Whether you need a breakdown of (e.g., STARR, National Emergency Laparotomy Audit metrics) to quote during the viva?
I would treat this as a surgical emergency. I will assess the patient using an ABCDE approach. I would secure intravenous access, send bloods—including a full blood count, urea and electrolytes, lactate, group and save, and clotting screen—and start aggressive fluid resuscitation. I would insert a urinary catheter to monitor hourly urine output and place a nasogastric tube for decompression.
Open a spreadsheet or a Word document. Divide it into 5 sections:
[Clinical Presentation] ➔ [Initial Resuscitation] ➔ [Differential Diagnosis] ➔ [Definitive Operative Strategy]
If a case throws you an unexpected complication, always default to patient safety: "I would stop, ensure hemostasis, call for senior consultant help, and optimize the patient’s physiology." Whether you need a breakdown of (e
: The second edition includes new scenarios reflecting current practices, such as surgical experiences and treatment changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exam Preparation Strategy
Simply reading through FRCS Companion Cases passively like a textbook will yield limited results. The vivas test oral communication and stress tolerance. Here is how to actively use the book to maximize your chances of success: Study in Pairs or Viva Groups
Before diving into how to utilize companion cases, it is vital to understand the battlefield. Section 2 evaluates your clinical judgment, communication, and decision-making safety across several distinct components:
The exam is designed to be very clinically orientated, assessing not just what you know, but how you apply that knowledge in a pressured, interactive setting. This is where a case-based revision guide like the becomes an invaluable asset. I would secure intravenous access, send bloods—including a
Outline the initial investigation and treatment before reading the suggested answers.
A companion case is a structured blueprint of a clinical scenario designed for viva practice. Rather than just listing facts, it provides a narrative that unfolds exactly how a real FRCS exam station does. 1. Replicating the "Divergent" Exam Structure
: Each section begins with a clinical scenario (e.g., a patient presentation or an image) and follows with a series of progressive questions. Depth of Discussion
The book contains hundreds of hypothetical scenarios, many of which include colour images for explanation and interpretation, just as will be required in the actual exam. Divide it into 5 sections: [Clinical Presentation] ➔
First, it is important to clarify the nomenclature. Many candidates search for a specific PDF titled exactly that. In reality, the gold standard resource most candidates refer to is:
To understand why FRCS Companion Cases is so vital, one must look at the format of the FRCS Section 2 exam. While Section 1 focuses on written multiple-choice questions, Section 2 evaluates clinical competence through oral examinations. Section 2 consists of two main components:
Listen to your speech patterns. Eliminate hesitation phrases like "um" or "ah" and focus on delivering fluent, authoritative statements.
Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery