SurgicalTechPrep Blog
Study smarter. Pass the CST exam.
Study guides, procedure breakdowns, and exam strategy to help you pass the NBSTSA CST exam on your first attempt.
Liver Resection (Hepatectomy): Surgical Overview and Instrumentation for CSTs
An overview of liver resection surgery, including hepatic segmental anatomy, instrumentation, and bleeding control considerations.
February 6, 2026
Pediatric Pyloromyotomy and Inguinal Hernia Repair: Surgical Tech Considerations for Neonates
A procedure overview of two of the most common neonatal general surgery procedures and the specific considerations they require.
January 29, 2026
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Surgical Tech Responsibilities With the da Vinci System
A breakdown of the surgical technologist role in robotic-assisted surgery, including patient-side setup, docking, and troubleshooting.
January 21, 2026
Trauma Surgery: The Surgical Technologist's Role in Emergency Exploratory Laparotomy
What surgical technologists need to know about preparing for and assisting during emergency trauma laparotomy for penetrating or blunt abdominal injury.
January 13, 2026
Pediatric Surgery: Special Considerations for Surgical Technologists in Pediatric Cases
Key differences in equipment, positioning, and communication that surgical technologists must account for when working pediatric surgical cases.
January 5, 2026
Kidney Transplant Surgery: The Surgical Technologist's Role in Living and Deceased Donor Cases
What surgical technologists need to know about instrumentation, vascular anastomosis, and team coordination during kidney transplant surgery.
December 28, 2025
Bariatric Surgery: The Surgical Tech's Role in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
A walkthrough of the surgical technologist role during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, from instrumentation to leak testing.
December 20, 2025
Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification Technique and Instrumentation
How phacoemulsification cataract surgery works, including the specialized microsurgical instruments and equipment surgical techs manage.
September 18, 2025
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Instrument Guide for Surgical Techs
The instrumentation, positioning, and hemostasis techniques used during tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures.
September 17, 2025
Total Thyroidectomy: Procedure Overview and Instrumentation for CSTs
What surgical technologists need to know about thyroidectomy, including nerve monitoring, hemostasis technique, and specimen handling.
September 16, 2025
Lumbar Spinal Fusion Overview: What Surgical Techs Should Know
An overview of posterior lumbar spinal fusion, including instrumentation, positioning, and blood loss considerations for surgical techs.
September 15, 2025
Radical Prostatectomy: Robotic-Assisted vs. Open Approach
How robotic-assisted and open radical prostatectomy differ in setup, instrumentation, and the surgical tech role during each.
September 14, 2025