Pediatric Surgery Basics — MCQs

Pediatric Surgery Basics Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 161: A newborn male child presenting with severe respiratory distress, absent respiratory breath sounds, and a scaphoid abdomen is suffering from.

A. Congenital pyloric stenosis
B. Diaphragmatic hernia (Correct Answer)
C. Intussusception
D. Meconium ileus

Explanation: ***Diaphragmatic hernia*** * The classic triad of **respiratory distress**, the absence of **breath sounds** on the affected side, and a **scaphoid abdomen** is highly indicative of a **congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)**. * In CDH, abdominal contents herniate into the chest cavity, compressing the lungs and causing **pulmonary hypoplasia**, leading to severe respiratory compromise. *Congenital pyloric stenosis* * Pyloric stenosis typically presents with **non-bilious projectile vomiting** and an **olive-shaped mass** in the epigastrium, usually in infants between 3-6 weeks of age, not in a newborn with respiratory distress. * It does not cause absent breath sounds or a scaphoid abdomen, as it is a gastrointestinal obstruction without thoracic involvement. *Intussusception* * Intussusception involves the telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, presenting with **colicky abdominal pain**, **vomiting**, and **"currant jelly" stools**. * This condition primarily affects older infants and young children, is an acute abdominal emergency, and does not directly cause severe respiratory distress or absent breath sounds unless there is significant abdominal distension compromising respiration. *Meconium ileus* * Meconium ileus is an obstruction of the small intestine by abnormally thick meconium, often associated with **cystic fibrosis**. * It presents with **abdominal distension**, **vomiting**, and **failure to pass meconium**, but not typically with severe respiratory distress unrelated to abdominal distension.

Question 162: Anorectal malformations include all of the following except?

A. Imperforate anus
B. Anal Stenosis
C. Rectourethral fistula
D. Hirschsprung disease (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Hirschsprung disease*** - This condition involves the **absence of ganglion cells** in the distal bowel, leading to a functional obstruction, and is a **neurocristopathy**, not directly an anatomical malformation of the anus or rectum. - While it causes similar symptoms like constipation and abdominal distention, its underlying pathology is distinct from structural anorectal malformations. *Rectourethral fistula* - This is a type of **anorectal malformation** where an abnormal connection exists between the rectum and the urethra, often seen in males with high imperforate anus. - It is an anatomical defect involving the abnormal communication of two structures. *Imperforate anus* - This is a common and primary type of **anorectal malformation** where the anal opening is either absent or abnormally developed. - It results from incomplete development of the anorectal canal during fetal development. *Anal Stenosis* - This is a structural **anorectal malformation** characterized by a **narrowing of the anal canal**, making defecation difficult. - It is an anatomical defect of the anus itself, often treated with dilation or surgical correction.

Question 163: Which of the following is NOT a feature of hypospadias?

A. Chordee
B. Hooded prepuce
C. Cryptorchidism (Correct Answer)
D. Ventral urethral meatus

Explanation: ***Cryptorchidism*** - While **cryptorchidism** (undescended testes) can sometimes co-occur with hypospadias (in up to 10% of cases, especially severe proximal types), it is **NOT a defining feature or characteristic of hypospadias itself**. - Hypospadias is primarily a malformation of the urethra and penis, whereas cryptorchidism is a distinct abnormality of testicular descent. - They are separate congenital anomalies that may share common developmental pathways but are not causally related. *Chordee* - **Chordee** is a common associated feature of hypospadias, present in approximately 15-20% of cases. - It is characterized by ventral curvature of the penis, particularly noticeable during erection, due to fibrous tissue tethering the ventral aspect. - Often requires surgical correction along with hypospadias repair. *Hooded prepuce* - A **hooded prepuce** (dorsal hood) is a **classic and consistent feature** of hypospadias, present in the majority of cases. - The foreskin does not fully encircle the glans but instead forms a hood on the dorsal aspect, with ventral deficiency. - This occurs due to incomplete fusion of the urethral folds and arrested development of the ventral foreskin. *Ventral urethral meatus* - A **ventral urethral meatus** (urethral opening on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip) is the **defining feature** of hypospadias. - The location can vary from glandular (on the glans) to coronal, penile shaft, penoscrotal, or perineal positions. - This is the primary anatomical abnormality that characterizes the condition.

Question 164: What is true about pulled elbow?

A. Forearm is held in pronation and extension
B. Occurs due to sudden axial pull on extended elbow
C. Most commonly occurs between 2 - 5 years of age
D. Treatment is quick supination and flexion of elbow (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Treatment is quick supination and flexion of elbow*** - The classic **reduction maneuver** for a pulled elbow involves applying gentle pressure to the radial head while **supinating the forearm** and then **flexing the elbow**. - A palpable or audible click may be felt as the **annular ligament** slips back into place over the radial head. - This maneuver is successful in over 90% of cases and provides immediate relief. *Occurs due to sudden axial pull on extended elbow* - A pulled elbow, or **nursemaid's elbow**, typically occurs due to a sudden **longitudinal traction on a pronated and extended forearm**. - Common scenario: An adult pulls a child by the hand/wrist while the arm is extended and pronated. - This action causes the **annular ligament** to slip over and trap the radial head. *Forearm is held in pronation and extension* - In a pulled elbow, the forearm is typically held in **pronation** and **slight flexion**, not extension. - The child usually refuses to use the arm (pseudoparalysis) and holds it close to the body. - Pain occurs when attempting to supinate or move the elbow. *Most commonly occurs between 2 - 5 years of age* - Pulled elbow most commonly occurs in children between **6 months and 5 years** of age, with peak incidence at **1-3 years**. - While the option states 2-5 years, this misses the critical earlier period when the condition is also very common. - The **annular ligament** is relatively lax and the radial head is not fully developed during these years, making it more susceptible to subluxation.

Question 165: Which of the following is the least common cause of pain associated with ovarian cysts in children?

A. Peritoneal bleeding from rupture
B. Ovarian torsion
C. Expansion of ovarian cortex
D. Stretch of Infundibulopelvic ligament (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Stretch of Infundibulopelvic ligament*** - While other causes directly involve mechanical stress or disruption of ovarian tissue, **ligamentous stretch** is a less common and often secondary contributor to significant pain in children with ovarian cysts. - The sensation of pain from ligament stretch is typically less acute and severe compared to processes like torsion or rupture. *Peritoneal bleeding from rupture* - **Rupture of an ovarian cyst** can lead to significant **hemoperitoneum**, causing acute and severe abdominal pain due to peritoneal irritation. - This is a relatively common cause of acute pain in children with ovarian cysts, particularly for larger or hemorrhagic cysts. *Ovarian torsion* - **Ovarian torsion** involves the twisting of the **ovary and fallopian tube** around the suspensory ligament, compromising its blood supply. - This is a medical emergency and a common cause of severe, acute, and often intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children with ovarian cysts. *Expansion of ovarian cortex* - **Rapid expansion** of the ovarian cortex due to a growing cyst can cause pain by stretching the **ovarian capsule**. - This is a common mechanism of pain, particularly with rapidly enlarging or large cysts, as the capsule has numerous pain receptors.

Question 166: Which of the following represents the most common combination of orofacial congenital anomalies?

A. Cleft lip and cleft palate together (Correct Answer)
B. Cleft lip
C. Cleft palate
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Cleft lip and cleft palate together*** - This combination is the **most frequent presentation** of orofacial congenital anomalies, accounting for approximately **50% of all cleft cases**. - Combined cleft lip and palate (CL+P) occurs when both the lip and palate fail to fuse completely during fetal development (4th to 12th weeks of gestation). - The simultaneous occurrence represents a **more severe form** of the anomaly with shared embryonic origins and genetic predispositions. - This combined presentation requires comprehensive surgical management involving both lip and palate repair. *Cleft lip* - This anomaly involves a **split in the upper lip**, which can range from a small notch to a complete separation extending into the nose. - Isolated cleft lip (without cleft palate) accounts for approximately **25% of cases**, making it **less frequent** than the combined presentation. - Results from failure of fusion of the medial nasal and maxillary prominences. *Cleft palate* - This condition involves an **opening in the roof of the mouth**, which can affect the hard palate, soft palate, or both. - Isolated cleft palate accounts for approximately **25% of cases**, making it **less common** than the combination of cleft lip and cleft palate. - Results from failure of fusion of the palatal shelves. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **cleft lip and cleft palate together** is a well-documented and definitive correct answer. - Epidemiological data clearly establishes CL+P as the most common presentation (50%), followed by isolated CP (25%) and isolated CL (25%).

Practice by Chapter

Surgical Conditions of the Newborn

Practice Questions

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Practice Questions

Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Practice Questions

Intestinal Atresia and Stenosis

Practice Questions

Malrotation and Volvulus

Practice Questions

Hirschsprung's Disease

Practice Questions

Anorectal Malformations

Practice Questions

Biliary Atresia

Practice Questions

Abdominal Wall Defects

Practice Questions

Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele

Practice Questions

Intussusception

Practice Questions

Appendicitis in Children

Practice Questions

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