NEET-PG 2013 - Surgery Practice Questions

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: Among the following, intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in axilla can be done using

Isosulfan blue dye. ***Correct Option: Isosulfan blue dye*** - **Isosulfan blue dye** is a vital dye used for **intraoperative visual identification** of sentinel lymph nodes in the axilla during breast cancer surgery - The dye is injected near the tumor site and **preferentially concentrates in lymphatic channels**, allowing the surgeon to visually trace the lymphatic drainage to the **first lymph node(s)** (sentinel nodes) receiving lymph flow - The sentinel nodes appear **blue-stained** and can be identified and excised for biopsy to determine lymph node status - **Alternative methods** include radioactive tracers like **Technetium-99m** or a combination of both (dual mapping technique) *Incorrect Option: Mammography* - Mammography is an **X-ray imaging technique** used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis to detect tumors and calcifications - It is a **pre-operative diagnostic tool**, not used for intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection - Cannot visualize or track lymphatic flow during surgery *Incorrect Option: MRI* - MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides detailed anatomical assessment and staging of breast cancer pre-operatively - It is a **static imaging modality** that cannot be used for real-time intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection - Does not visualize lymphatic drainage or dye uptake during surgery *Incorrect Option: CT* - CT scans (Computed Tomography) provide cross-sectional images useful for assessing tumor size and metastatic spread - Not employed for **intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection** - Cannot track real-time lymphatic flow with dyes during surgery

Q: Which of the following stages of Breast Cancer corresponds to the following features: a breast mass of 6 x 3 cm, ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis that cannot be assessed?

T3 N3c MX. ***T3 N3c MX*** - A **breast mass of 6 x 3 cm** indicates a T3 tumor (tumor size > 5 cm). - **Ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement** is classified as N3c disease. **Distant metastasis that cannot be assessed** is denoted by MX. *T4 N3 MX* - A **T4 classification** is reserved for tumors with direct extension to the chest wall or skin, or inflammatory breast cancer, which is not mentioned here. - While N3c and MX are correct for the nodal and metastatic status, the T stage is inaccurate based on the provided tumor size. *T4 N1 M1* - A **T4 classification** is incorrect as the mass size alone (6 x 3 cm) does not meet T4 criteria. - **N1** denotes involvement of 1-3 axillary lymph nodes, which is less extensive than supraclavicular involvement (N3c). **M1** indicates confirmed distant metastasis, but the question states it "cannot be assessed" (MX). *T4 N0 M0* - **T4** is incorrect, as this stage is for direct chest wall/skin involvement or inflammatory breast cancer. - **N0** signifies no regional lymph node metastasis, contradicting the presence of supraclavicular lymph node involvement. **M0** indicates no distant metastasis, whereas the question specifies it cannot be assessed (MX).

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: Which of the following is a contraindication to breast conservation surgery?

Presence of multicentric tumors. ***Presence of multicentric tumors*** - **Multicentric tumors** are defined as two or more discrete tumors in different quadrants of the breast, which cannot be removed with a single lumpectomy. - This condition is a contraindication for breast conservation surgery (BCS) because complete removal of all tumor foci while maintaining an acceptable cosmetic outcome is highly unlikely. *Involvement of axillary lymph nodes* - **Axillary lymph node involvement** is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer and influences adjuvant therapy decisions, but it is not a direct contraindication to BCS. - Patients with positive nodes often undergo axillary dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by radiation and/or systemic therapy, which can be combined with BCS. *Tumor size greater than 4 cm* - While larger tumor size (e.g., >4-5 cm) can make achieving negative surgical margins and a good cosmetic outcome more challenging with BCS, it is not an absolute contraindication. - **Neoadjuvant chemotherapy** can often downstage larger tumors, making BCS a viable option for many patients. *Presence of diffuse microcalcifications* - **Diffuse microcalcifications** can sometimes indicate extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (**DCIS**) or invasive lobular carcinoma with a widespread component. - However, if the microcalcifications represent a single focus of disease that can be entirely excised with negative margins, BCS may still be an option, especially if guided by stereotactic biopsy and imaging.

Q: Which of the following is the best combination of clinical features of intestinal obstruction?

Abdominal distension and vomiting. ***Abdominal distension and vomiting*** - This combination represents **two of the cardinal clinical features** of intestinal obstruction from the classic tetrad (pain, vomiting, distension, constipation). - **Abdominal distension** occurs due to accumulation of gas and fluid proximal to the obstruction. - **Vomiting** occurs as the body attempts to expel contents that cannot pass through the blocked intestine. - The **combination** makes this the most specific and complete answer among the given options. *Vomiting* - While vomiting is indeed a prominent clinical feature of intestinal obstruction, it can occur in numerous other conditions (gastroenteritis, metabolic disorders, CNS pathology). - **Isolated vomiting lacks specificity** for diagnosing intestinal obstruction. *Fluid level in X-ray > 4* - This refers to **multiple air-fluid levels** seen on erect abdominal X-ray, which is a **radiologic/diagnostic finding**, not a clinical feature. - Clinical features are symptoms and signs (what the patient experiences or what is observed on examination), whereas X-ray findings are **investigative/imaging findings**. *Abdominal distension* - While abdominal distension is a key clinical feature of intestinal obstruction, it can also occur in other conditions (ascites, pregnancy, obesity, bowel perforation). - **Isolated distension lacks specificity** compared to the combination with vomiting.

Q: What is the method of reduction for an inguinal hernia?

Taxis. ***Taxis*** - **Taxis** is the manual reduction of a hernia by applying gentle, sustained pressure to gently guide the herniated contents back into the abdominal cavity. - This technique is typically used for **reducible hernias** to prevent complications like strangulation. *Kugel maneuver* - The **Kugel patch** is a device used in the surgical repair of inguinal hernias, not a method of manual reduction. - It involves a **preperitoneal mesh** placed during an open repair to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. *Macvay procedure* - The **McVay repair** (also known as Cooper's ligament repair) is a surgical technique for inguinal hernias. - It involves suturing the **conjoint tendon** to Cooper's ligament for a strong repair, not a manual reduction. *Stopa's technique* - "Stopa's technique" is not a recognized medical term or a standard method for hernia reduction or repair. - This option appears to be a **distractor** and does not correspond to any established medical procedure for hernias.

Q: Which of the following is a component of the Alvarado score?

Loss of appetite. ***Loss of appetite*** - **Anorexia** (loss of appetite) is a key symptom considered in the Alvarado score, contributing 1 point to the total. - This symptom is often one of the **earliest indicators** of acute appendicitis. *Leucopenia* - The Alvarado score uses **leukocytosis** (elevated white blood cell count greater than 10,000/mm³), not leucopenia, as a component. - **Leucopenia** (decreased white blood cell count) is generally not indicative of acute appendicitis. *Diarrhea* - While diarrhea can sometimes accompany appendicitis, it is **not a specific component** of the Alvarado score. - The score focuses on classic appendicitis symptoms like **migratory and right lower quadrant pain**. *Periumbilical pain* - The Alvarado score specifically considers **migratory pain to the right iliac fossa** (RLQ tenderness) as a component, not just periumbilical pain. - Although pain often starts periumbilically, the score emphasizes the **subsequent migration** of pain.

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.

Q: Prepyloric or channel ulcer in the stomach is termed as:

Type 3. ***Type 3*** - **Type 3 ulcers** are located in the **prepyloric region** or within the **pyloric channel** of the stomach. - They are often associated with **duodenal ulcers** and are characterized by **normal to high acid secretion**. *Type 1* - **Type 1 ulcers** are typically found in the **lesser curvature of the stomach body**, not the prepyloric region. - These ulcers are usually associated with **low or normal acid secretion** and are often linked to *H. pylori* infection. *Type 2* - **Type 2 ulcers** involve both a **gastric ulcer** (usually in the body) and an **active or healed duodenal ulcer**. - They are associated with **normal to high acid secretion**, but the location is not exclusively prepyloric. *Type 4* - **Type 4 ulcers** are located high on the **lesser curvature near the gastroesophageal junction**. - They are associated with **low acid secretion** and are sometimes termed **juxta-esophageal ulcers**.

Question 1

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 2

Among the following, intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in axilla can be done using

Accepted Answer

Isosulfan blue dye

Answer

Mammography

Answer

MRI

Answer

CT

Question 3

Which of the following stages of Breast Cancer corresponds to the following features: a breast mass of 6 x 3 cm, ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis that cannot be assessed?

Accepted Answer

T3 N3c MX

Answer

T4 N3 MX

Answer

T4 N1 M1

Answer

T4 N0 M0

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

Which of the following is a contraindication to breast conservation surgery?

Accepted Answer

Presence of multicentric tumors

Answer

Involvement of axillary lymph nodes

Answer

Tumor size greater than 4 cm

Answer

Presence of diffuse microcalcifications

Question 6

Which of the following is the best combination of clinical features of intestinal obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal distension and vomiting

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Fluid level in X-ray > 4

Answer

Abdominal distension

Question 7

What is the method of reduction for an inguinal hernia?

Accepted Answer

Taxis

Answer

Stopa's technique

Answer

Kugel patch

Answer

McVay procedure

Question 8

Which of the following is a component of the Alvarado score?

Accepted Answer

Loss of appetite

Answer

Leucopenia

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Periumbilical pain

Question 9

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

Question 10

Prepyloric or channel ulcer in the stomach is termed as:

Accepted Answer

Type 3

Answer

Type 1

Answer

Type 4

Answer

Type 2

NEET-PG 2013 — Surgery