NEET-PG 2013 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: At which anatomical location is the opening created in dacryocystorhinostomy?

Middle meatus. ***Middle meatus*** - In **dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)**, the anastomosis is created between the **lacrimal sac** and the nasal cavity at the level of the **middle meatus**. - The lacrimal sac is located **lateral to the middle turbinate**, making this the anatomically appropriate site for creating the surgical opening. - This placement allows direct drainage of tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity, **bypassing the obstructed nasolacrimal duct**. - The **middle meatus** provides optimal access and physiological tear drainage. *Inferior meatus* - The **nasolacrimal duct** naturally drains into the **inferior meatus** under normal anatomy. - However, DCR is performed to **bypass** an obstructed nasolacrimal duct, so the anastomosis is created more **superiorly** at the lacrimal sac level. - The inferior meatus is **below** the level of the lacrimal sac and would not provide direct access to it. *Superior meatus* - The **superior meatus** is located above the superior turbinate and receives drainage from the **posterior ethmoidal sinuses**. - This location is **too superior** for DCR and does not correspond to the anatomical position of the lacrimal sac. *Sphenoethmoidal recess* - The **sphenoethmoidal recess** is the most superior and posterior area, receiving drainage from the **sphenoid sinus**. - This location is far too **superior and posterior** to be used for lacrimal drainage surgery.

Q: A 40-year-old male with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is found to have Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia on endoscopy. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment for this condition?

PPI. ***PPI*** - In patients with **GERD** and **low-grade dysplasia**, high-dose **proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)** are the initial treatment of choice to suppress acid reflux. - Continuous acid suppression can help in the regression of dysplasia and prevent its progression to higher grades. *Fundoplication* - **Fundoplication** is a surgical procedure to treat severe GERD, but it is not the primary initial treatment for low-grade dysplasia. - It might be considered if medical therapy with PPIs fails or if there are significant anatomical defects. *Esophageal resection* - **Esophageal resection** is a major surgical procedure typically reserved for **high-grade dysplasia** or **esophageal adenocarcinoma**. - It is an overly aggressive and unnecessary intervention for initial management of low-grade dysplasia. *Diet modification* - **Diet modification** is an important adjunctive therapy for GERD symptoms and overall gastric health. - However, it is generally insufficient as a standalone initial treatment for documented **low-grade dysplasia** without concurrent pharmacotherapy.

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: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

Breast mass but no lymph node palpable. ***Breast mass but no lymph node palpable*** - Sentinel lymph node biopsy is primarily performed in patients with **clinically negative axillae** (no palpable lymph nodes) to assess for microscopic metastatic disease. - The goal is to avoid full axillary lymph node dissection if the sentinel nodes are negative, thus reducing the risk of **lymphedema** and other complications. *LN palpable* - If a lymph node is palpable, it is often considered **clinically suspicious** and may warrant a direct fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy rather than a sentinel node biopsy. - A positive biopsy from a palpable node would typically lead directly to an **axillary lymph node dissection** or neoadjuvant therapy, as the sentinel node procedure offers less benefit in this scenario. *Breast lump with palpable axillary node* - Similar to a palpable LN, a **palpable axillary node** in the presence of a breast lump suggests established nodal involvement. - In such cases, **sentinel lymph node biopsy** is often not the initial step; rather, direct biopsy of the palpable node or upfront axillary dissection (sometimes after neoadjuvant treatment) is considered. *Metastatic CA breast* - In **metastatic breast cancer** (stage IV disease), the focus shifts to systemic treatment, and axillary lymph node dissection, including sentinel node biopsy, is generally not indicated for staging purposes. - The primary goal is palliative care or controlling systemic disease, not regional lymph node staging.

Q: Among the following single parameters, malnutrition in surgical patients is best assessed by:

Mid arm circumference. ***Mid arm circumference*** - **Mid-arm circumference (MAC)** is considered a reliable and easily measurable single parameter for assessing malnutrition, as it reflects both **muscle mass** and **subcutaneous fat**. - It is particularly useful in surgical patients where rapid and practical assessment of nutritional status is needed. *Serum albumin* - While **serum albumin** reflects visceral protein status, its levels can be significantly affected by **hydration status**, inflammation, and liver disease, making it less specific for malnutrition in acute surgical settings. - Due to its **long half-life**, serum albumin may not accurately reflect recent changes in nutritional status. *Hb level* - **Hemoglobin (Hb) levels** primarily assess anemia, which can be caused by various factors beyond malnutrition, such as blood loss or chronic disease. - Anemia does not directly measure or reflect overall protein-energy malnutrition. *Triceps skin fold thickness* - **Triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT)** measures subcutaneous fat stores but does not provide information about lean muscle mass or overall protein status. - Its measurement can be less accurate due to inter-observer variability and may not reflect comprehensive malnutrition as well as MAC.

Q: Best approach for emergency thoracotomy in acute thoracic trauma is

Anterolateral thoracotomy. ***Anterolateral thoracotomy*** - Provides **rapid access** to the chest cavity for emergent situations, such as **cardiac tamponade** or **massive hemorrhage**, which are common in thoracic trauma. - Allows assessment and management of injuries to the **heart, great vessels, and lungs** with minimal repositioning in a critically ill patient. *Midline sternotomy* - Primarily used for **cardiac surgery**, offering excellent exposure to the mediastinum but is less ideal for general thoracic trauma with potential lateral injuries. - Takes **longer to perform** than an anterolateral approach and may not be suitable in an emergent, unstable trauma setting. *Parasternal thoracotomy* - Offers more limited access compared to other approaches, typically used for specific, localized procedures near the sternum. - Does not provide the **broad exposure** needed to manage the diverse and potentially widespread injuries seen in severe thoracic trauma. *Posterolateral thoracotomy* - Provides excellent exposure to the **posterior mediastinum, spine, and descending aorta**, but requires the patient to be in the lateral decubitus position. - Repositioning a severely injured trauma patient for this approach is often **impractical and time-consuming**, making it unsuitable for initial resuscitation.

Q: What is the most common site for carcinoid tumor?

Ileum. ***Ileum*** - The **ileum** is the most common site for carcinoid tumors, accounting for nearly **50%** of cases [1]. - Carcinoid tumors arise from **neuroendocrine cells** in the gastrointestinal tract, with the ileum being particularly common due to its abundant neuroendocrine tissue [1]. *Appendix* - While carcinoid tumors can occur in the **appendix**, they represent a smaller proportion compared to those found in the ileum. - Typical carcinoid tumors in the appendix are often **asymptomatic** and usually detected incidentally. *Lung* - Though lung carcinoids exist, they represent a different classification of carcinoid tumors, primarily occurring in the **bronchial tree** [2]. - They are less common than those in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the ileum. *Esophagus* - Carcinoid tumors are rare in the **esophagus** and typically have different presentations compared to gastrointestinal carcinoids. - The esophagus is not a common site for carcinoid tumors, which are primarily found in the intestinal tract. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 780-781. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, p. 727.

Q: Indication for sentinel node biopsy is:

Non-palpable axillary lymph node. ***Non-palpable axillary lymph node*** - **Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)** is indicated when there is no clinical evidence of axillary lymph node involvement, meaning the nodes are **non-palpable**. - Its purpose is to identify micrometastases that would not be detectable by physical examination, staging the cancer more accurately and guiding further treatment. *Palpable axillary lymph node* - A **palpable axillary lymph node** suggests macroscopic nodal involvement, usually requiring a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy for diagnosis. - If positive, these patients typically proceed directly to **axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)** rather than SLNB. *Mass > 5 cm* - The size of the primary tumor (e.g., > 5 cm) is a factor in staging but does not, in itself, preclude or indicate SLNB. - While larger tumors have a higher risk of nodal involvement, the decision for SLNB still hinges on the clinical status of the axilla (palpable vs. non-palpable nodes). *Metastasis* - If **distant metastasis** is confirmed, the focus shifts to palliative care and systemic treatment, making a regional staging procedure like SLNB less relevant or unnecessary. - SLNB is used for staging early-stage cancer to detect regional spread, not when widespread disease is already established.

Q: Which one of the following is used as a preservative for packing catgut suture?

Isopropyl alcohol. ***Isopropyl alcohol*** - **Isopropyl alcohol** is commonly used as a preservative for **catgut sutures** due to its antiseptic and denaturing properties that prevent microbial growth and maintain the integrity of the biologic material. - It helps to keep the suture sterile and prevents degradation by enzymes or bacteria during storage. *Colloidal iodine* - **Colloidal iodine** is an antiseptic, but it is not typically used as a preservative for **catgut sutures**; it is more often used for skin preparation or wound disinfection. - Its reactivity and potential to stain or alter **suture material** make it less suitable for long-term preservation within the packaging. *Glutaraldehyde* - **Glutaraldehyde** is a potent disinfectant and sterilant, but it is generally too harsh for preserving **catgut sutures**; it can cause significant cross-linking and denaturation of proteins. - It is more commonly used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments like **endoscopes**, rather than for preserving **suture materials**. *Hydrogen peroxide* - **Hydrogen peroxide** is an oxidizing agent used as an antiseptic to clean wounds or as a sterilant, but it is not suitable for preserving **catgut sutures**. - Its oxidative action could degrade the **collagenous material** of the suture, compromising its strength and absorption properties.

Q: Treatment for ileal obstruction due to roundworm infestation is

Enterotomy, removal of worms and primary closure. ***Enterotomy, removal of worms and primary closure*** - For **ileal obstruction** by **roundworms**, **surgical intervention** involves opening the affected bowel segment (**enterotomy**), carefully extracting the worm bolus, and then closing the incision primarily. - This approach is favored because the bowel itself is usually **healthy**, and the obstruction is purely mechanical from the worms. *Resection with end to end anastomosis* - This aggressive approach of **resecting** part of the bowel is generally **unnecessary** and **risky** when the bowel is otherwise healthy and viable, as is typical in roundworm obstruction. - It carries risks of **anastomotic leakage** and **short gut syndrome** if repeated resections are needed, making simple worm removal a preferable option. *Resection with side to side anastomosis* - Similar to end-to-end anastomosis, **resection** of the bowel is generally avoided unless there is **irreversible damage** or **ischemia** to the bowel, which is not the primary pathology in uncomplicated roundworm obstruction. - This method is more complex and less optimal than simply removing the obstruction, given the typically *healthy* nature of the bowel wall. *Diversion* - **Diversion** procedures, such as **stoma formation**, are generally reserved for situations with **perforation**, **gross contamination**, or complex obstructions where primary repair is considered unsafe or impossible. - In a straightforward ileal obstruction due to worms, the goal is to resolve the obstruction with minimal intervention to preserve bowel continuity.

Question 1

At which anatomical location is the opening created in dacryocystorhinostomy?

Accepted Answer

Middle meatus

Answer

Superior meatus

Answer

Sphenoethmoidal recess

Answer

Inferior meatus

Question 2

A 40-year-old male with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is found to have Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia on endoscopy. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment for this condition?

Accepted Answer

PPI

Answer

Fundoplication

Answer

Esophageal resection

Answer

Diet modification

Question 3

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 4

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

Accepted Answer

Breast mass but no lymph node palpable

Answer

LN palpable

Answer

Breast lump with palpable axillary node

Answer

Metastatic CA breast

Question 5

Among the following single parameters, malnutrition in surgical patients is best assessed by:

Accepted Answer

Mid arm circumference

Answer

Triceps skin fold thickness

Answer

Hb level

Answer

Serum albumin

Question 6

Best approach for emergency thoracotomy in acute thoracic trauma is

Accepted Answer

Anterolateral thoracotomy

Answer

Midline sternotomy

Answer

Parasternal thoracotomy

Answer

Posterolateral thoracotomy

Question 7

What is the most common site for carcinoid tumor?

Accepted Answer

Ileum

Answer

Lung

Answer

Esophagus

Answer

Appendix

Question 8

Indication for sentinel node biopsy is:

Accepted Answer

Non-palpable axillary lymph node

Answer

Palpable axillary lymph node

Answer

Metastasis

Answer

Mass > 5 cm

Question 9

Which one of the following is used as a preservative for packing catgut suture?

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Colloidal iodine

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide

Question 10

Treatment for ileal obstruction due to roundworm infestation is

Accepted Answer

Enterotomy, removal of worms and primary closure

Answer

Resection with end to end anastomosis

Answer

Resection with side to side anastomosis

Answer

Diversion

NEET-PG 2013 — Surgery