General Surgery Principles Practice Questions

Q: Vicryl, a commonly used suture material, is a?

Co-polymer of glycolide and lactide. **Explanation:** **Vicryl (Polyglactin 910)** is a synthetic, absorbable, braided suture. It is a **co-polymer** composed of **glycolide and lactide** in a specific ratio of **90:10**. The addition of lactide makes the suture more hydrophobic, which slows down the rate of hydrolysis compared to pure polyglycolic acid, providing better tensile strength retention during the critical wound-healing phase. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option A (Homopolymer of polydioxanone):** This describes **PDS II**. Unlike Vicryl, PDS is a monofilament suture known for its prolonged tensile strength (up to 6 weeks) and is often used in pediatric cardiac surgery or abdominal wall closure. * **Option C (Homopolymer of glycolide):** This describes **Dexon** (Polyglycolic acid). While similar to Vicryl, it lacks the lactide component, making it slightly more prone to rapid loss of tensile strength in moist environments. * **Option D (Homopolymer of lactide):** Pure polylactide is generally used in orthopedic implants (like screws or plates) rather than flexible sutures, as it is too rigid. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Absorption Mechanism:** Vicryl is absorbed by **non-enzymatic hydrolysis**. * **Tensile Strength:** It retains approximately 75% strength at 2 weeks and 50% at 3 weeks. All strength is typically lost by 5 weeks. * **Complete Absorption:** Usually occurs between **56 to 70 days**. * **Vicryl Rapide:** A specialized version treated to allow faster absorption (complete in 42 days), ideal for skin or mucosal closure. * **Vicryl Plus:** Coated with **Triclosan**, an antibacterial agent to reduce the risk of Surgical Site Infections (SSI).

Q: What is a Wolfe graft?

Full-thickness skin graft. ### Explanation A **Wolfe graft** is the eponym for a **Full-Thickness Skin Graft (FTSG)**. It involves the surgical removal of the entire epidermis and the complete thickness of the dermis, excluding the underlying subcutaneous fat. **Why Option B is Correct:** Unlike split-thickness grafts, a Wolfe graft includes the full depth of the dermis. This makes it more resistant to secondary contraction and provides better cosmetic results, texture, and durability. Because it is thicker, it does not rely on simple diffusion alone; it requires a well-vascularized recipient bed for successful "take" (plasmatic imbibition followed by inosculation). **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A (Thin split-thickness graft):** Also known as a **Thiersch graft**, this includes the epidermis and only a thin superficial layer of the dermis. It heals the donor site spontaneously but is prone to significant contraction. * **Option C & D (Local/Free Flaps):** Flaps differ from grafts because they maintain their own intrinsic blood supply (pedicled or microvascular anastomosis). A Wolfe graft is completely detached from its blood supply and depends entirely on the recipient bed for nourishment. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Common Donor Sites:** Post-auricular area (best color match for face), supraclavicular fossa, and groin crease. * **Primary vs. Secondary Contraction:** Wolfe grafts have **high primary contraction** (shrinks immediately after harvesting due to elastin in the dermis) but **minimal secondary contraction** (shrinks very little during healing), making them ideal for functional areas like eyelids and fingers. * **The "Take":** The three stages of graft survival are Plasmatic Imbibition (0–48h), Inosculation (48h–72h), and Revascularization/Capillary ingrowth (Day 3+).

Q: A 30-year-old lady presents with fever and pain in the right hypochondrium, with a positive breath catch on palpation. What is the most likely clinical diagnosis?

Acute cholecystitis. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: B. Acute cholecystitis** The clinical presentation of fever, right hypochondriac pain, and a **"positive breath catch"** is the classic description of **Murphy’s Sign**, which is pathognomonic for acute cholecystitis. **Underlying Concept:** When a patient takes a deep breath, the diaphragm descends, pushing the inflamed gallbladder against the examiner’s stationary hand in the right hypochondrium. The contact between the inflamed parietal peritoneum and the gallbladder causes sharp pain, leading to a sudden arrest (catch) of inspiration. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Acute pancreatitis:** Typically presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, often relieved by leaning forward. It does not typically elicit a positive Murphy’s sign. * **C. Acute appendicitis:** Usually presents with periumbilical pain migrating to the Right Iliac Fossa (McBurney’s point). While a high-lying (subhepatic) appendix can mimic gallbladder pain, Murphy’s sign is specific to the gallbladder. * **D. Acute mediastinitis:** Presents with retrosternal chest pain and systemic sepsis, usually following esophageal perforation or cardiac surgery; it has no association with abdominal palpation findings. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Murphy’s Sign:** High sensitivity but lower specificity in the elderly. * **Boas’ Sign:** Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to touch) below the right scapula (distal distribution of the phrenic nerve), also seen in acute cholecystitis. * **Investigation of Choice:** Ultrasonography (USG) is the initial investigation; **HIDA scan** is the most sensitive (Gold Standard) for diagnosis. * **Saint’s Triad:** Cholelithiasis, Hiatus hernia, and Diverticulosis.

Q: Which of the following findings indicates hypoperfusion?

All of the above. **Explanation:** Hypoperfusion is defined as a state where the delivery of oxygenated blood is insufficient to meet the metabolic demands of tissues. It is the hallmark of shock. 1. **Systolic BP < 90 mm Hg:** While the body initially uses compensatory mechanisms (like tachycardia and vasoconstriction) to maintain blood pressure, a drop in systolic BP below 90 mm Hg (or a 40 mm Hg drop from baseline) is a classic clinical sign of **decompensated shock** and systemic hypoperfusion. 2. **Lactic Acidosis:** When tissues do not receive enough oxygen (hypoperfusion), cells shift from aerobic to **anaerobic metabolism**. This results in the production of lactate. A serum lactate level >2 mmol/L is a sensitive biochemical marker of occult tissue hypoxia. 3. **Oliguria:** The kidneys are highly sensitive to changes in perfusion. Hypoperfusion leads to decreased renal blood flow and a lower Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Oliguria (urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults) is a key clinical indicator of end-organ dysfunction due to poor perfusion. **Why "All of the above" is correct:** Hypoperfusion is a multisystemic phenomenon. It manifests clinically through vital signs (hypotension), end-organ function (oliguria/altered mental status), and biochemical markers (lactic acidosis). Therefore, all three findings are valid indicators. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Earliest sign of shock:** Tachycardia (except in neurogenic shock where bradycardia occurs). * **Best indicator of resuscitation adequacy:** Normalization of serum lactate levels and base deficit. * **Shock Index:** Heart Rate / Systolic BP (Normal: 0.5–0.7). An index >0.9 suggests significant hypoperfusion even if BP is "normal." * **Narrow Pulse Pressure:** Often precedes a drop in systolic BP in hemorrhagic shock.

Q: What is the best management for a contaminated wound with necrotic material?

Debridement. **Explanation:** The primary goal in managing a contaminated wound with necrotic material is to convert a "dirty" wound into a "clean" surgical wound. **Why Debridement is the Correct Answer:** Necrotic tissue acts as a culture medium for bacteria and prevents the formation of healthy granulation tissue. **Debridement** is the definitive surgical step that involves the removal of foreign bodies, devitalized tissue, and contaminants. By removing the nidus of infection and improving local blood supply, debridement reduces the bacterial load and creates an environment conducive to healing. In surgical principles, "source control" (debridement) always takes precedence over systemic therapy. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Tetanus Toxoid:** While essential for prophylaxis in contaminated wounds, it is an adjunct therapy. It prevents a specific complication (Tetanus) but does not address the existing infection or necrotic tissue. * **Gas Gangrene Serum:** This is largely of historical interest and is not used in modern standard management. Treatment for Clostridial infections is surgical debridement and high-dose Penicillin. * **Broad-spectrum Antibiotics:** Antibiotics are "adjuvants." They cannot penetrate necrotic, avascular tissue effectively. Without debridement, antibiotics alone will fail to clear the infection. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Golden Period:** Most traumatic wounds should be debrided and closed within 6 hours (the "Golden Period") to prevent established infection. * **Friedman’s Rule:** Debridement is the most important step in preventing gas gangrene. * **Wound Classification:** A wound with necrotic material is classified as a **Dirty/Infected wound** (Class IV), with an expected infection rate of >30% if not managed surgically.

Q: Which of the following is a cause of secondary hemorrhage?

Sloughing of the blood vessel wall. In surgery, hemorrhage is classified based on the timing of the bleed relative to the procedure. Understanding these distinctions is high-yield for NEET-PG. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** **Secondary Hemorrhage** occurs typically **7 to 14 days** after surgery. The underlying cause is almost always **infection**. Bacteria cause inflammation and suppuration, leading to the **sloughing of the blood vessel wall** or the breakdown of a suture line. Because it involves tissue necrosis, it is often a surgical emergency requiring antibiotics and proximal vessel ligation. ### **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **A & B. Dislodgement of clot and Normalization of blood pressure:** These are the classic causes of **Reactionary Hemorrhage**. This occurs within **24 hours** (usually within 4–6 hours) of surgery. As the patient recovers from anesthesia and their blood pressure returns to normal (or "rebounds"), the increased pressure can dislodge a weak clot or "blow off" a ligature that was sufficient during the hypotensive state of surgery. * **D. All of the above:** This is incorrect because the mechanisms for reactionary and secondary hemorrhage are pathologically distinct. ### **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls** * **Primary Hemorrhage:** Occurs at the time of injury or operation (e.g., inadequate ligation). * **Reactionary Hemorrhage:** Occurs within 24 hours. *Key trigger:* Rise in BP/Restlessness. * **Secondary Hemorrhage:** Occurs 7–14 days later. *Key trigger:* Infection/Sepsis. * **Management Tip:** For secondary hemorrhage in a limb, the treatment of choice is often ligation of the artery proximal to the infected site, as suturing the friable, infected vessel wall usually fails.

Q: Which of the following is NOT used in the treatment of Marjolin's ulcer?

Radiotherapy. **Explanation:** **Marjolin’s ulcer** is a highly aggressive **Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)** that arises in areas of chronic inflammation, most commonly in old burn scars (cicatrix), chronic osteomyelitis sinuses, or long-standing venous ulcers. **Why Radiotherapy is the Correct Answer:** Radiotherapy is generally **avoided** and considered ineffective for Marjolin’s ulcer for two primary reasons: 1. **Radio-resistance:** The dense, avascular fibrous tissue (scar tissue) surrounding the ulcer is poorly oxygenated. Since radiation requires oxygen to generate free radicals for DNA damage, these ulcers are notoriously resistant to radiotherapy. 2. **Risk of recurrence/Malignancy:** Radiation can further compromise the blood supply to the already scarred area, leading to poor healing and potentially inducing further malignant transformation in the surrounding unstable skin. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A & D. Wide Excision/Resection:** This is the **treatment of choice**. A margin of at least 2 cm is required due to the high risk of local recurrence and the aggressive nature of the lesion. * **C. Amputation:** This is indicated if the ulcer is deep, involves the underlying bone (osteomyelitis), involves major neurovascular bundles, or if wide local excision would result in a non-functional limb. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Latency Period:** The average time for malignant transformation is 30–35 years. * **Lymphatic Spread:** Unlike typical SCC, Marjolin’s ulcer has a higher rate of regional lymph node metastasis because the scar tissue lack normal lymphatics; once the tumor breaches the scar, it spreads rapidly. * **Biopsy:** Always perform an edge biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. * **Prognosis:** It is much more aggressive than primary SCC of the skin.

Question 1

Vicryl, a commonly used suture material, is a?

Accepted Answer

Co-polymer of glycolide and lactide

Answer

Homopolymer of polydioxanone

Answer

Homopolymer of glycolide

Answer

Homopolymer of lactide

Question 2

What is a Wolfe graft?

Accepted Answer

Full-thickness skin graft

Answer

Thin split-thickness graft

Answer

Local flap

Answer

Free flap

Question 3

What is true about pelvic abscess?

Accepted Answer

May spontaneously drain via the rectum.

Answer

An uncommon cause of intraperitoneal abscess.

Answer

Identified by CT scan if there is a full bladder.

Answer

Associated with pyothorax.

Question 4

A 30-year-old lady presents with fever and pain in the right hypochondrium, with a positive breath catch on palpation. What is the most likely clinical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute cholecystitis

Answer

Acute pancreatitis

Answer

Acute appendicitis

Answer

Acute mediastinitis

Question 5

Which of the following findings indicates hypoperfusion?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Systolic BP < 90 mm Hg

Answer

Lactic acidosis

Answer

Oliguria

Question 6

To avoid suture marks, when should sutures on the face be removed?

Accepted Answer

3-5 days

Answer

72 hours

Answer

1 week

Answer

2 weeks

Question 7

Splenectomy is not indicated in which of the following pathologies?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Trauma

Answer

ITP

Answer

Hereditary spherocytosis

Question 8

What is the best management for a contaminated wound with necrotic material?

Accepted Answer

Debridement

Answer

Tetanus toxoid

Answer

Gas gangrene serum

Answer

Broad spectrum antibiotics

Question 9

Which of the following is a cause of secondary hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Sloughing of the blood vessel wall

Answer

Dislodgement of clot within 24 hours

Answer

Normalisation of blood pressure

Answer

All of the above

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT used in the treatment of Marjolin's ulcer?

Accepted Answer

Radiotherapy

Answer

Wide excision

Answer

Amputation

Answer

Resection

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

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