Soft Tissue Surgery V

Course Master(s):

Dr. Nikola Katic, Dipl. ECVS (AT)
Dr. Hervé Brissot, Dipl. ECVS (FR)

Course Overview

The ESAVS Soft Tissue Surgery Program is designed for veterinarians in clinical practice or academia who wish to deepen their expertise in small animal soft tissue surgery. As part of the structured ESAVS study framework, the program currently consists of nine one-week modules:
– Soft Tissue Surgery I–V (STS 1–5)
– Three Feline Soft Tissue Surgery modules
– One Laparoscopy module

Together, these modules provide a comprehensive and progressive training pathway, combining theoretical foundations with intensive practical training. In addition, selected stand-alone programs may be offered to complement the core curriculum. Each course is composed of a mix of applied theory and practice on models and/or cadavers. Much time is dedicated to interactive and practical training under the supervision of course masters and instructors, all internationally recognized European or American specialists. Unlike other surgery courses given over a succession of 2 days-period, the ESAVS ‘course organization in weeks guarantees that what you learned and what you practiced remains engraved in your mind and in your hands. Join us and have fun while making huge progresses in surgery.

After attending the whole program, participants shall have acquired sufficient knowledge not only to face most of the current clinical situations but also to further progress by themselves and/or recognize the cases that need to be referred to specialists. More on certificates and master program is to be found on the Home-page.

STS I (Soft Tissue Surgery I) is to be taken before taking any other one. Even the best experienced practitioner will re-discover the very heart and practice of surgery ,thanks to the training achieved in the STS I. The other STS courses, STSII, III and IV can be taken in any order. STS V is recommended to those who have already taken at least two STS courses, or their equivalent.

Aims of the ESAVS Soft Tissue Surgery V course

This course provides the basis of thoracic surgery in small animals, delivered in the form of theoretical lectures followed by practical exercises. Principles of chest opening and closing, surgical lung diseases, surgical treatment of pleural, chest wall and mediastinal conditions will be covered in detail. In addition, advanced topics such as video-assisted thoracic surgery or cardiac surgery are evoked in webinars to give the delegates a breadth of theoretical knowledge. Important knowledge for the surgeon in ancillary disciplines (imaging and anaesthesia) will also be provided.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course , delegates should be able to :

1. Master diagnostic and therapeutic strategies: Develop the ability to diagnose and manage conditions like pyothorax, chylothorax, and mediastinal masses using appropriate imaging, medical, and surgical interventions.
2. Perform key surgical techniques: Gain hands-on experience in procedures such as thoracotomy, sternotomy, lung lobectomy, and thoracic wall reconstruction, muscle, and omental flaps
3. Enhance decision-making skills: Develop clinical reasoning through case discussions, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
4. Ensure patient safety and comfort: Apply appropriate anesthetic and analgesic protocols specifically adapted for thoracic surgeries.
5. Collaborate and communicate effectively: Engage in multidisciplinary discussions to evaluate treatment options from surgical, oncological, perspectives in recontructive and thoracic surgery.

Course Program (Subject to change)