Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery — MCQs
In postoperative intensive care unit, five patients developed postoperative wound infection on the same day. The best method to prevent cross infection occurring in other patients in the same ward is to:
What is the preferred palliative surgical procedure for rectal prolapse in elderly patients who are unfit for more invasive surgery?
Postoperative third-space accumulation should be managed by intravenous fluid with
After a major oral surgery, the acute catabolic phase lasts for?
In immediate denture, why is clear acrylic stent or surgical template given soon after extraction?
What is the treatment of choice for a post-operative abscess?
A 50 year old male is posted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No history of comorbidities. His surgery is scheduled at 2 PM on the day of surgery. Which of the following is against the ASA guidelines for preoperative fasting
In surgical stress all hormones are increased except:
Following complete ileal and partial jejunal resection, the patient is most likely to have-
A patient scheduled for elective inguinal hernia surgery has a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). What should be included in the preoperative assessment?
Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: In postoperative intensive care unit, five patients developed postoperative wound infection on the same day. The best method to prevent cross infection occurring in other patients in the same ward is to:
- A. Practice proper hand washing (Correct Answer)
- B. Disinfect the ward with sodium hypochlorite
- C. Fumigate the ward
- D. Give antibiotics to all other patients in the ward
Explanation: ***Correct: Practice proper hand washing*** - **Proper hand hygiene** is the **single most effective method** for preventing the transmission of **healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)**, including surgical site infections - It physically removes or inactivates **transient microorganisms** from the hands of healthcare workers, thereby stopping their spread between patients - This is the **gold standard** recommended by **WHO, CDC**, and all major infection control guidelines for preventing **cross-infection** in healthcare settings *Incorrect: Disinfect the ward with sodium hypochlorite* - While disinfection with **sodium hypochlorite** is important for **environmental cleaning**, it is **less effective than hand hygiene** in preventing direct patient-to-patient transmission - Environmental disinfection alone **cannot interrupt the main routes of transmission**, which often involve **direct contact** or contaminated hands of healthcare personnel - This is a **secondary measure**, not the primary prevention strategy *Incorrect: Fumigate the ward* - **Fumigation** is typically used for **terminal disinfection** in specific situations, such as after highly contagious outbreaks, and is **not a routine** or primary method for preventing cross-infection in an active ward - Its effectiveness in preventing day-to-day cross-infection is **limited compared to immediate infection control practices** like hand hygiene - This practice is largely **outdated** in modern infection control protocols *Incorrect: Give antibiotics to all other patients in the ward* - **Prophylactic antibiotic use** in all other patients is **discouraged** due to the risk of **antimicrobial resistance (AMR)** and potential adverse effects - It does **not address the source of infection** or the transmission pathways, and can lead to wider public health issues - This is an **inappropriate primary prevention strategy** that violates antimicrobial stewardship principles
Question 2: What is the preferred palliative surgical procedure for rectal prolapse in elderly patients who are unfit for more invasive surgery?
- A. Delorme's procedure
- B. Wells' procedure
- C. Thiersch's operation (Correct Answer)
- D. Low anterior resection
Explanation: ***Thiersch's operation*** - **Thiersch's operation** is a perineal procedure involving the placement of a **circum-anal cerclage** (a non-absorbable suture) around the anal canal to prevent external prolapse. - It is preferred in elderly or frail patients due to its **minimal invasiveness**, low operative risk, and suitability for local or regional anesthesia as a palliative measure for symptoms. *Delorme's procedure* - **Delorme's procedure** is a perineal approach that involves the **mucosal stripping** of the prolapsed rectum, plication of the muscularis, and re-anastomosis. - While less invasive than abdominal approaches, it is more complex than Thiersch's and may still carry higher operative risks for very frail patients. *Wells' procedure* - **Wells' procedure** (rectopexy via an abdominal approach) involves **mobilization of the rectum** and its fixation to the sacrum, often with a mesh. - This is a more invasive abdominal procedure with a higher operative risk, making it unsuitable for elderly patients unfit for major surgery. *Low anterior resection* - **Low anterior resection** is a major abdominal procedure primarily used for rectal cancer or severe inflammatory bowel disease, involving the **surgical removal of a segment of the rectum**. - It is a highly invasive procedure with significant morbidity and mortality, making it inappropriate for the palliative management of rectal prolapse in frail elderly patients.
Question 3: Postoperative third-space accumulation should be managed by intravenous fluid with
- A. Albumin
- B. Normal saline (Correct Answer)
- C. Fluid restriction
- D. Dextrose in water
Explanation: ***Normal saline*** - **Third-space accumulation** leads to fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, commonly seen after trauma or surgery, resulting in **hypovolemia**. - **Isotonic solutions** like normal saline help replenish the lost intravascular volume and maintain blood pressure without shifting more fluid into the third space. *Albumin* - While albumin can increase oncotic pressure and draw fluid back into the intravascular space, it is typically reserved for cases of **severe hypoalbuminemia** or when crystalloids alone are insufficient. - Using albumin in the setting of acute third-space loss without clear indications of hypoalbuminemia may not be the initial or most appropriate intervention. *Fluid restriction* - **Fluid restriction** would worsen the patient's hypovolemia as third-space losses deplete the effective circulating volume of the patient. - This approach is appropriate for conditions like **heart failure** or **SIADH**, where there is true fluid excess or impaired excretion, not for hypovolemic states due to fluid shifts. *Dextrose in water* - Dextrose in water is a **hypotonic solution** that would rapidly distribute into the intracellular and interstitial compartments and may contribute to worsening edema in the third space. - It does not effectively expand intravascular volume and can lead to **hyponatremia** if administered in large quantities.
Question 4: After a major oral surgery, the acute catabolic phase lasts for?
- A. 1-2 days
- B. 2-5 days (Correct Answer)
- C. 4-7 days
- D. 5-10 days
Explanation: ***2-5 days*** - The **acute catabolic phase** following major surgery, including oral surgery, typically lasts for **2 to 5 days**. - During this phase, the body mobilizes energy stores and protein to cope with surgical stress, leading to a net loss of lean body mass. *1-2 days* - This timeframe represents the **immediate post-operative period**, but the acute catabolic response often extends beyond 1-2 days. - While some catabolic changes begin immediately, the peak catabolic phase usually occurs slightly later. *4-7 days* - While some catabolic effects might still be present, the most intense **acute catabolic phase** usually starts to subside by day 4 or 5. - This period often marks the transition towards the **adaptive phase** of recovery. *5-10 days* - By this point, the patient is generally entering the **adaptive or anabolic phase** of recovery, where the body begins to rebuild tissues and restore energy reserves. - The most acute catabolic processes have significantly diminished.
Question 5: In immediate denture, why is clear acrylic stent or surgical template given soon after extraction?
- A. For trimming jagged bone margins (Correct Answer)
- B. Condition tissues
- C. For impression taking
- D. Contain socket healing substances
Explanation: ***For trimming jagged bone margins*** - A clear acrylic stent aids in visualizing the underlying bone during surgery, allowing the clinician to **trim any sharp or jagged bone margins** post-extraction. - This process is crucial for creating a smooth, even ridge that will properly support the immediate denture and prevent **pressure sores** or discomfort. *Condition tissues* - Tissue conditioning is typically performed with a soft reline material placed inside an existing denture or a temporary base to improve the health of abused oral tissues. - A clear acrylic stent is a rigid device used during surgery and does not possess properties to condition tissues. *For impression taking* - Impressions for immediate dentures are taken *before* extractions to capture the existing dentition and soft tissue contours, which are then used to fabricate the denture. - A clear acrylic stent is used *during* the surgical phase, after extractions, to guide bone reshaping, not for taking an impression. *Contain socket healing substances* - While some materials can be placed in extraction sockets to aid healing, the primary purpose of a clear acrylic surgical template is mechanical guidance for bone reduction. - It itself does not typically contain or deliver healing substances to the socket.
Question 6: What is the treatment of choice for a post-operative abscess?
- A. Hydration
- B. IV antibiotics
- C. Image guided aspiration (Correct Answer)
- D. Reexploration
Explanation: ***Image-guided aspiration*** - This is often the **first-line treatment** for a post-operative abscess, especially if it is well-localized. - It involves **draining the pus** under imaging guidance, relieving pressure and removing the infectious material. *Hydration* - While important for overall patient management, especially in cases of infection or sepsis, **hydration alone does not treat an abscess**. - It is a supportive measure but does not address the **localized collection of pus**. *IV antibiotics* - Antibiotics are typically indicated as an **adjunct to drainage**, especially in cases of systemic infection or cellulitis. - However, **antibiotics alone are often insufficient** to resolve an abscess as they have difficulty penetrating the necrotic core and thick capsule. *Reexploration* - **Surgical reexploration** is a more invasive option usually reserved for abscesses that are **large, multiloculated, not amenable to percutaneous drainage**, or when initial drainage attempts fail. - It carries greater risks and is not the initial treatment of choice for every post-operative abscess.
Question 7: A 50 year old male is posted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No history of comorbidities. His surgery is scheduled at 2 PM on the day of surgery. Which of the following is against the ASA guidelines for preoperative fasting
- A. Water at 12:00 PM
- B. Black coffee at 5:30 AM
- C. Pancakes at 10:00 AM (Correct Answer)
- D. A non-clear liquid (e.g., orange juice) at 7:30 AM
Explanation: **Pancakes at 10:00 AM** - According to ASA guidelines, the fasting period for solid food is typically **6-8 hours** before surgery. Eating pancakes, which are solid food, at 10:00 AM for a 2:00 PM surgery (4-hour interval) violates this guideline. - This short fasting period for solids increases the risk of **pulmonary aspiration** during induction of anesthesia. *Water at 12:00 PM* - Water is considered a clear liquid, and ASA guidelines typically allow clear liquids until **2 hours** before surgery. Drinking water at 12:00 PM for a 2:00 PM surgery is within these guidelines. - Rapid gastric emptying of clear liquids minimizes the risk of aspiration. *Black coffee at 5:30 AM* - Black coffee is considered a clear liquid, and it is consumed well within the **2-hour** fasting window for clear liquids before a 2:00 PM surgery. - The absence of milk or cream ensures it is treated as a clear liquid, which empties quickly from the stomach. *A non-clear liquid (e.g., orange juice) at 7:30 AM* - Non-clear liquids, such as orange juice, are treated similarly to light meals and generally require a fasting period of **6 hours** before surgery. Drinking orange juice at 7:30 AM for a 2:00 PM surgery (6.5-hour interval) is compliant with these guidelines. - The protein and pulp in non-clear liquids delay gastric emptying compared to clear liquids.
Question 8: In surgical stress all hormones are increased except:
- A. Insulin (Correct Answer)
- B. Epinephrine
- C. ACTH
- D. Cortisol
Explanation: ***Insulin*** - While other **stress hormones** increase, **insulin** levels typically **decrease** or remain stable due to increased **insulin resistance** during surgical stress. - This physiological response aims to maintain **blood glucose** levels for energy during heightened metabolic demands. *Epinephrine* - **Epinephrine** (adrenaline) is a key **catecholamine** released during surgical stress, leading to a "fight or flight" response. - It increases **heart rate**, **blood pressure**, and promotes **gluconeogenesis** to supply quick energy. *ACTH* - **Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)** is released from the **pituitary gland** in response to surgical stress. - **ACTH** stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce **cortisol**, a critical stress hormone. *Cortisol* - **Cortisol** levels significantly rise during surgical stress, mediated by **ACTH** release. - It plays a crucial role in **modulating inflammation**, **glucose metabolism**, and maintaining **hemodynamic stability**.
Question 9: Following complete ileal and partial jejunal resection, the patient is most likely to have-
- A. Constipation
- B. Gastric ulcer
- C. Folic acid deficiency
- D. Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Vitamin B12 Deficiency*** - The **terminal ileum** is the primary site for **vitamin B12 absorption**, complexed with intrinsic factor [3]. Resection of this segment significantly impairs this process. - Patients with **ileal resection** are highly susceptible to developing **megaloblastic anemia** and neurological complications due to **vitamin B12 deficiency** [3]. *Constipation* - Complete ileal and partial jejunal resection is **more likely to cause diarrhea** rather than constipation, particularly due to malabsorption of bile salts and fats [2]. - **Bile salt malabsorption** in the colon often leads to secretory diarrhea [1]. *Gastric ulcer* - Gastric ulcers are typically associated with *Helicobacter pylori* infection or NSAID use, and are **not a direct consequence** of ileal and jejunal resection. - While short bowel syndrome can sometimes lead to increased gastric acid secretion, peptic ulcer formation is not the most likely or direct complication. *Folic acid deficiency* - **Folic acid** is primarily absorbed in the **jejunum**, and while partial jejunal resection occurred, complete ileal resection is less directly implicated in folate deficiency. - Other sections of the small intestine can often compensate for partial jejunal loss in folate absorption, making B12 deficiency a more immediate and severe concern after complete ileal resection.
Question 10: A patient scheduled for elective inguinal hernia surgery has a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). What should be included in the preoperative assessment?
- A. History + c/e + routine labs + V/Q scan
- B. History + c/e + routine labs
- C. History + c/e + routine labs + stress test (Correct Answer)
- D. History + c/e + routine labs + angiography to assess graft patency
Explanation: ***History + c/e + routine labs + stress test*** - A **stress test** is crucial in patients with a history of MI and CABG to assess **myocardial ischemia** and functional capacity, guiding perioperative management. - This evaluation helps determine the patient's **cardiac risk** for non-cardiac surgery and the need for further cardiac optimization. *History + c/e + routine labs + angiography to assess graft patency* - **Coronary angiography** is an invasive procedure and is generally not indicated as a routine preoperative assessment unless there are new, significant cardiac symptoms or signs of **graft dysfunction**. - Assessing graft patency through angiography carries risks and would only be justified if there were strong clinical indications suggesting acute or severe **cardiac ischemia**. *History + c/e + routine labs* - While critical for any preoperative assessment, **routine history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests** are insufficient for a patient with a significant cardiac history like MI and CABG. - This approach would **underestimate the cardiac risk** and might miss undetected ischemia, leading to adverse perioperative cardiac events. *History + c/e + routine labs + V/Q scan* - A **ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan** is primarily used to diagnose **pulmonary embolism** or assess regional lung function. - It does not provide information about myocardial ischemia or cardiac functional capacity, making it **irrelevant** for assessing cardiac risk in this clinical scenario.
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free