NEET-PG 2013 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: Steroids are injurious to wound healing when administered during which time frame?

Within 2 weeks. ***Within 2 weeks*** - Steroids administered **within the first 2 weeks** of wound healing significantly impair the **inflammatory and proliferative phases**, crucial for new tissue formation. - This early disruption can lead to **decreased collagen synthesis**, reduced wound contraction, and increased risk of **dehiscence**. *On the first day* - While steroids can affect the very early inflammatory response, the most detrimental impact on overall wound healing processes, particularly **collagen deposition**, occurs over a slightly longer initial period. - The effects of a single dose on day one might be less pronounced than sustained steroid exposure during the more critical **proliferative phase**. *2-4 weeks* - By this stage, the wound is typically in the **remodeling phase**, where collagen fibers are being reorganized and strengthened. - While steroids can still mildly affect healing, their **most damaging effects** on crucial initial processes have usually passed. *> 4 weeks* - Beyond 4 weeks, the wound is generally well into the **remodeling or maturation phase**, and often has achieved significant tensile strength. - Steroid administration at this stage would have **minimal impact** on the overall structural integrity of the healed wound, although chronic steroid use has systemic effects.

Q: Primary treatment for localized malignant melanoma is

Wide excision. ***Wide excision*** - This is the **primary treatment** for localized malignant melanoma, aiming to completely remove the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to reduce recurrence risk. - The excisional margin width depends on the **Breslow depth** (tumor thickness). *Radiotherapy* - Not the primary treatment for localized melanoma, as melanoma cells are often **radioresistant**. - It may be used as **adjuvant therapy** for local control in cases of positive margins or nodal involvement, or for palliative care in metastatic disease. *Excision* - While excision is part of the treatment, the term **"wide excision"** specifically implies removing a sufficient margin of healthy tissue around the tumor. - Simple excision without appropriate margins is generally inadequate for malignant melanoma and carries a **high risk of local recurrence**. *Chemotherapy* - It is generally **not the first-line treatment** for localized melanoma due to limited efficacy and significant side effects. - Chemotherapy agents are typically reserved for **advanced or metastatic melanoma** and are often replaced by targeted therapies or immunotherapy in modern practice.

Q: A 55-year-old male presents with a history of dysphagia with vomiting of undigested food throughout the day, weight loss, and appears emaciated and dehydrated. No mass is palpable per abdomen. After appropriate diagnostic workup reveals a benign esophageal stricture, the most appropriate definitive management is:

Endoscopic dilation. ***Endoscopic dilation (preferred treatment)*** - **Endoscopic dilation** directly addresses the underlying problem of the **benign esophageal stricture** by widening the narrowed esophagus, which is crucial for relieving dysphagia and improving nutritional intake. - Given the patient's severe symptoms like **weight loss**, **emaciation**, and **dehydration**, dilation allows for symptom relief and subsequent rehydration and nutritional support. *IV total parenteral nutrition* - While TPN provides nutrition, it does not resolve the **mechanical obstruction** caused by the stricture and carries risks such as infection and metabolic complications. - It's typically reserved for situations where enteral feeding is not possible or adequate after addressing the obstruction. *IV normal saline* - **IV normal saline** would help address the immediate **dehydration**, but it does not treat the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms (the esophageal stricture). - This is a supportive measure, not the primary management strategy for the stricture itself. *pH monitoring* - **pH monitoring** is used to diagnose and assess gastroesophageal reflux disease (**GERD**), which can sometimes cause strictures. - However, in a patient with a confirmed benign esophageal stricture and severe obstructive symptoms, addressing the stricture mechanically (dilation) takes precedence over diagnostic testing for reflux.

Q: In which one of the following conditions is gas under the diaphragm typically seen?

Perforated duodenal ulcer. ***Perforated duodenal ulcer*** - A perforated duodenal ulcer creates a communication between the **lumen of the duodenum and the peritoneal cavity**, allowing air from the gastrointestinal tract to escape. - This free air, being lighter, rises and collects under the **diaphragm**, visible as **pneumoperitoneum** on an upright chest X-ray. - This is the **classic and most typical** presentation taught in medical education for gas under the diaphragm. - Occurs in approximately **70-75% of cases** of peptic ulcer perforation. *Typhoid perforation* - Typhoid perforation (typically affecting the **terminal ileum**) also causes pneumoperitoneum and can show gas under the diaphragm. - However, it is **less commonly encountered** in routine practice compared to peptic ulcer perforation in most settings. - The question asks for the **"typically seen"** condition, which refers to the classic teaching example: perforated duodenal ulcer. *After laparotomy* - It is normal to see a small amount of **residual intra-abdominal gas** for a few days to a week after a laparotomy, which can collect under the diaphragm. - However, this is a **post-surgical finding** and not a pathological condition leading to gas under the diaphragm in the same acute, diagnostic sense as a perforation. - Not the answer when considering pathological causes. *Spontaneous rupture of oesophagus* - Spontaneous oesophageal rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) leads to leakage of oesophageal contents into the **mediastinum or pleural cavity**, not the peritoneal cavity. - Presents with **mediastinal emphysema** (Hamman's sign) and pleural effusion rather than pneumoperitoneum. - **Subdiaphragmatic free air** indicative of pneumoperitoneum is not typically seen.

Q: Which of the following conditions is not typically treated with a simple mastectomy?

Fibroadenoma. ***Fibroadenoma*** - A **fibroadenoma** is a **benign tumor** of the breast that typically does not require a mastectomy for treatment. - Treatment usually involves **observation**, **excision**, or **cryoablation**, depending on size, symptoms, and patient preference. *Paget's disease* - **Paget's disease of the breast** is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola, and is typically associated with an underlying **ductal carcinoma in situ** (DCIS) or **invasive breast cancer**. - Due to the presence of malignancy and its superficial spread, **mastectomy** (simple or modified radical) is often the recommended treatment, especially for extensive disease. *Cystosarcoma phyllodes* - Formerly known as **phyllodes tumor**, this is a rare **stromal tumor** of the breast that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. - Due to its potential for local recurrence and, in malignant cases, metastasis, **wide local excision with clear margins** is crucial, and a **simple mastectomy** may be necessary for large or recurrent tumors to achieve adequate margin control. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because fibroadenoma is a condition not typically treated with a simple mastectomy, unlike Paget's disease and cystosarcoma phyllodes.

Q: Commonest site of carcinoma tongue -

Lateral borders. ***Lateral borders*** - The **lateral borders** of the tongue are the most common site for squamous cell carcinoma due to chronic irritation from teeth, dental appliances, and exposure to carcinogens. - This area is subjected to considerable mechanical stress and chemical exposure, making it more susceptible to malignant transformation. *Apical* - While the apex (tip) of the tongue can be affected, it is **less common** compared to the lateral borders. - Tumors in this location may present earlier due to their prominent position, but incidence rates are lower. *Dorsum* - The **dorsum** (top surface) of the tongue is covered by papillae which provide some protective barrier, making it a **less frequent site** for carcinoma. - Carcinomas on the dorsum are often associated with other risk factors like syphilis or immunosuppression. *Posterior 1/3* - Carcinomas of the **posterior one-third** (base of the tongue) are often associated with **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)** infection. - These are typically harder to detect early due to their location and may present with different symptoms such as dysphagia or referred otalgia, but they are not the most common overall site.

Q: Most common site for anal fissure is

6 O'clock. ***6 O'clock*** - The **posterior midline (6 o'clock position)** is the most common site for anal fissures, accounting for approximately **90% of all cases**. - This location is prone to tearing due to relatively **poor blood supply** and increased **mechanical stress** during defecation. - The posterior midline is the least supported part of the anal canal by the external anal sphincter. - **Note**: The **anterior midline (12 o'clock position)** is the second most common site, occurring in **10-25% of women** but rarely in men. *3 O'clock* - The **3 o'clock position (right lateral)** is an infrequent site for anal fissures. - Fissures in this location, especially if *lateral*, may suggest an underlying systemic disease such as **Crohn's disease**, **tuberculosis**, **HIV**, or **malignancy**. - Atypical fissures warrant thorough investigation. *2 O'clock* - The **2 o'clock position (anterior-lateral)** is not typically associated with anal fissures. - Similar to other atypical sites, a fissure here warrants investigation for secondary causes. - Consider inflammatory bowel disease or other pathological conditions. *10 O'clock* - The **10 o'clock position (left lateral)** is also a less common site for anal fissures compared to the posterior midline. - Fissures in lateral positions should raise suspicion for other conditions, such as **inflammatory bowel disease**, **tuberculosis**, **HIV**, or **malignancy**.

Q: What is the preferred palliative surgical procedure for rectal prolapse in elderly patients who are unfit for more invasive surgery?

Thiersch's operation. ***Thiersch's operation*** - **Thiersch's operation** is a perineal procedure involving the placement of a **circum-anal cerclage** (a non-absorbable suture) around the anal canal to prevent external prolapse. - It is preferred in elderly or frail patients due to its **minimal invasiveness**, low operative risk, and suitability for local or regional anesthesia as a palliative measure for symptoms. *Delorme's procedure* - **Delorme's procedure** is a perineal approach that involves the **mucosal stripping** of the prolapsed rectum, plication of the muscularis, and re-anastomosis. - While less invasive than abdominal approaches, it is more complex than Thiersch's and may still carry higher operative risks for very frail patients. *Wells' procedure* - **Wells' procedure** (rectopexy via an abdominal approach) involves **mobilization of the rectum** and its fixation to the sacrum, often with a mesh. - This is a more invasive abdominal procedure with a higher operative risk, making it unsuitable for elderly patients unfit for major surgery. *Low anterior resection* - **Low anterior resection** is a major abdominal procedure primarily used for rectal cancer or severe inflammatory bowel disease, involving the **surgical removal of a segment of the rectum**. - It is a highly invasive procedure with significant morbidity and mortality, making it inappropriate for the palliative management of rectal prolapse in frail elderly patients.

Q: What is the treatment of choice for squamous cell anal cancer?

Chemoradiotherapy. ***Chemoradiotherapy*** - **Chemoradiotherapy** is the standard and most effective treatment for squamous cell anal cancer, offering high rates of **tumor control** and **anal sphincter preservation**. - This combined approach uses both **radiation** and **chemotherapy** (typically 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C) to enhance tumor cell killing and reduce recurrence. *Laser ablation* - **Laser ablation** is a minimally invasive technique generally reserved for very small, early-stage **superficial tumors** or **intraepithelial neoplasia**, not for invasive squamous cell anal cancer. - It does not address potential **lymph node involvement** or deliver the comprehensive treatment required for most anal cancers. *Abdominoperineal resection* - **Abdominoperineal resection (APR)** involves the surgical removal of the anus, rectum, and part of the sigmoid colon, leading to a permanent **colostomy**. - This is considered a **salvage therapy** for recurrent disease or for patients who have failed chemoradiotherapy, not a primary treatment. *Cisplatin-based chemotherapy* - While **cisplatin** can be used as a component of chemotherapy regimens for some cancers, it is not the primary single-agent or cornerstone chemotherapy for **squamous cell anal cancer**. - The standard chemotherapy regimen typically includes **5-fluorouracil** and **mitomycin-C** in combination with radiation.

Question 1

Steroids are injurious to wound healing when administered during which time frame?

Accepted Answer

Within 2 weeks

Answer

2-4 weeks

Answer

> 4 weeks

Answer

On the first day

Question 2

Primary treatment for localized malignant melanoma is

Accepted Answer

Wide excision

Answer

Radiotherapy

Answer

Excision

Answer

Chemotherapy

Question 3

A 55-year-old male presents with a history of dysphagia with vomiting of undigested food throughout the day, weight loss, and appears emaciated and dehydrated. No mass is palpable per abdomen. After appropriate diagnostic workup reveals a benign esophageal stricture, the most appropriate definitive management is:

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic dilation

Answer

IV normal saline

Answer

pH monitoring

Answer

IV total parenteral nutrition

Question 4

In which one of the following conditions is gas under the diaphragm typically seen?

Accepted Answer

Perforated duodenal ulcer

Answer

Typhoid perforation

Answer

After laparotomy

Answer

Spontaneous rupture of oesophagus

Question 5

Which of the following conditions is not typically treated with a simple mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Paget's disease

Answer

Cystosarcoma phyllodes

Answer

None of the options

Question 6

What causes Frey's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve to sweat glands.

Answer

Facial nerve damage.

Answer

Greater auricular nerve involvement.

Answer

None of the options

Question 7

Commonest site of carcinoma tongue -

Accepted Answer

Lateral borders

Answer

Apical

Answer

Dorsum

Answer

Posterior 1/3

Question 8

Most common site for anal fissure is

Accepted Answer

6 O'clock

Answer

3 O'clock

Answer

2 O'clock

Answer

10 O'clock

Question 9

What is the preferred palliative surgical procedure for rectal prolapse in elderly patients who are unfit for more invasive surgery?

Accepted Answer

Thiersch's operation

Answer

Delorme's procedure

Answer

Wells' procedure

Answer

Low anterior resection

Question 10

What is the treatment of choice for squamous cell anal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Chemoradiotherapy

Answer

Laser ablation

Answer

Abdominoperineal resection

Answer

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy

NEET-PG 2013 — Surgery