Introduction

This module of the course is designed to teach you basic safe methods of performing simple surgical procedures and to allow you to perform and practise them using specifically designed tissue simulators and various jigs. We aim to provide you with an enjoyable hands-on experience and the opportunity to practise vital and fundamental techniques in an atmosphere less stressed than the operating theatre.

The module aims to introduce you to some of the skills you will require in your career. Complex manoeuvres will need to be assiduously practised, preferably under critical observation, so that you do not acquire bad habits. The aim of this course is to help you acquire good habits early in your career, as it is much harder to unlearn bad habits later in life. The techniques chosen for this course by the RCOG are simple and safe but we make no claim that these are the only simple techniques with proven safety. An advantage of the British system of training is that you will probably work for several surgeons in the course of your training, each of whom will show you individually preferred techniques from which you will be able to select those which suit your needs best. However, the techniques taught on this course have been standardised and are recommended for their simplicity and safety.

Preparation for the course

You should read this manual before attending the course.