Barrett’s Oesophagus – an important topic, particularly for those preparing for their FRCS exams I’m your host, Major Munish Chauhan, and I am a General Surgery Registrar in the British Army and Oxford deanery. I am also a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership

Barrett's oesophagus is a precancerous condition where the lining of the lower oesophagus changes, primarily due to long-term gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

This change, called intestinal metaplasia, increases the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis involves endoscopy and biopsies, with severity graded by dysplasia. Treatment options range from medication and endoscopic therapies (such as radiofrequency ablation) to surgery (esophagectomy), depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Regular surveillance is crucial for early detection and management, improving prognosis and reducing mortality. Risk factors include male gender, age, obesity, and smoking.

Oesophageal Perforation and Rupture -MRCS FRCS Exam

This podcast episode from SurgiSmart - Cut to the Core provides a comprehensive overview of oesophageal perforation and rupture. I’m your host, Major Munish Chauhan, and I am a General Surgery Registrar in the British Army.

The episode details the causes, including Boerhaave's syndrome and iatrogenic events, alongside the characteristic clinical presentation, such as severe chest pain and subcutaneous emphysema. Diagnostic approaches, utilising CT scans and endoscopy, are explained, followed by a discussion of management strategies, ranging from conservative treatment to surgical intervention and stenting. Finally, the episode highlights potential complications and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for improved patient outcomes.

Oesophageal Diverticula - MRCS FRCS Exam

This podcast episode from SurgiSmart – Cut to the Core provides a structured overview of oesophageal diverticula for surgical trainees.

I’m your host, Major Munish Chauhan, a General Surgery Registrar in the British Army and Oxford deanery. Alongside my clinical practice, I’m a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership

It details the three main types – Zenker’s, mid-oesophageal, and epiphrenic – explaining their differing presentations, aetiologies, diagnostic approaches (including barium swallow studies and endoscopy), and surgical management options (ranging from endoscopic techniques to open surgery).

The episode emphasises the importance of addressing underlying motility disorders where relevant and highlights the nuanced considerations for each diverticular type. The discussion is tailored to aid exam preparation for the FRCS in General Surgery.