Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 1
Jan 20, 2026
Join surgical education fellows Nina Clark and Dan Sheese as they dive into high-yield topics for mastering the ABSITE. Nina explains critical aspects of breast surgery, including nerve injuries, nipple discharge evaluation, and the management of DCIS versus LCIS. She also covers the nuances of hormone therapies and axillary node management. Dan quizzes listeners on different hernia types and reviews the intricacies of Cushing syndrome workup. Together, they equip you with essential insights for surgical success!
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Key Nerves To Assess After Breast Surgery
- Check for five key nerves in breast surgery: intercostobrachial, long thoracic, thoracodorsal, medial pectoral, and lateral pectoral.
- Assess postoperative deficits like inner arm numbness, winged scapula, or weak adduction to identify the injured nerve.
Why Breast Cancer Reaches The Spine
- Batson's plexus is a valveless venous network connecting the breast and spine.
- It permits direct hematogenous spread of breast cancer to vertebrae causing spinal metastases.
How To Work Up Nipple Discharge
- Investigate nipple discharge with imaging and prolactin level and biopsy any suspicious finding.
- Prioritize unilateral, spontaneous, or bloody/serous discharge for expedited workup and possible duct excision if imaging is negative.
