the hepatobiliary module of the curriculum: - gallbladder adenomyomatosis- gallblad...

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Anatomy, Embryology and Variations

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the first episode of our new season! Moving onto hepatobiliary and pancreatic topics. This week we talk about liver, biliary and pancreatic...

Colitis

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers everything COLITIS!- infectious colitis - including a quick touch on common infectious causes and how to treat them- pseudomembran...

Volvulus and Pilonidal Disease

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's mismatched topics (brought to you by boredom and Melbourne's 4th COVID lockdown) are:- Volvulus: including sigmoid and caecal vo...

Perianal Fistulas and Haemorrhoids

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Finishing off the perianal content for the colorectal module with perianal fistula and hemorrhoids.  Everything you ever wanted to know about all the...

Faecal Incontinence and Rectal Prolapse

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode covers the topics of faecal incontinence and rectal prolapse.These conditions are commonly encountered in the general surgica...

Anal Cancer and Perianal Paget's Disease

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers anal cancer and perianal paget's disease.We cover the presentation, workup, aetiology, and treatment of these diseases. Speci...

Large Bowel Obstruction and Pseudoobstruction

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers large bowel obstruction and pseudoobstruction.We go into the causes, presentation, workup, and management of both of these conditi...

Perianal Conditions

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode takes us away from IBD and into the realm of perianal pathology. Although not the prettiest side of general surgery, these topics are com...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Special

09 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This special addition to our IBD episodes covers three bonus topics:- Perianal Crohn's Disease- IBD and Pregnancy- Indeterminate ColitisEnjoy!Dis...

Crohn's Disease

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we cover Crohn's Disease.- presentations: both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal- differential diagnoses- workup and diagnosi...

Ulcerative Colitis

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are diving back into the colorectal module from the curriculum this week to talk about Ulcerative Colitis.This episode goes into the presentation, ...

Guest Episode - The Fellowship Exam with Emily Olive

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's special guest episode is with Dr Emily Olive - a successful 2020 fellowship exam candidate.    Just in time for the first sitting o...

Guest Episode on Colorectal with Carolyn Vasey

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode has everything:- Carolyn Vasey (enough said - an incredible colorectal surgeon from Ballarat in Victoria)- Discussions about colorectal c...

Treatment of Rectal Cancer

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode picks up where episode 4 ((introduction to colorectal cancer) left off  - delving into the treatment of rectal cancer.This is a fun topi...

Treatment of Colon Cancer

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode continues from our last - 'introduction to colorectal cancer'.We are exploring the treatment of colon cancer, and specifically ...

Introduction to colorectal cancer

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers everything else you need to know about colorectal cancer (see last 2 episodes!) without talking about treatment options. This incl...

Genetic Colon Cancer Syndromes

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Be prepared for some knowledge in this episode exploring the different genetic syndromes associated with colorectal cancer. Great episode to cram befo...

Colorectal polyps, malignant polyps, and genetic pathways in colorectal cancer development

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's dip our toes into the topic of colorectal cancer by taking a look at different types of colorectal polyps. This includes neoplastic and non...

Anatomy of the colon, rectum and anal canal

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are launching into the colorectal module from the curriculum this week - and starting off with some anatomy! There is a little bit of physiology an...

Oesophageal perforation, corrosive and caustic ingestions

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers approaches to the workup and management of oesophageal perforation, plus everything you need to know about corrosive and caustic i...

Oesophageal foreign bodies, diverticulum and benign tumours

23 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode covers a few smaller topics in oesophageal surgery including:- oesophageal foreign bodies- oesophageal diverticulum- benign oesop...

Peptic Ulcer Disease

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everything you need to know about peptic ulcer disease you will find right here in this episode.  We cover how to manage uncomplicated presentations,...

GIST and other Gastric Tumours

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we will be covering the rest of gastric tumours. This includes:- Gastrointestinal Stroma Tumours (GIST)- Gastric Lymphoma- Gastric Ne...