General Surgery Principles Practice Questions

Q: What is the daily requirement of sodium in an adult?

50-90 mM. **Explanation:** The maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance is a cornerstone of surgical care. In a healthy adult, the daily requirement for **Sodium (Na+) is approximately 1 to 1.5 mmol/kg/day**. For an average 60–70 kg adult, this translates to roughly **50–90 mmol/day** (often cited as 70–100 mmol in some texts). This amount is sufficient to cover obligatory losses through urine, sweat, and feces while maintaining plasma osmolality. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option B (50-90 mM):** This is the correct physiological range for maintenance. In clinical practice, this is typically provided by 1–2 liters of Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl contains 154 mmol/L) or balanced salt solutions. * **Option A (30-40 mM):** This is below the standard maintenance requirement for a healthy adult and may lead to hyponatremia if continued long-term without adequate intake. * **Option C & D (80-150 mM):** These ranges exceed the standard daily requirement. While the kidneys can usually excrete excess sodium, providing 120–150 mmol/day unnecessarily increases the risk of fluid overload and hypernatremia, especially in post-operative patients with increased ADH secretion. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Potassium (K+) Requirement:** 0.5–1 mmol/kg/day (approx. 40–60 mmol/day). * **Water Requirement:** 30–40 ml/kg/day (approx. 2–2.5 Liters/day). * **Caloric Requirement:** 25–30 kcal/kg/day. * **Post-operative Fluid Shift:** In the first 24–48 hours post-surgery, the body undergoes a "stress response," leading to sodium and water retention due to increased Aldosterone and ADH. Therefore, over-replacement of sodium during this period should be avoided to prevent pulmonary edema.

Q: Regarding pectus excavatum, all of the following are true except?

Gross cardiovascular system dysfunction. **Explanation:** **Pectus excavatum** (Funnel chest) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, characterized by a posterior depression of the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages. **Why Option A is the Correct Answer (The "Except"):** While the heart is often displaced to the left and may show a "pancake" appearance on imaging, **gross cardiovascular dysfunction is rare**. Most patients are asymptomatic at rest. While some may experience a slight decrease in stroke volume or mitral valve prolapse during extreme exercise, they do not typically present with gross heart failure or significant hemodynamic instability. Therefore, stating they have "gross" dysfunction is clinically incorrect. **Analysis of Other Options:** * **B. Decrease in lung capacity:** The inward displacement of the sternum restricts the thoracic volume, leading to a **restrictive lung defect**. This results in a measurable decrease in total lung capacity and vital capacity. * **C. Cosmetic deformity:** This is the most common presenting complaint. The "sunken chest" appearance often leads to significant psychosocial distress and body image issues, especially in adolescents. * **D. Depression in the chest:** This is the hallmark anatomical feature of the condition, caused by the overgrowth of costal cartilages pushing the sternum inward. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Haller Index:** Used to assess severity via CT scan (Transverse diameter / Anteroposterior diameter). A score **>3.25** is considered severe and may require surgery. * **Surgical Procedures:** * **Ravitch Procedure:** Open repair involving cartilage resection. * **Nuss Procedure:** Minimally invasive repair using a retrosternal metal bar (current gold standard). * **Associated Conditions:** Frequently associated with Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Q: Which of the following is a Nobel laureate?

Theodor Kocher. **Theodor Kocher** is the correct answer as he was the first surgeon to receive the **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1909)**. He was awarded this honor for his pioneering work on the physiology, pathology, and surgery of the **thyroid gland**. His meticulous surgical techniques significantly reduced the mortality rate of thyroidectomies and led to the discovery of the clinical features of hypothyroidism (cachexia strumipriva). **Analysis of Options:** * **Theodor Kocher (Correct):** Known as the "Father of Modern Abdominal Surgery," he is famous for **Kocher’s Maneuver** (mobilization of the duodenum) and **Kocher’s Incision** (subcostal incision for gallbladder surgery). * **William Halsted:** A legendary American surgeon who pioneered the residency training system, radical mastectomy, and the use of rubber gloves. Despite his massive contributions to surgery, he **never received a Nobel Prize**. * **Banker & Turek:** These names are not associated with Nobel-level contributions in the field of surgery. They do not represent major historical figures in the context of surgical Nobel laureates. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Kocher’s Maneuver:** Used to expose the retroperitoneal structures (pancreas, IVC, and distal CBD) by reflecting the duodenum and head of the pancreas medially. * **Kocher’s Point:** A common entry point for an external ventricular drain (EVD) into the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle. * **Other Surgical Nobel Laureates:** **Alexis Carrel** (1912, for vascular suture and organ transplantation) and **Joseph Murray** (1990, for the first successful human kidney transplant).

Q: Which of the following statements is true about hypertrophic scars?

Flexor surfaces are usually affected.. ### Explanation Hypertrophic scars are a common topic in NEET-PG, often requiring differentiation from keloids. **Why Option B is Correct:** Hypertrophic scars are characterized by an overabundance of collagen within the boundaries of the original wound. They are strongly associated with **tension** across the wound. **Flexor surfaces** (such as the front of the elbow or behind the knee) are frequently affected because the constant movement and stretching across these joints create high mechanical tension, stimulating fibroblasts to produce excess collagen. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars **do improve with time**. They often undergo a "maturation" phase where they become flatter, softer, and paler over 6 to 18 months. * **Option C:** Hypertrophic scars typically develop **early** (usually within 4 weeks) after the initial injury or surgery. In contrast, keloids may appear several months or even years later. * **Option D:** This is the classic definition of a **keloid**. Hypertrophic scars stay **within the boundaries** of the original wound, whereas keloids invade the surrounding healthy tissue. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Histology:** Both contain collagen, but hypertrophic scars have organized **parallel bundles** of Type III collagen, while keloids have thick, **disorganized (whorled)** bundles of Type I and III collagen. * **Site Predilection:** Keloids favor the "Keloid Triangle" (pre-sternal area, deltoid, and upper back/earlobes). Hypertrophic scars occur anywhere there is high tension (flexor surfaces). * **Treatment:** First-line treatment for both includes **intralesional triamcinolone** (steroids) and silicone gel sheeting. Pressure garments are also effective for hypertrophic scars.

Q: What is true about incisional hernia?

Multiple defects may be seen within the same scar. **Explanation:** An **incisional hernia** occurs due to the protrusion of abdominal contents through a previously healed surgical scar. It is a common complication, occurring in approximately 10–15% of laparotomy incisions. **Why Option C is Correct:** Incisional hernias are often characterized by a "Swiss-cheese" appearance. The scar tissue may weaken at multiple points along the length of the incision, leading to **multiple distinct fascial defects** within the same scar. This is a critical surgical consideration, as missing a secondary defect during repair leads to early recurrence. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** While the incidence is lower compared to open surgery, incisional hernias **can occur** after laparoscopic procedures, typically at the **10mm or larger trocar sites** (Port-site hernia). * **Option B:** Strangulation is **uncommon** in incisional hernias because the defect is usually large and the neck is wide. While incarceration can occur, the risk of vascular compromise (strangulation) is lower than in femoral or indirect inguinal hernias. * **Option D:** **Mesh repair (Hernioplasty)** is the gold standard. Simple suture repair (Herniorrhaphy) has a high recurrence rate (up to 30-50%). Mesh provides a tension-free repair, significantly reducing recurrence. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common cause:** Wound infection (the single most important local factor). * **Risk Factors:** Obesity, malnutrition, chronic cough (increased intra-abdominal pressure), and smoking. * **Management:** Laparoscopic IPOM (Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh) or open sublay/preperitoneal mesh repair are preferred techniques. * **Timing:** Most incisional hernias appear within the first 1–2 years after surgery.

Q: A Maylard incision involves a transverse cut through which of the following muscles?

Rectus abdominis. **Explanation:** The **Maylard incision** is a transverse muscle-cutting incision used primarily in pelvic and gynecological surgeries to provide excellent exposure to the pelvic organs. 1. **Why Rectus Abdominis is correct:** Unlike the Pfannenstiel incision (which is muscle-splitting), the Maylard incision involves a **transverse division of the rectus abdominis muscles** across their entire width. To prevent retraction of the muscle bellies, the rectus muscles are often ligated to the overlying anterior rectus sheath or the underlying inferior epigastric vessels are secured before transection. This provides a wider operative field than a standard Pfannenstiel incision. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Serratus anterior:** Located on the lateral thoracic wall; involved in thoracotomy or axillary dissections, not pelvic incisions. * **Pectoralis major:** A chest wall muscle; involved in breast surgery or thoracic access. * **Psoas major:** A deep posterior abdominal wall muscle; it is never electively transected for abdominal access. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Pfannenstiel Incision:** Transverse skin incision, but the rectus muscles are **separated vertically** (muscle-splitting) at the linea alba. * **Cherney Incision:** Transverse incision where the rectus abdominis tendons are **detached from the pubic symphysis** rather than being cut through the muscle belly. * **Vascular Caution:** In a Maylard incision, the **inferior epigastric arteries** must be identified and ligated because they run lateral to the rectus muscles and are at risk during the transverse cut. * **Indication:** Preferred when more lateral pelvic exposure is needed (e.g., radical hysterectomy or staging laparotomy).

Question 1

What is the daily requirement of sodium in an adult?

Accepted Answer

50-90 mM

Answer

30-40 mM

Answer

80-120 mM

Answer

120-150 mM

Question 2

Regarding pectus excavatum, all of the following are true except?

Accepted Answer

Gross cardiovascular system dysfunction

Answer

Decrease in lung capacity

Answer

Cosmetic deformity

Answer

Depression in the chest

Question 3

A Denver shunt is used in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Ascites

Answer

Dialysis

Answer

Raised Intracranial pressure

Answer

Raised Intraocular pressure

Question 4

Morgagni hernia is defined as:

Accepted Answer

A hernia between the costal and sternal parts of the diaphragm.

Answer

A hernia through the pleuriperitoneal canal.

Answer

A hernia through the lumbar triangle.

Answer

A hernia through the inguinal canal.

Question 5

Which of the following is a Nobel laureate?

Accepted Answer

Theodor Kocher

Answer

Banker

Answer

William Halsted

Answer

Turek

Question 6

Which of the following statements is true about hypertrophic scars?

Accepted Answer

Flexor surfaces are usually affected.

Answer

They do not improve with time.

Answer

They usually develop months after surgery.

Answer

The lesion overgrows its boundaries.

Question 7

What is true about incisional hernia?

Accepted Answer

Multiple defects may be seen within the same scar

Answer

Not seen post-laparoscopic procedures

Answer

Strangulation is common

Answer

Mesh is not recommended in repair

Question 8

Which one of the following cases is considered a clean contaminated wound?

Accepted Answer

Open cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis

Answer

Herniorrhaphy with mesh repair

Answer

Lumpectomy with axillary node dissection

Answer

Gunshot wound to the abdomen with injuries to the small bowel

Question 9

A Maylard incision involves a transverse cut through which of the following muscles?

Accepted Answer

Rectus abdominis

Answer

Serratus anterior

Answer

Pectoralis major

Answer

Psoas major

Question 10

All of the following statements regarding neck dissection are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Type II Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND) preserves both the spinal accessory nerve and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Answer

Central compartment neck dissection involves removal of level VI lymph nodes.

Answer

Supraomohyoid neck dissection involves removal of level I-III lymph nodes.

Answer

Lateral neck dissection involves the removal of lymph nodes in levels II-V along with the internal jugular vein.

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

General Surgery Principles — MCQs

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