ABSET: Anatomically Based Surgical Exposure for Trauma

ABSET, which is known as ASSET (Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma) outside Australia and New Zealand, was developed by the American College of Surgeons. It is considered one of the core trauma education skills courses administered by the ACS Committee on Trauma.

This case-based cadaver lab course is conducted over a whole day. The program allows participants to practice the surgical techniques required to access anatomical structures that when injured, may pose a threat to life or limb.

The course is run with a 2:1 student to faculty ratio, and includes the surgical exposure in five key anatomical regions: neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, including junctional vascular structures and fasciotomy. Each section begins with a short case-based overview, followed by hands-on exposure performed by the students, and overseen by faculty.

ANZAST is grateful to our supporters, 3M and Johnson & Johnson who make ABSET possible.

The next ABSET course is being held on 30th April 2023 in Adelaide.

This will be immediately prior to the 2023 RACS Annual Scientific Congress. Registration is now open