Soft tissue surgery for veterinarians

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians

Soft tissue surgery represents a central area of ​​veterinary practice and offers veterinarians the opportunity to effectively treat a variety of illnesses and injuries in pets. A specialized course in soft tissue surgery for veterinarians can significantly expand and improve knowledge and skills in this important area. In this article you will learn why such a course is of great importance for veterinarians and what it entails.

Why is a course in soft tissue surgery important?

Soft tissue surgery includes procedures on muscles, skin, fatty tissue and other non-bone-forming body structures. This area is particularly diverse and ranges from routine operations such as sterilization and castration to complex procedures such as tumor operations, hernia repairs or procedures on internal organs. An in-depth course offers veterinarians the opportunity to refine their surgical techniques, learn new methods and deepen their understanding of post-operative care. This leads to improved patient care and can significantly increase the success rate of surgical procedures.

Contents of a course in soft tissue surgery

A comprehensive course in soft tissue surgery for veterinarians typically covers a wide range of topics, including both theoretical foundations and practical skills. These include, among others:

• Basics of Soft Tissue Surgery: Anatomy, Wound Healing, and Surgical Instruments.
• Surgical Techniques: Including incisions, suturing techniques and special surgical procedures.
• Specific interventions: Such as interventions on the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, hernias or the removal of tumors.
• Pain management and postoperative care: methods for pain relief, recovery monitoring, and rehabilitation.

Benefits of a specialized course

By taking a specialized course in soft tissue surgery, veterinarians can not only improve their practical skills but also increase their confidence in performing various surgical procedures. This contributes to greater patient safety and pet owner satisfaction. In addition, the exchange with lecturers and colleagues enables valuable network formation and access to new research findings and technologies in the field of soft tissue surgery.

Conclusion

A course in soft tissue surgery for veterinarians is a valuable investment in professional expertise and offers the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of veterinary care. Continuing education in specialized areas such as soft tissue surgery is crucial to staying on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and providing the best possible service to animal patients and their owners.

Overview of soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians

The soft tissue surgery courses are specifically designed for veterinarians who work in everyday professional life or in the scientific field and would like to expand their specialist knowledge in this area. Our extensive range of courses currently includes five one-week courses: from soft tissue surgery I to IV as well as a special course for feline soft tissue surgery. We also occasionally offer additional specialist courses.

In each course you will find a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises carried out on models or animal cadavers. We attach great importance to interactive learning methods and practical experiences, which take place under the careful guidance of our experienced lecturers and trainers.

After completing the entire course program, participants will have gained comprehensive knowledge that will enable them to overcome most common clinical challenges. They will also be able to continue their learning independently and identify situations in which referral to a specialist is advisable.

Please note that the STS I (Soft Tissue Surgery I) course serves as a basis and should therefore be completed first. Experienced veterinarians will also gain new insights and perspectives into the basics of surgery by participating in STS I. The other courses STS II, III and the special cat course can be taken in any order, while we recommend STS IV to those participants who have already successfully completed at least two of the STS courses or comparable courses.

Course content Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians I

Total hours : 40 Course language: English Program director/master course leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Haithem AM Farghali max. number of participants: 10 Price for all five days: EUR 2,199 plus 19% VAT Course location: Idar-Oberstein Date: July 8th - July 12th, 2024 

Overview of the Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians I course

In the “Soft Tissue Surgery I” course, we teach you the basic principles of surgical practice, including the proper handling of tissues, various knotting techniques, and basic procedures in abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery.

learning goals

After completing this course, participants will achieve the following:

• You will be able to consistently apply the methods of atraumatic surgery,

• you will have become familiar with the latest principles and procedures in abdominal surgery,

• and they will have made a significant shift in their mindset, moving from focusing only on “how” to do something to understanding “why” it is done.

Course program (subject to change)

First day – course introduction/explanation

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	Welcome, introduction
09:00 – 10:30	Instrument and tissue handling techniques
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Surgical wound infections, disinfection/sterilization methods, and patient, surgeon, and operating room preparation
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:00	Hemostasis, hemostatic devices, suture materials and suturing techniques
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:00	Anatomy of the abdominal wall, approaches, closures and biopsies

Second day – lectures and dry runs

Time	Program point
08:15 – 09:00	Welcome on site
09:00-10:45	Basic knowledge of gastrointestinal surgery: anatomy, surgical features of the colon and surgical colon diseases
10:45 – 11:15	coffe break
11:15 – 12:45	Debriefing with cases
12:45 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 14:30	Use of omentum and abdominal hernias
14:30 – 15:00	The quick splenectomy
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:00	Dry exercises on suturing and ligature techniques
17:00-…	Debriefing
17:30 – 19:00	Icebreaker

Third day – practical exercises

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 10:30	Laparotomy/abdominal exploration
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Use of omentum, lengthening methods, abdominal biopsies
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:00	Enterotomy and enterectomies
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:00	Quick splenectomy and more
17:00 – …	Debriefing

Fourth day – lectures and follow-up session

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:30	Nutritional needs of the surgical patient
09:30 – 10:30	Dilatation of the stomach volvulus
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Septic peritonitis
12:30 – 13:00	Introduction to minimally invasive surgery
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 16:00	Pain management in abdominal surgery
16:00 – 18:00	Debriefing, follow-up
19:00	Dinner together

Fifth day – practical exercises

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 10:30	Insertion of feeding tubes/laparotomy/abdominal exploration/advanced dissections (pancreas, adrenal glands…)
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Serosal patches, enteroplication
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:00	Rapid splenectomy, gastropexy, colectomy
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:00	More…
17:00 – …	Debriefing and farewell

Course content Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians II

Total hours : 40 Course language: English Program director/master course leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Haithem AM Farghali max. number of participants: 10 Price for all five days: EUR 2,199 plus 19% VAT Course location: Idar-Oberstein Date: September 2nd - September 6th, 2024 

Overview of the Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians II course

In this module, we focus intensively on two central aspects of soft tissue surgery: On the one hand, you will learn the procedures for skin reconstruction, and on the other hand, we will deal with surgical procedures in the perineal and anal regions.

learning goals

After completing this course, participants will:

• have comprehensive and current knowledge of wound care principles,
• are familiar with most methods of skin reconstruction,
• have deep anatomical insights into the perineal and perianal region and
• Be able to safely perform surgical procedures such as anal gland removal, perineal hernia repair, and basic rectal surgery.

Course program (subject to change)

Day One – Wound Healing and Reconstructive Techniques

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	Course introduction
09:00 – 10:30	General knowledge of wound healing: skin anatomy, wound healing, wound care and principles of wound closure
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 13:00	Basic reconstructive techniques: Local flaps of the subdermal plexus, The inguinal and axillary folds, Remote flaps
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 15:00	Arterial flaps
15:00 – 16:00	Skin transplants
16:00 – 16:30	coffe break
16:30 – 17:30	Case-related discussion and group work on wounds and reconstruction
18:00 – 19:00	Get together

Day Two – Wet Lab Reconstructive Surgery

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 13:00	Wet lab: Reconstructive surgery – advancement, rotation and transposition flaps, arterial flaps
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 17:30	Wet Lab: Reconstructive Surgery – Removed Flaps, Grafts, Close This Wound Competition…

Day Three – Special Wounds

Time	Program point
08:30 – 10:00	Special wounds and skin diseases: Dermatological-surgical diseases, bite wounds, burns
10:00 – 10:30	coffe break
10:30 – 11:15	Anal and perianal anatomy and function
11:15 – 13:00	Anal and perianal diseases
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 -15:00	Rectal tumors and surgical treatment of diseases of the rectum and distal colon
15:00 – 15:45	Other anal and perianal diseases: prolapse, stenosis and atresia, perianal fistulas
15:45 – 16:00	coffe break
16:00 – 17:00	Perianal hernia
17:00 – 17:30	Case-related discussions and group work
19:00 – 22:00	Eating together

Fourth day – surgery in the anal, perianal and perineum areas

Time	Program point
08:30 – 9:00	introduction
9:00 – 13:00	Wet lab: Anal, perianal and perineal surgery – approach to the perineal region, anal pouch removal
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 17:30	Wet Labs: Anal, perianal and perineal surgery – rectatectomies (optional), perineal tear (perineal hernia)

Fifth day – oncological surgery

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 11:00	Oncologic surgery, decision-making and treatment options for mammary tumors.
11:00 – 11:30	coffe break
11:30 – 13:00	Clinical cases and group exercises
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 15:30	Course evaluation, follow-up and farewell

Course content Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians III

Total hours : 40 Course language: English Program director/master course leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Haithem AM Farghali max. number of participants: 10 Price for all five days: EUR 2,199 plus 19% VAT Course location: Idar-Oberstein Date: October 14th - October 18th, 2024 

Overview of the Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians Course III

In this course we delve into the more complex areas of abdominal surgery. We first provide an overview of indications and current techniques in urology before we focus specifically on the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and injuries to the urinary tract. In the second section of the course, we focus on procedures on the liver and gallbladder as well as on the pancreas and adrenal glands.

learning goals

After completing the course, participants will:

• be able to safely use most methods of urinary tract surgery,
• have in-depth knowledge of the treatment of urinary incontinence,
• Have developed a solid understanding of liver surgery, including portosystemic shunt procedures and
• be able to perform complex procedures on the pancreas and adrenal glands.

Course program (subject to change)

First day – Urological surgery

Time	Program point
09:00 – 09:45	Part 1: General – Surgical Anatomy, Healing and Surgical Principles
09:45 – 10:45	Urolithiasis: General knowledge and management
10:45 – 11:15	coffe break
11:15 – 12:15	Part 2: Basic surgical techniques for UT – urethrotomy and urethrostomy – nephrectomy
12:15 – 12:45	Prostate diseases and surgery
12:45 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 14:30	Other surgical diseases - urinary tract tumors: basic oncological knowledge
14:30 – 15:15	Urinary tract trauma: diagnosis and decision-making
15:15 – 15:45	coffe break
15:45 – 17:15	Urinary incontinence: an overview, Diagnostic procedures, Surgical procedures, Surgical techniques for ectopic ureters, Surgical techniques for USMI
17:15 – 18:00	discussion
18:00	Welcome drink

Second day – Practical surgery of the urinary tract

Time	Program point
09:00 – 10:45	Practical: surgery of the urinary tract (1)
10:45 – 11:15	coffe break
11:15 – 12:45	Practical: surgery of the urinary tract (1)
12:45 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 17:00	Practical: Surgery of the urinary tract (2)

Third day – surgery of the liver and other abdominal organs

Time	Program point
09:00 – 09:30	Surgical anatomy of the liver and gallbladder
09:30 – 10:30	Surgical diseases and techniques of the biliary tract
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 11:55	Surgical diseases and techniques of the pancreas
11:55 – 12:50	Surgical diseases and techniques of the adrenal gland
12:50 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 14:30	The role of laparoscopy in the treatment of liver, adrenal and pancreatic diseases
14:30 – 15:15	Liver tumors and hepatectomies
15:15 – 15:45	coffe break
15:45 – 16:45	Liver Shunts: The Surgeon's View

Fourth day – Practical exercises in abdominal surgery

Time	Program point
09:00 – 10:45	Practical: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal gland, prostate, repeating previous techniques
10:45 – 11:15	coffe break
11:15 – 12:45	Practical: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal gland, prostate, repeating previous techniques
12:45 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 15:15	Practical: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal gland, prostate, repeating previous techniques
15:15 – 15:45	coffe break
15:45 – 17:00	Practical: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal gland, prostate, repeating previous techniques

Fifth day – treatment of ureterolithiasis

Time	Program point
09:00 – 09:45	How to treat ureterolithiasis.
09:45 – 15:30	Discussion/Questions/Repetitions

Course content Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians IV

Total hours : 40 Course language: English Program director/master course leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Haithem AM Farghali max. number of participants: 10 Price for all five days: EUR 2,199 plus 19% VAT Course location: Idar-Oberstein Date: November 18th - November 22nd, 2024 

Overview of the Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians IV course

This course focuses entirely on surgery of the head and neck, with a particular focus on upper respiratory and ear procedures. In addition, important aspects such as diseases and surgical interventions on the salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands are also covered.

learning goals

After completing the course, participants will:

• have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract and understand how this knowledge is applied in the treatment of conditions such as brachycephalic syndrome, laryngeal paralysis and tracheal collapse,
• be confident in making decisions about ear surgery,
• be able to carry out procedures on the outer ear and middle ear,
• Be competent in the treatment of salivary gland diseases as well as in the surgical treatment of thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

Course program (subject to change)

Day One – Endoscopy and Respiratory Surgery

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	Course introduction
09:00 – 10:00	Endoscopic examination of the ear and upper respiratory tract: basics
10:00 – 11:00	Diagnostic clarification of nasal diseases and nasal surgery
11:00 – 11:30	coffe break
11:30 – 13:00	Brachy introduction and brachycephalic diseases, symptoms and diagnosis, surgery to correct brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 14:45	Pharyngeal diseases and surgery
14:45 – 15:45	Laryngeal diseases and laryngeal paralysis
15:45 – 16:15	coffe break
16:15 – 17:00	Tracheal diseases, trauma, tracheal collapse and tracheostomy

Day Two – Upper Respiratory Surgery

Time	Program point
09:00 – 17:00	Upper respiratory tract surgery laboratory endoscopy laboratory

Third day – surgery of the ears and adjacent structures

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	Anatomy and Physiology of the Ears
09:00 – 10:00	Otitis externa; Decision making.
10:00 – 10:30	coffe break
10:30 – 11:15	Surgical interventions for diseases of the external auditory canal
11:15 – 11:45	Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats
11:45 – 13:00	Middle ear diseases and surgery in dogs and cats
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 14:45	Auricular hematoma and pinnectomy
14:45 – 15:30	Surgical diseases of the thyroid/parathyroid
15:30 – 16:00	coffe break
16:00 – 17:00	Surgical diseases of the salivary glands

Fourth day – Ear and Throat Diseases Laboratory

Time	Program point
09:00 – 17:00	Ear and Throat Diseases Laboratory

Day Five – Brachycephalic Syndrome

Time	Program point
09:00 – 12:30	Brachys: even more video quizzes and clinical cases
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:30	Follow-up session

Course content advanced soft tissue surgery for veterinarians in cats

Total hours : 40 Course language: English Program director/master course leader: Univ. Prof. Dr. Haithem AM Farghali max. number of participants: 10 Price for all five days: EUR 2,199 plus 19% VAT Course location: Idar-Oberstein Date: December 9th - December 13th, 2024 

Overview of the Advanced Feline Soft Tissue Surgery Course for Veterinarians

This course focuses on the most common surgical diseases and treatment methods in cats. We recommend that participants take the “Soft Tissue Surgery I” course in advance, even if this is not a requirement.

learning goals

After completing the course, participants will:

1. Have in-depth knowledge of specific areas of soft tissue surgery in cats,
2. Be able to professionally perform the most common soft tissue procedures on cats.

Course program (subject to change)

First day – introduction/explanation

Time	Program point
09:30 – 10:00	Welcome & Introduction
10:00 – …	Recorded Webinars: • Abdominal Anatomy, Approaches, Closure and Drainage • Abdominal Biopsies • Perioperative Care: Postoperative Pain Control • Perioperative Care: Nutritional Needs and Support • FLUTD: Current Medical Knowledge • Urinary Tract Tumors • Urinary Tract Endoscopy • Kidney Transplant: How Far Are We?

Second day – lectures (urinary tract surgery and advanced intestinal surgery I)

Time	Program point
08:15 – 09:00	Welcome on site
09:00 – 10:45	Urinary tract trauma (kidney, ureter, bladder)
10:45 – 11:15	coffe break
11:15 – 12:45	Webinar debriefing
12:45 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 14:15	Cat urethral diseases: obstruction, trauma, calculi, stenosis
14:15 – 15:00	Techniques for ureteral stones: stent vs. SUB vs. surgery
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 16:30	Urinary incontinence
16:30 – 17:30	Advanced intestinal surgery (clinical cases): Intussusception / Linear foreign body
17:30 – 18:00	Urinary tract debriefing
18:00 – 19:30	Icebreaker

Third day – Advanced techniques in urology – practical exercises

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 10:30	Ex-round and conclusion – nephrostomy tube, partial and total nephrectomy
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Cystostomy tubes, cystostomy, partial cystectomy
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:00	Ureteral stenting, SUB, ureteral surgery (introduction to surgery under magnification)
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:00	Urethrostomies (perineal, precubital), colposuspension, urethropexy
17:00 – 18:00	Debriefing

Fourth day – lectures (liver and biliary tree and advanced intestinal surgery II) and follow-up

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:30	Surgical diseases of the biliary tree: diversion of bile flow, stenting
09:30 – 10:30	Portosystemic shunts in cats
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:00	Surgical diseases of the pancreas
12:00 – 12:30	Surgical diseases of the adrenal gland
12:30 – 13:00	Advanced intestinal surgery (clinical case): Atresia ani and fistulas
13:00 – 14:00	lunch break
14:00 – 15:00	Liver lobectomy
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 16:30	Advanced intestinal surgery (clinical case): megacolon
17:00 – 17:30	Debriefing liver, pancreas
19:00	Dinner together

Fifth day – practical exercises

Time	Program point
08:30 – 09:00	introduction
09:00 – 10:30	Abdominal examination / Advanced dissections (pancreas, adrenal glands…) Abdominal biopsies Partial or complete liver lobectomy Shunt explore.
10:30 – 11:00	coffe break
11:00 – 12:30	Catheterization of the duodenal papilla – CBD stenting cholecystoenterostomies
12:30 – 13:30	lunch break
13:30 – 15:00	Partial pancreatectomy Omental flap in pancreatic surgery Subtotal colectomy
15:00 – 15:30	coffe break
15:30 – 17:30	Follow-up to the practical exercises – quiz.
17:30 – 18:00	adoption

Summary Courses Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are essential for professional development in veterinary medicine. They offer veterinarians the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of soft tissue surgery. Through Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians courses, veterinarians learn to perform complex surgical procedures safely and effectively.

These soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are essential for improving the quality of treatment and patient safety. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians update knowledge of the latest surgical techniques and treatment methods. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians enable practical learning through hands-on exercises. By taking soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians, veterinarians increase their professional competence and marketability.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are a platform for exchange with experts and colleagues. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians help increase confidence in one's own surgical practice. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians provide a comprehensive introduction to new surgical instruments and materials. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are a key to expanding the range of services offered in veterinary practices. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians help veterinarians meet the requirements of modern veterinary medicine. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians promote an evidence-based approach to surgical problems.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are crucial to maintaining high standards in veterinary surgery. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians help improve surgical success rates. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians contribute to ongoing professional development. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are an investment in the future of veterinary practice.

Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians strengthen pet owners' confidence in veterinary care. Soft Tissue Surgery for Veterinarians courses are an essential resource for any veterinarian practicing soft tissue surgery. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians provide deep insights into the complex aspects of animal surgery. Soft tissue surgery courses for veterinarians are therefore a fundamental pillar in the training and further education of veterinarians.