Which of the following is NOT a feature of membranous urethral injury?
A 70 year old male complaining of per rectal bleeding was diagnosed with rectal/anorectal cancer. The distal margin of the tumor was 5 cm from the anal verge. The treatment of choice would be -
A 55 year old woman presented with history of recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal pain for the last one year. She presented to emergency with history of jaundice and fever for 2 days. On examination, the patient appeared toxic and had a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg. She was started on intravenous antibiotics. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed presence of stones in the common bile duct. What would be the best treatment option for her -
Which of the following is true about Mallory-Weiss tear -
Which of the following characteristics is most accurate about Boerhaave syndrome?
Among pathological lead points, the commonest cause of intussusception is -
What is the most important presenting feature of periampullary carcinoma?
What is the best marker to assess prognosis after surgery for colon carcinoma?
What is the optimal timing for administering antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery?
Surgery for undescended testis is recommended at what age?
NEET-PG 2015 - Surgery NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 31: Which of the following is NOT a feature of membranous urethral injury?
- A. blood at the meatus
- B. Retention of urine
- C. Pelvic fracture
- D. Perineal butterfly hematoma (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Perineal butterfly hematoma*** - A **perineal butterfly hematoma** is more characteristic of an injury to the **anterior urethra**, specifically the bulbar urethra, often caused by a straddle injury. - It occurs due to the extravasation of blood into the subcutaneous tissue of the perineum, outlining the shape of a butterfly. *blood at the meatus* - **Blood at the meatus** is a classic sign of urethral injury, regardless of the segment (anterior or posterior). - It indicates disruption of the urethral mucosa and bleeding from the damaged blood vessels. *Retention of urine* - **Retention of urine** can occur due to either a complete or partial urethral transection, preventing normal urine flow. - The inability to void can lead to bladder distension and is a significant symptom in assessing urethral trauma severity. *Pelvic fracture* - **Pelvic fractures** are frequently associated with **membranous urethral injuries** because the membranous urethra is fixed within the pelvic ring. - Shear forces from pelvic trauma can cause the prostatomembranous junction to avulse.
Question 32: A 70 year old male complaining of per rectal bleeding was diagnosed with rectal/anorectal cancer. The distal margin of the tumor was 5 cm from the anal verge. The treatment of choice would be -
- A. Palliative Radiotherapy
- B. Low anterior resection (Correct Answer)
- C. Local Excision
- D. Abdominoperineal resection
Explanation: ***Low anterior resection*** - A tumor located 5 cm from the anal verge is considered a **low rectal tumor**, which is typically amenable to a **low anterior resection** with sphincter preservation. - This procedure aims for complete tumor removal while preserving anal function, which is often achievable when the distal margin allows for a safe distal resection margin (usually 1-2 cm). *Palliative Radiotherapy* - This is typically reserved for patients with advanced, **unresectable disease** or those who are not candidates for surgery due to comorbidities, aiming to alleviate symptoms rather than cure. - The scenario describes a potentially resectable tumor, making curative surgery the preferred initial approach. *Abdominoperineal resection* - This procedure involves the removal of the rectum, anus, and creation of a permanent colostomy, typically reserved for very **low rectal tumors** that are extremely close to or involve the anal sphincter, and cannot safely achieve a negative distal margin with sphincter preservation. - A tumor 5 cm from the anal verge usually allows for a sphincter-sparing procedure like low anterior resection. *Local Excision* - **Local excision (transanal excision)** is suitable for very superficial, small, well-differentiated tumors without lymph node involvement, typically T1N0M0 tumors. - The question does not provide details on tumor depth or nodal status, but a 5 cm tumor usually indicates a need for a more comprehensive resection to ensure oncological clearance.
Question 33: A 55 year old woman presented with history of recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal pain for the last one year. She presented to emergency with history of jaundice and fever for 2 days. On examination, the patient appeared toxic and had a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg. She was started on intravenous antibiotics. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed presence of stones in the common bile duct. What would be the best treatment option for her -
- A. Open bile duct surgery for stone removal
- B. Lithotripsy for bile duct stones
- C. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- D. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and bile duct stone extraction (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and bile duct stone extraction*** - The patient presents with **Reynolds' pentad** (Charcot's triad - right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, fever - plus hypotension and toxic appearance/altered mental status), indicating severe acute **cholangitis with septic shock** due to common bile duct stones. - **ERCP with stone extraction** is the most appropriate initial treatment in this unstable patient to achieve rapid biliary decompression and remove the obstruction, which is life-saving in septic cholangitis. - This minimally invasive approach provides urgent drainage while minimizing surgical stress in a critically ill patient. *Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)* - While cholecystectomy addresses gallbladder stones, it does not directly remove **common bile duct stones** causing the current acute cholangitis. - Performing cholecystectomy alone in an acutely septic patient would not resolve the immediate life-threatening biliary obstruction. - Cholecystectomy can be considered later (interval cholecystectomy) after stabilization and ERCP. *Open bile duct surgery for stone removal* - This is a more invasive procedure with higher morbidity and mortality compared to ERCP for initial management of common bile duct stones, especially in an acutely ill, hemodynamically unstable patient. - **Open surgery** is typically reserved for cases where ERCP fails or is not feasible, or for complex cases requiring biliary reconstruction. *Lithotripsy for bile duct stones* - **Lithotripsy** (fragmenting stones) is not appropriate for initial management of acute cholangitis with sepsis, as it does not provide immediate biliary drainage. - It might be considered as an adjunct for very large or impacted stones during ERCP, but it's not the primary immediate treatment in this emergency setting.
Question 34: Which of the following is true about Mallory-Weiss tear -
- A. It is a mucosal tear not extending through the muscle layer (Correct Answer)
- B. It is more common in women than men
- C. It is common in young individuals
- D. It is associated with achalasia cardia
Explanation: ***It is a mucosal tear not extending through the muscle layer*** - A **Mallory-Weiss tear** is defined as a longitudinal tear in the **mucosa** of the distal esophagus or proximal stomach. - These tears typically do not extend through the **muscularis propria** layer, distinguishing them from a Boerhaave syndrome, which is a full-thickness rupture. *It is more common in women than men* - Mallory-Weiss tears show a **male predominance** with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2-4:1. - Risk factors like **alcohol use disorder** and forceful vomiting are more common in males, contributing to this gender distribution. *It is common in young individuals* - Mallory-Weiss tears are more common in **middle-aged to older individuals**, typically between 40 and 60 years old. - The condition is rare in young children or teenagers. *It is associated with achalasia cardia* - While both conditions affect the esophagus, there is **no direct causal association** between Mallory-Weiss tears and **achalasia cardia**. - Achalasia is a motility disorder, whereas Mallory-Weiss tears are caused by sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure.
Question 35: Which of the following characteristics is most accurate about Boerhaave syndrome?
- A. Most cases follow a bout of heavy eating or drinking
- B. Perforation of the esophagus due to barotrauma (Correct Answer)
- C. Sudden severe chest pain is an early manifestation
- D. Most common site is left posterolateral aspect 3 - 5 cms above the gastroesophageal junction
Explanation: ***Perforation of the esophagus due to barotrauma*** - **Boerhaave syndrome** is a spontaneous esophageal rupture caused by a sudden increase in **intraesophageal pressure** against a closed glottis, leading to barotrauma. - This typically occurs during forceful **vomiting** or **retching**, expelling gastric contents through the weakened esophageal wall. *Sudden severe chest pain is an early manifestation* - While **sudden, severe chest pain** is a hallmark symptom, it is a manifestation of the syndrome rather than its defining characteristic or cause. - The chest pain is a direct result of the esophageal tear and the leakage of gastric contents into the mediastinum, causing irritation and inflammation. *Most cases follow a bout of heavy eating or drinking* - **Heavy eating or drinking** (especially alcohol) can precipitate vomiting, which is the direct cause of the rupture, but it is not the syndrome's most accurate characteristic. - The actual mechanism is the severe increase in transesophageal pressure during forceful emesis, not simply the consumption itself. *Most common site is left posteromedial aspect 3 - 5 cms above the gastroesophageal junction* - This statement accurately pinpoints the **most common anatomical location** of the esophageal tear in Boerhaave syndrome due to the inherent weakness at this site. - However, it describes the **localization** of the injury rather than the fundamental characteristic of the syndrome, which is the perforation itself due to barotrauma.
Question 36: Among pathological lead points, the commonest cause of intussusception is -
- A. Submucous lipoma
- B. Meckel's diverticulum (Correct Answer)
- C. Polyp
- D. Hypertrophy of submucous peyer's patches
Explanation: ***Meckel's diverticulum*** - Among **pathological lead points** specifically, **Meckel's diverticulum** is the most common cause of intussusception. - It is a true congenital diverticulum that can act as a lead point when it becomes inverted, inflamed, or has associated ectopic tissue or tumors. - While overall intussusception in children is mostly idiopathic, when a **pathological lesion** is identified, Meckel's diverticulum is the leading cause. - Seen in approximately 2% of the population, it follows the "rule of 2s" and is the most frequent anatomical abnormality causing pathological intussusception in pediatric patients. *Hypertrophy of submucous Peyer's patches* - **Peyer's patch hypertrophy** is the most common cause of intussusception **overall** in children (90% of cases), typically following viral infections. - However, this represents **idiopathic intussusception**, not a true pathological lead point, as no discrete anatomical lesion is identified. - The question specifically asks for pathological lead points, which excludes this idiopathic mechanism. *Submucous lipoma* - A **submucous lipoma** can serve as a pathological lead point for intussusception, but is much rarer. - More commonly seen in adults rather than children. - While it is a true pathological lesion, it is less frequent than Meckel's diverticulum as a lead point. *Polyp* - **Polyps** (adenomatous, hamartomatous, or inflammatory) can act as pathological lead points. - More common in adults and in specific syndromes (e.g., Peutz-Jeghers syndrome). - Less frequent than Meckel's diverticulum among pathological causes in the pediatric population.
Question 37: What is the most important presenting feature of periampullary carcinoma?
- A. Jaundice (Correct Answer)
- B. Abdominal Pain
- C. Unintentional Weight Loss
- D. Palpable Abdominal Mass
Explanation: ***Jaundice*** - **Painless obstructive jaundice** is the hallmark symptom, occurring early due to the tumor's proximity to the common bile duct. - The obstruction of bile flow leads to the accumulation of **bilirubin**, causing yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. *Abdominal Pain* - While **abdominal pain** can occur, it is often a later symptom and is less specific than jaundice for early diagnosis. - Pain typically arises from tumor growth, invasion of surrounding structures, or pancreatic involvement. *Unintentional Weight Loss* - **Unintentional weight loss** is a common constitutional symptom of many advanced malignancies, including periampullary carcinoma. - However, it usually manifests at a later stage and is not the initial, specific presenting feature that prompts investigation. *Palpable Abdominal Mass* - A **palpable abdominal mass** is rare in early periampullary carcinoma, as these tumors are typically small and deeply seated. - Its presence usually indicates advanced disease with significant tumor burden or metastasis.
Question 38: What is the best marker to assess prognosis after surgery for colon carcinoma?
- A. CA 19-9
- B. CA-125
- C. Alpha fetoprotein
- D. CEA (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***CEA*** - Carcinoembryonic antigen (**CEA**) is a well-established tumor marker for monitoring colorectal cancer post-surgery and assessing prognosis [1]. - Elevated **CEA levels** after surgery may indicate recurrence or residual disease, making it valuable in follow-up care [1]. *CA 19-9* - Primarily associated with **pancreatic** and **biliary tract cancers**, and not specific for colon carcinoma. - While it may elevate in some gastrointestinal malignancies, it is not the best indicator for prognosis after colon cancer surgery. *Alpha fetoprotein* - Mostly used for monitoring **hepatocellular carcinoma** and germ cell tumors, not colorectal malignancies. - Elevated levels are not typically correlated with prognosis in colon cancer patients. *CA-125* - Mainly utilized as a tumor marker for **ovarian cancer** and some other malignancies, not specifically for colon carcinoma. - Its use in colorectal cancer prognosis is limited and lacks relevance in this context. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 253-254.
Question 39: What is the optimal timing for administering antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery?
- A. Immediately before induction of anesthesia
- B. 30-60 minutes before incision (Correct Answer)
- C. 2-3 hours before surgery
- D. Immediately after surgery
Explanation: ***30-60 minutes before incision*** - This is the **optimal timing** recommended by WHO, CDC, and major surgical guidelines for most commonly used prophylactic antibiotics (cefazolin, cefuroxime). - Ensures **peak tissue and serum concentrations** are achieved at the time of incision, providing maximum protection against surgical site infections. - Based on **pharmacokinetic principles**: the antibiotic must be present at bactericidal concentrations in tissues when bacterial contamination occurs. - Studies show this timing significantly reduces surgical site infection rates compared to other timings. *Immediately before induction of anesthesia* - While acceptable in some protocols, this may be too early if there is a delay between induction and incision. - Could result in **declining antibiotic levels** by the time the incision is made, especially for antibiotics with shorter half-lives. *2-3 hours before surgery* - This is **too early** for most antibiotics. - Tissue levels may have already **declined below therapeutic concentrations** by the time of incision. - Does not provide adequate protection during the critical period of bacterial contamination. *Immediately after surgery* - This is **treatment, not prophylaxis**. - Offers **no preventive benefit** against intraoperative contamination. - By this time, bacteria introduced during surgery have already adhered to tissues and begun forming biofilms.
Question 40: Surgery for undescended testis is recommended at what age?
- A. 36 months
- B. 12 months (Correct Answer)
- C. 24 months
- D. 6 months
Explanation: ***12 months*** - **Orchiopexy** for undescended testes is generally recommended around **12 months of age** to optimize fertility and reduce cancer risk. - This timing is within the ideal surgical window of **6-18 months**, balancing the allowance for potential spontaneous descent (which rarely occurs after 6 months) with minimizing germ cell damage. - Most pediatric surgeons prefer operating around **12 months** as it provides optimal outcomes. *6 months* - While **6 months is within the acceptable surgical window** (6-18 months), most surgeons prefer waiting closer to 12 months. - Operating at 6 months is not incorrect, but waiting a few more months allows for logistical planning and ensures any late spontaneous descent has occurred. - The key is to operate **before 18 months** to preserve fertility potential. *24 months* - Delaying surgery until 24 months (2 years) **exceeds the recommended window** and increases the risk of germ cell damage and potential future infertility. - While still beneficial compared to no surgery, the ideal timing for preserving fertility and minimizing malignancy risk has passed. *36 months* - Surgery at 36 months (3 years) is considered a **significant delay** and carries higher risks for long-term complications, including reduced fertility potential and increased risk of testicular cancer. - The benefits of early intervention are largely diminished by this age, though orchiopexy is still indicated to reduce cancer risk and for cosmetic/psychological reasons.