Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course 06E

Why take this course?

• Get ahead in your Core Surgical Training interviews and MRCS Part B exams with practical skills that will set you apart. 
• Boost your confidence in theatre. 
• Align your skillset with the GMC Capabilities in Practice Framework and the Foundation Curriculum High-Level Outcomes  

What you'll gain:

• Day 1: Build a strong foundation with essential techniques like knot-tying, instrument handling, and suturing, plus practical skills like skin lesion removal, ligation/transfixion, and tissue handling. 
• Day 2: Push your skills further with advanced techniques in assisted abdominal closure, vascular surgery, tendon repair, and an introduction to endoscopic surgery. 

After attending this course, you'll be able to:

• demonstrate safe operating techniques;
• use a variety of surgical knots safely and effectively;
• confidently handle and use surgical instruments;
• handle tissues confidently with due regard to their unique properties;
• use endoscopic instruments in a practical and safe way;
• discuss the practical, safe use of electrosurgery. 

This course is suitable for FY1-2 and CT1-2. It is also open to surgical first assistants, and anyone in training for those roles. 

SCPs may attend the BSS course to meet the syllabus requirements for Intraoperative Skills.  

BSS is a practical, workshop-led course. Each skill is introduced with a step-by-step demonstration before participants practice the technique. Many centres use a variety of porcine and ovine/maleagrine tissues although some choose to use synthetic tissue. Please check with the centre in advance if this is a concern for you. The Bjorn Saven Centre at RCS England uses animal tissue. 

You will participate in a variety of practical training sessions during the BSS course, including: 

• gowning, gloving, laying safe surgical knots and local anaesthetic management; 
• tissue handling practice (including for infected and contaminated tissues), along with the requirements for differing tissue sites, such as skin, bowel or vessels; 
• electrosurgery device usage; 
• manipulation of endoscopic instruments in a 3D surgical environment while viewing a remote 2D image; 
• visuospatial awareness, management of depth cueing and control of the ‘fulcrum effect’ during endoscopic surgery. 

You will receive continual feedback and assessment throughout the two days. 

Before the course, you will have access to the BSS handbook and our online learning platform, where you can view the BSS videos, other supporting materials and do the MCQs. This essential pre-course material will ensure you get the most out of every session.  

View the full BSS programme