NEET-PG 2015 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: What is the primary treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer?

Surgical resection. ***Surgical resection*** - **Surgical resection** (lobectomy or segmentectomy with lymph node dissection) is the **primary and definitive treatment** for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (Stage I-II). - For **Stage IA disease**, surgery alone provides excellent outcomes with 5-year survival rates of 70-90%, and adjuvant chemotherapy is generally **not indicated**. - For **Stage IB-II**, surgery remains primary, with adjuvant chemotherapy considered selectively based on tumor size (>4 cm), poor differentiation, vascular invasion, or other high-risk features. - Complete surgical resection offers the **best chance of cure** for resectable early-stage NSCLC. *Surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy* - While this combination is important for **select early-stage cases** (high-risk Stage IB, Stage II-IIIA), it is **not the universal primary treatment** for all early-stage disease. - Adjuvant chemotherapy is an **addition** to surgery in specific scenarios, not part of the primary treatment for the majority of early-stage (especially Stage IA) patients. - Current guidelines recommend risk stratification before adding adjuvant therapy. *Radiotherapy* - **Radiotherapy** (stereotactic body radiotherapy/SBRT) is reserved for **medically inoperable** patients or those who refuse surgery. - It is not the primary treatment when the patient is a **surgical candidate**. - May be used as adjuvant therapy in patients with positive margins or N2 disease. *Immunotherapy* - **Immunotherapy** has emerging roles in neoadjuvant/adjuvant settings for resectable NSCLC (recent trials showing benefit). - However, it is **not established as primary monotherapy** for early resectable disease. - More commonly used in advanced/metastatic NSCLC or as part of combination regimens in clinical trial settings for early disease.

Q: What is the typical absorption duration of Polydioxanone sutures?

6 months. ***Correct: 6 months*** - **Polydioxanone (PDS) sutures** are known for their **prolonged absorption time**, typically ranging from 180 to 210 days, or approximately 6 months. - This characteristic makes PDS sutures suitable for tissues requiring **extended support** during the healing process. - PDS retains approximately **50% tensile strength at 4 weeks** and **25% at 6 weeks**, with complete absorption occurring over 6-7 months. *Incorrect: 2 weeks* - An absorption duration of 2 weeks is characteristic of **rapidly absorbing sutures**, such as **chromic gut** or **fast-absorbing synthetic sutures**, which are used for tissues that heal quickly or require minimal support. - PDS sutures offer much longer tensile strength retention and absorption than this brief period. *Incorrect: 4 weeks* - A 4-week absorption time is considerably shorter than that of PDS sutures. This duration might be seen with some **intermediate-absorbing sutures**, but not with the long-lasting PDS. - Sutures absorbed in this timeframe would not provide sufficient support for tissues where PDS is typically indicated. *Incorrect: 6 weeks* - While longer than 2 or 4 weeks, 6 weeks (approximately 42 days) is still much shorter than the typical absorption profile of PDS sutures. - Sutures like **Vicryl Rapide** might fall into this absorption range, but PDS is designed for applications needing several months of support.

Q: Which type of surgical suture is known to cause the most tissue reaction?

Silk. ***Silk*** - Silk is a **natural, braided, non-absorbable suture** that is known to elicit a significant **inflammatory reaction** due to its natural protein composition and braided structure. - While it was historically used for its good handling properties, its high tissue reactivity makes it less ideal for situations where minimal scarring or inflammation is desired. - **Silk causes the most tissue reaction** among commonly used sutures. *Plain Catgut* - Plain catgut is a **natural, absorbable suture** derived from purified collagen of animal intestines, causing a moderate to high tissue reaction. - However, its absorption by enzymatic hydrolysis is relatively rapid, limiting the duration of the inflammatory response compared to non-absorbable natural materials like silk. *Polydiaxonone* - Polydiaxonone (PDS) is a **synthetic, monofilament, absorbable suture** known for causing a relatively **low tissue reaction**. - Its slow absorption profile and monofilament structure contribute to its minimal inflammatory response, making it suitable for tissues requiring prolonged support. *Chromic Catgut* - Chromic catgut is a treated form of plain catgut that has been coated with chromium salts, which prolong its absorption time and reduce its tissue reactivity compared to plain catgut. - Although it is still a natural, absorbable suture, its tissue reaction is **less than both plain catgut and silk**, but greater than synthetic monofilament sutures like PDS.

Q: What type of respiratory failure is most commonly observed in post-operative patients?

Hypoxemic respiratory failure. ***Hypoxemic respiratory failure*** - **Hypoxemic respiratory failure** (Type I) is characterized by a **PaO2 less than 60 mmHg** with a normal or low PaCO2, often due to **V/Q mismatch** and **shunt**. - Post-operative patients frequently develop **atelectasis**, **pneumonia**, or **pulmonary edema**, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygenation. - This is the **most commonly observed type** in the immediate post-operative period. *Hypercapnic respiratory failure* - **Hypercapnic respiratory failure** (Type II) is primarily due to **alveolar hypoventilation**, resulting in a **PaCO2 greater than 50 mmHg**. - While it can occur post-operatively, it is less common than hypoxemic failure and is typically seen with significant **sedation**, **neuromuscular blockade**, or severe **obstructive lung disease**. *Mixed respiratory failure* - **Mixed respiratory failure** involves both **hypoxemia** and **hypercapnia**, indicating severe impairment in both oxygenation and ventilation. - Although it can occur in severe post-operative complications, it is not the *most commonly observed initial presentation* compared to isolated hypoxemia. *Perioperative respiratory failure* - **Perioperative respiratory failure** (Type III) occurs specifically in the surgical setting and involves atelectasis from changes in chest wall mechanics. - While this occurs in the post-operative context, the term is less commonly used, and the **underlying mechanism is primarily hypoxemic** in nature.

Q: In which of the following cancers is intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) applicable?

All of the options. ***All of the options*** - **Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT)** is applicable to all three cancers listed: gastric cancer, colon carcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. - IORT is a technique where a **single, high dose of radiation** is delivered to the tumor bed during surgery to improve local control and reduce late toxicity to surrounding healthy tissues. - All three cancers benefit from IORT due to their **high risk of local recurrence** and the ability to directly target the tumor bed while sparing adjacent critical organs. **Gastric cancer:** - IORT addresses **high rates of local recurrence** after conventional surgery, especially in locally advanced stages - Allows direct radiation of potentially involved regional lymph nodes or margins difficult to eradicate surgically - Particularly useful when complete surgical clearance carries excessive morbidity risk **Colon carcinoma:** - IORT considered in **locally advanced or recurrent disease**, particularly when tumors invade adjacent structures - Beneficial after resections with positive or close margins - Delivers high dose to microscopic residual disease in the tumor bed, avoiding damage to vital organs from external beam radiotherapy **Pancreatic carcinoma:** - High propensity for **local invasion and recurrence** makes IORT particularly relevant - Delivers high dose directly to tumor bed following resection when microscopic residual disease is suspected - Overcomes limitations of external beam radiation due to proximity of critical organs (duodenum, stomach, kidneys)

Q: An Incisional wound heals by

Primary Healing. ***Primary Healing*** - An **incisional wound** is typically a clean, sharply incised wound with **minimal tissue loss** and edges that can be approximated. - **Primary healing** (or first intention) occurs when the wound edges are surgically closed, leading to rapid healing with minimal scarring. *Secondary Healing* - This type of healing occurs in wounds with **significant tissue loss** or infection, where the edges cannot be approximated. - The wound must heal by **granulation tissue formation** and **wound contraction**, resulting in a larger scar. *Epithelialization* - **Epithelialization** is a vital process in all types of wound healing, where epithelial cells migrate to cover the wound surface. - However, it describes a *process* rather than a *mode* of overall wound healing for a closed incisional wound. *Delayed primary Healing* - **Delayed primary healing** (or tertiary intention) involves leaving a wound open for a period (e.g., to control infection or edema) before closing it surgically. - This approach is not typical for a clean incisional wound but is used in cases where primary closure is initially unsafe.

Q: What is the commonest site of peptic ulcer?

First part of the duodenum. ***First part of the duodenum*** - The **duodenal bulb** (first part of the duodenum) is the most common location for peptic ulcers due to its proximity to the pylorus, where it's exposed to **acidic chyme** and susceptible to **H. pylori infection**. - The **mucosal defenses** in the duodenum are often less robust compared to the stomach, making it more vulnerable to acid-pepsin aggression. *Second part of the duodenum* - Ulcers in the **second part of the duodenum** are relatively rare compared to the first part. - This section receives bile and pancreatic secretions which help to **neutralize stomach acid**, providing greater protection. *Distal third of the stomach* - Ulcers in the **distal third of the stomach** are less common than in the first part of the duodenum. - While **gastric ulcers** do occur, they are more frequently found in the **antrum or lesser curvature** of the stomach. *Pylorus of the stomach* - Ulcers can occur in the **pylorus**, but they are not as frequent as those in the **duodenal bulb**. - Pyloric ulcers are considered a type of **gastric ulcer** and can be associated with gastric outlet obstruction.

Q: Which of the following statements about Branchial cysts is true:

Most common site is lateral neck. ***Most common site is lateral neck*** - **Branchial cleft cysts** typically present as a mass in the **lateral neck**, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. - They are congenital anomalies resulting from incomplete obliteration of the branchial clefts during embryonic development. *50-70% are seen in lungs* - This statement is incorrect; branchial cysts are **cervical anomalous masses** arising from the branchial apparatus, not primarily found in the lungs. - Lung lesions are more commonly associated with congenital pulmonary airway malformations or bronchogenic cysts, which differ in origin. *They are premalignant lesions* - Branchial cysts are generally **benign lesions** and do not typically transform into malignancy. - While rare cases of carcinoma arising within a branchial cleft cyst have been reported, they are not considered routinely premalignant. *Infection is uncommon in branchial cysts* - Conversely, infection is a **common complication** of branchial cysts, often leading to sudden enlargement, pain, and erythema. - The presence of internal fluid and epithelial lining makes them susceptible to bacterial colonization and subsequent abscess formation.

Q: A 40-year-old male with chest trauma presents with breathlessness, decreased respiratory sounds on the right side, hyperresonance on percussion, and distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Tension Pneumothorax. ***Tension Pneumothorax*** - The classic triad of **breathlessness**, **decreased breath sounds** on the affected side, and **hyperresonance** on percussion following chest trauma is highly indicative of a tension pneumothorax. - **Distended neck veins** (jugular venous distension) occur due to increased intrathoracic pressure impeding venous return to the heart. *Cardiac Tamponade* - Characterized by **Beck's triad**: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension. - While **distended neck veins** are present, the absence of muffled heart sounds, the presence of decreased breath sounds, and hyperresonance point away from tamponade. *Flail Chest* - Defined by at least two contiguous ribs fractured in at least two places, leading to a **paradoxical movement** of the chest wall during respiration. - The key diagnostic feature of flail chest (paradoxical chest wall movement) is not described, nor are the breath sounds or percussion findings consistent with this diagnosis. *Myocardial Infarction* - Typically presents with **sudden chest pain**, often radiating to the left arm or jaw, and may cause breathlessness. - It does not cause **decreased breath sounds**, **hyperresonance**, or directly lead to these specific localized chest findings after trauma.

Question 1

What is the primary treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surgical resection

Answer

Radiotherapy

Answer

Surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy

Answer

Immunotherapy

Question 2

What is the typical absorption duration of Polydioxanone sutures?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

4 weeks

Answer

6 weeks

Answer

2 weeks

Question 3

Which type of surgical suture is known to cause the most tissue reaction?

Accepted Answer

Silk

Answer

Plain Catgut

Answer

Polydiaxonone

Answer

Chromic catgut

Question 4

What type of respiratory failure is most commonly observed in post-operative patients?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxemic respiratory failure

Answer

Hypercapnic respiratory failure

Answer

Mixed respiratory failure

Answer

Perioperative respiratory failure

Question 5

In which of the following cancers is intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) applicable?

Accepted Answer

All of the options

Answer

Gastric cancer

Answer

Colon carcinoma

Answer

Pancreatic carcinoma

Question 6

An Incisional wound heals by

Accepted Answer

Primary Healing

Answer

Secondary Healing

Answer

Epithelialization

Answer

Delayed primary Healing

Question 7

What is the commonest site of peptic ulcer?

Accepted Answer

First part of the duodenum

Answer

Second part of the duodenum

Answer

Distal third of the stomach

Answer

Pylorus of the stomach

Question 8

Which of the following statements accurately describes a subtotal thyroidectomy?

Accepted Answer

Removal of 1 lobe with isthmus and the second lobe partially

Answer

Removal of one lobe and isthmus

Answer

Removal of both lobes leaving behind 6-8 grams of tissue

Answer

Removal of entire thyroid with cervical lymphnodes

Question 9

Which of the following statements about Branchial cysts is true:

Accepted Answer

Most common site is lateral neck

Answer

50-70% are seen in lungs

Answer

They are premalignant lesions

Answer

Infection is uncommon in branchial cysts

Question 10

A 40-year-old male with chest trauma presents with breathlessness, decreased respiratory sounds on the right side, hyperresonance on percussion, and distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tension Pneumothorax

Answer

Flail Chest

Answer

Myocardial Infarction

Answer

Cardiac Tamponade

NEET-PG 2015 — Surgery