NEET-PG 2015 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: All of the following statements about Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are true, Except:

Rectum is spared. ***Rectum is spared*** - This statement is **incorrect**; carcinoid tumors can occur in the rectum, which is often **affected** by such tumors. - It is more accurate to say that carcinoid tumors arise in various gastrointestinal locations, including the **rectum** itself. *Small intestine and appendix account for almost 60% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid* - This statement is **true**; small intestine and appendix are indeed significant sites for carcinoid tumors, together accounting for nearly **60% of cases**. - These locations are particularly prominent due to the number of neuroendocrine cells found in these areas of the **gastrointestinal tract** [1][2]. *5 year survival for carcinoid tumors is >60%* - This statement is **true**, as many patients with localized carcinoid tumors exhibit a **5-year survival rate** greater than 60%. - Survival rates vary depending on the tumor's stage and location, but overall, they tend to have a favorable prognosis when diagnosed early. *Appendicial carcinoids are more common in females than males* - This statement is **true**; studies indicate that appendiceal carcinoids are indeed more frequently diagnosed in **females** compared to males [2]. - This differentiation is one of the notable epidemiological trends observed with carcinoid tumors.

Q: Which of the following statements about undescended testis is true?

Increased risk of malignancy. ***Increased risk of malignancy*** - Undescended testis is associated with a **3 to 14 times increased risk** of testicular malignancy, particularly **seminoma**. - The risk remains elevated even after orchiopexy, though the procedure allows for **easier surveillance and examination**. - This is one of the **most important clinical features** of cryptorchidism and a key reason for early surgical correction. - Even a **corrected cryptorchid testis** maintains higher cancer risk compared to normally descended testes. *Secondary sexual characteristics are universally normal* - In **unilateral cryptorchidism** (90% of cases), the normally descended contralateral testis produces **adequate testosterone** for normal secondary sexual development. - However, in **bilateral cryptorchidism** or if the descended testis is functionally impaired, **testosterone deficiency** can occur, leading to delayed or abnormal sexual development. - Therefore, secondary sexual characteristics are **not universally normal** in all cases of undescended testis. *Hormonal therapy is effective* - Hormonal therapy with **hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)** or **GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)** has **limited and inconsistent effectiveness**. - Success rates are generally **low** (10-30%), particularly for truly undescended testes (as opposed to retractile testes). - **Orchiopexy** (surgical correction) remains the **definitive treatment**, ideally performed between **6-18 months of age** to optimize fertility potential. *More common on the right side* - Undescended testis is actually **slightly more common on the left side** (~55-60%) than the right (~40-45%). - **Bilateral cryptorchidism** occurs in approximately 10-20% of cases. - There is no significant right-sided predilection.

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: ESWL is contraindicated in which of the following stones -

Cystine stones. ***Cysteine stones*** - **Cystine stones** are very dense and hard, making them resistant to fragmentation by the shock waves generated during **Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)**. - Due to their resistance to fragmentation, ESWL is generally ineffective for cystine stones, and other treatments like **ureteroscopy** or **percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)** are often preferred. *Oxalate Stones* - **Calcium oxalate stones** are generally **amenable to ESWL** as they are effectively fragmented by shock waves. - They are the **most common type of kidney stone** and often respond well to lithotripsy. *Urate stones* - **Uric acid stones** are typically **radiolucent** but are often **well-fragmented by ESWL**. - Their non-calcium composition does not hinder the effectiveness of shock waves. *Phosphate stones* - **Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones** and **calcium phosphate stones** generally respond well to ESWL. - While sometimes large and branched (**staghorn calculi**), the individual components are susceptible to shock wave fragmentation, though multiple sessions or adjunctive therapies might be needed.

Q: A young male presents with a testicular mass on the right side. The AFP is elevated while the HCG is normal. The most appropriate next step is

Orchidectomy. ***Radical Inguinal Orchidectomy*** - In a patient who already presents with a **testicular mass** and **elevated AFP** (suggesting non-seminomatous germ cell tumor), the most appropriate next step is **radical inguinal orchidectomy**. - This procedure is both **diagnostic and therapeutic**, providing tissue for histopathological confirmation while removing the primary tumor. - The standard management sequence is: clinical examination → scrotal USG → tumor markers → **orchidectomy** → staging imaging → further treatment based on histology and stage. - Since the mass is already identified and tumor markers are done, proceeding directly to orchidectomy is appropriate. *USG* - Scrotal **ultrasound** is typically the **first imaging modality** when a testicular mass is suspected or palpated. - However, in this scenario, the mass is already clinically identified and tumor markers (AFP) have been measured, suggesting that initial workup including USG has likely been completed. - USG would have been the appropriate answer if the question asked for the "first investigation" before tumor markers were done. *Biopsy* - Direct **biopsy** of a testicular mass is **contraindicated** due to the high risk of tumor cell spillage along the needle tract, which can alter staging and worsen prognosis. - Testicular cancer is diagnosed via **radical inguinal orchidectomy**, not biopsy. *Wait and Watch* - A **wait and watch** approach is inappropriate and dangerous in the presence of a **testicular mass with elevated AFP**, which strongly suggests malignancy (non-seminomatous germ cell tumor). - Delayed treatment can lead to disease progression, metastasis, and poorer outcomes.

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: Surgery for undescended testis is recommended at what age?

12 months. ***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.

Q: What is the best marker to assess prognosis after surgery for colon carcinoma?

CEA. ***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.

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: Prostate cancer that is limited to the capsule and not the urethra would be staged as -

T2. ***T2*** - A T2 stage indicates that the prostate cancer is **confined within the prostate capsule**, meaning it has not spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate gland. - While it is not limited to the urethra, the key defining characteristic of T2 is **capsular confinement**, which is described in the question. *T1* - T1 stage prostate cancer is typically **non-palpable** on digital rectal exam (DRE) and not visible on imaging. - It is often found incidentally, for example, during a **transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)** for benign prostatic hyperplasia. *T3* - A T3 stage indicates that the prostate cancer has **extended beyond the prostate capsule**, but has not metastasized to distant sites. - This typically involves invasion into the **seminal vesicles** or other periprostatic tissues. *T0* - T0 means there is **no evidence of primary tumor**, which is not consistent with a diagnosed prostate cancer. - This staging is used when there is no measurable tumor.

Question 1

All of the following statements about Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are true, Except:

Accepted Answer

Rectum is spared

Answer

Small intestine and appendix account for almost 60% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid

Answer

Appendicial carcinoids are more common in females than males

Answer

5 year survival for carcinoid tumors is >60%

Question 2

Which of the following statements about undescended testis is true?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of malignancy

Answer

Hormonal therapy is effective

Answer

More common on the right side

Answer

Secondary sexual characteristics are universally normal

Question 3

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 4

ESWL is contraindicated in which of the following stones -

Accepted Answer

Cystine stones

Answer

Urate stones

Answer

Phosphate stones

Answer

Oxalate Stones

Question 5

A young male presents with a testicular mass on the right side. The AFP is elevated while the HCG is normal. The most appropriate next step is

Accepted Answer

Orchidectomy

Answer

Biopsy

Answer

USG

Answer

Wait and Watch

Question 6

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 7

Surgery for undescended testis is recommended at what age?

Accepted Answer

12 months

Answer

36 months

Answer

24 months

Answer

6 months

Question 8

What is the best marker to assess prognosis after surgery for colon carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

CEA

Answer

CA 19-9

Answer

CA-125

Answer

Alpha fetoprotein

Question 9

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 10

Prostate cancer that is limited to the capsule and not the urethra would be staged as -

Accepted Answer

T2

Answer

T1

Answer

T3

Answer

T0

NEET-PG 2015 — Surgery