UPSC-CMS 2025 - Surgery PYQs Practice Questions

Q: A 56-year-old male came with acute onset breathlessness and found to have pneumothorax. The resident doctor decided to insert an intercostal drain. Which one of the following sites is suitable for such a procedure?

Triangle of safety. ***Triangle of safety*** - The **triangle of safety** is the universally accepted site for safe **intercostal drain (chest tube)** insertion to treat **pneumothorax**. - Its boundaries help avoid injury to vital organs; it is bordered by the **anterior border of the latissimus dorsi**, the **lateral border of the pectoralis major**, and the **fifth intercostal space**. *Petit's triangle* - This anatomical landmark, also known as the **lumbar triangle**, is located in the **lumbar region** of the back. - It defines a weaker area in the abdominal wall and is a common site for **lumbar hernias**, not chest tube insertion for pneumothorax. *Hesselbach's triangle* - This triangle is located in the **groin region** and is an important anatomical landmark for **inguinal hernias**. - It is bordered by the inferior epigastric vessels, the lateral border of the rectus abdominis, and the inguinal ligament, and is entirely unrelated to chest procedures. *Triangle of auscultation* - The **triangle of auscultation** is a small region of the back, bordered by the **latissimus dorsi**, **trapezius**, and **medial border of the scapula**. - It is a thinner area of musculature, making it an ideal location for **listening to breath sounds** with a stethoscope, but it is not used for invasive procedures like chest tube insertion. [Practice more Surgery PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following are included in common causes of mediastinal masses in superior and anterior mediastinum? I. Goitre II. Thymic tumour III. Neurogenic tumour Select the correct answer using the code given below :

I and II only. ***I and II only*** - **Goitre** (retrosternal thyroid extension) is a common cause of superior mediastinal masses. - **Thymic tumors** (thymoma, thymic carcinoma) are characteristically found in the anterior mediastinum. *I, II and III* - While goitre and thymic tumors are common in the superior and anterior mediastinum respectively, **neurogenic tumors** are typically found in the posterior mediastinum. - This option incorrectly includes neurogenic tumors with masses of the superior and anterior mediastinum. *II and III only* - This option correctly identifies **thymic tumors** for the anterior mediastinum but incorrectly includes **neurogenic tumors**, which are found in the posterior mediastinum. - It also omits **goitre**, which is a significant cause of superior mediastinal masses. *I and III only* - This option correctly identifies **goitre** as a superior mediastinal mass but incorrectly includes **neurogenic tumors**, which are typically located in the posterior mediastinum. - It incorrectly omits **thymic tumors**, which are a primary cause of anterior mediastinal masses. [Practice more Surgery PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following are correct regarding late dumping? I. It usually occurs during the second hour after meal. II. It lasts for 30-40 minutes. III. Major symptoms are tremor, faintness, prostration IV. It is relieved by lying down. Select the answer using the code given below :

I, II and III. ***I, II and III*** - Late dumping syndrome typically manifests **1 to 3 hours after a meal** (usually around the second hour), triggered by rapid carbohydrate absorption leading to hyperinsulinemia and subsequent hypoglycemia. - The symptoms, which include **tremor, faintness, prostration, sweating, and confusion**, are due to hypoglycemia and usually last for **30-60 minutes**. *I, III and IV* - This option is incorrect because lying down generally **does not relieve symptoms** of late dumping syndrome; instead, consuming a small amount of sugar or glucose is recommended to raise blood glucose levels. - While I and III are correct, the inclusion of IV makes this option incorrect. *II, III and IV* - This option is incorrect because statement IV, suggesting relief by lying down, is **false** for late dumping syndrome. - Additionally, statement I "It usually occurs during the second hour after meal" is an accurate description of late dumping, which this option omits. *I, II and IV* - This option is incorrect because statement IV, which claims symptoms are relieved by lying down, is **inaccurate** for late dumping syndrome. - While I and II are correct, the inclusion of IV makes this option incorrect regarding the characteristic management or relief of late dumping. [Practice more Surgery PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Consider the following : I. Diabetes II. Hypertension III. Renal failure IV. Jaundice Which of the above are the risk factors for post-operative wound dehiscence?

I, III and IV. ***I, III and IV*** - **Diabetes** impairs wound healing through microvascular complications, neuropathy, and increased infection risk. - **Renal failure** (III) leads to uremia, malnutrition, and impaired collagen synthesis, all of which compromise wound integrity. - **Jaundice** (IV) is associated with impaired collagen synthesis, reduced fibroblast activity, and increased risk of infection, contributing to poor wound healing. *II, III and IV* - **Hypertension** (II) alone is not a direct risk factor for post-operative wound dehiscence; its complications (e.g., end-organ damage) might indirectly affect healing. - **Renal failure** (III) and **jaundice** (IV) are indeed significant risk factors, but the exclusion of diabetes makes this option incomplete. *I, II and III* - While **diabetes** (I) and **renal failure** (III) are major risk factors, **hypertension** (II) in isolation does not directly cause wound dehiscance. - This option incorrectly omits **jaundice** (IV), which is a known independent risk factor for impaired wound healing. *I, II and IV* - **Diabetes** (I) and **jaundice** (IV) are strong risk factors, but **hypertension** (II) does not directly contribute. - This option incorrectly excludes **renal failure** (III), which is a significant predisposing factor for wound dehiscence. [Practice more Surgery PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

A 56-year-old male came with acute onset breathlessness and found to have pneumothorax. The resident doctor decided to insert an intercostal drain. Which one of the following sites is suitable for such a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Triangle of safety

Answer

Petit's triangle

Answer

Hesselbach's triangle

Answer

Triangle of auscultation

Question 2

Which of the following are included in common causes of mediastinal masses in superior and anterior mediastinum?
I. Goitre
II. Thymic tumour
III. Neurogenic tumour

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I and II only

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II and III only

Answer

I and III only

Question 3

Which of the following are correct regarding late dumping?
I. It usually occurs during the second hour after meal.
II. It lasts for 30-40 minutes.
III. Major symptoms are tremor, faintness, prostration
IV. It is relieved by lying down.

Select the answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and III

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I, II and IV

Question 4

Which one of the following statements is not correct regarding Gastric outlet obstruction associated with long standing peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

Medical therapy has no role in the treatment of this condition.

Answer

Endoscopic biopsy is essential to exclude malignancy.

Answer

Hypochloraemic alkalosis is the usual metabolic abnormality in such cases.

Answer

Operation is frequently required along with a drainage procedure.

Question 5

Consider the following :
I. Diabetes
II. Hypertension
III. Renal failure
IV. Jaundice

Which of the above are the risk factors for post-operative wound dehiscence?

Accepted Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

I, II and IV

Question 6

Which of the following statements are correct regarding sutures in surgery?
I. Barbed sutures have the advantage of eliminating the need for knots.
II. Vertical mattress sutures help in eversion of wound edges.
III. Aberdeen knot is used for continuous suturing.
IV. Silk is preferred for subcuticular suturing.

Select the answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and III

Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Question 7

The most common site of urethral opening in cases of hypospadias is :

Accepted Answer

Just proximal to the glans

Answer

On the penile shaft

Answer

On the perineum

Answer

At the junction of penile shaft and scrotum

Question 8

Which of the following about Minimal Access Surgery are correct?
I. Decreased intraoperative heat loss
II. Improved visualization
III. Increased chances of herniation
IV. Improved mobility

Select the answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Question 9

Which of the following are the symptoms commonly experienced by patients with lymphoedema?
I. Swelling
II. Burning sensation
III. Intolerance to cold
IV. Cramps

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Question 10

Which of the following are the techniques commonly used to close the raw area after excision of a pilonidal sinus in order to avoid a midline wound?
I. Limberg procedure
II. Y-V plasty
III. Z-plasty
IV. Karydakis procedure

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

I, II and IV

Answer

II, III and IV

Answer

I, III and IV

Answer

I, II and III

UPSC-CMS 2025 — Surgery