Urology Practice Questions

Q: The Grayhack shunt is established between which of the following?

Corpora cavernosa and saphenous vein. ***Corpora cavernosa and saphenous vein*** - The **Grayhack shunt** is a proximal **cavernosal-venous shunt** that connects the corpus cavernosum to the **great saphenous vein**. - This procedure surgically manages **refractory priapism** by diverting blood away from the trapped penile cavernosal spaces into the systemic venous circulation. - It is performed when distal and proximal corporeal shunts have failed. *Corpora cavernosa and dorsal vein* - This describes the **Barry shunt**, which connects the corpus cavernosum to the **deep dorsal vein**. - The Al-Ghorab shunt (sometimes confused) is actually a **distal corporo-glanular shunt** involving open excision of glans tissue — not a dorsal vein shunt. *Corpora cavernosa and glans* - This describes **distal cavernosal-glanular shunts** such as the **Winter shunt** (percutaneous needle) or **Ebbehoj shunt** (scalpel incision), which create a communication between the corpus cavernosum and the glans penis. - These are **first-line** surgical options for priapism but are distinct from the proximal Grayhack shunt. *Corpora cavernosa and corpora spongiosa* - This describes the **Quackels shunt**, a **proximal cavernosal-spongiosal shunt** connecting the corpora cavernosa to the corpus spongiosum. - Also used for refractory priapism, but anatomically and surgically distinct from the Grayhack (cavernosal-venous) shunt.

Q: A 54 year old woman is diagnosed as having carcinoma of the renal pelvis of size less than 4 cm without any metastasis. The best treatment option is

Radical Nephroureterectomy. ***Radical Nephroureterectomy*** - Carcinoma of the **renal pelvis** is a type of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Because of the multifocal nature and higher risk of recurrence of UTUC, **radical nephroureterectomy** (which includes removal of the kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff) is the standard treatment, even for smaller tumors. - Unlike renal cell carcinoma, partial nephrectomy is generally not recommended for renal pelvis carcinomas due to the risk of leaving behind residual disease in the ureter or bladder cuff. *Partial nephrectomy* - This is generally reserved for small, localized **renal cell carcinomas**, especially when kidney function preservation is a concern (e.g., solitary kidney, bilateral tumors). - For **renal pelvis carcinomas**, partial nephrectomy is associated with a higher risk of local recurrence because of the potential for tumor spread within the ureter and multifocal disease. *Chemotherapy and immunotherapy* - **Chemotherapy** (often cisplatin-based) might be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy for locally advanced or high-risk UTUC, or for metastatic disease. It is not the primary curative treatment for localized disease. - **Immunotherapy** is typically reserved for advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has progressed after chemotherapy. *Palliative Radiotherapy* - **Radiotherapy** has a limited role in the primary curative treatment of renal pelvis carcinoma. - It is mainly used in a **palliative setting** for symptom control (e.g., bone metastases, local pain) in advanced or metastatic disease, not for localized, resectable tumors.

Q: A 65 year old male presents with CA prostate. The tumour is limited to the capsule and it is palpable on PR examination. The patient is diagnosed as stage T2a. What is the most appropriate treatment option?

Surgical removal of the prostate (Radical prostatectomy). ***Surgical removal of the prostate (Radical prostatectomy)*** - **Radical prostatectomy** is the **definitive treatment of choice** for **localized prostate cancer (T2a)** in patients with **good life expectancy (>10 years)**. - For a **65-year-old patient** with tumor confined to the prostate, **surgical removal offers excellent disease control** and potential cure. - This is the **preferred option** when the patient is **medically fit for surgery** and has adequate life expectancy. *External beam radiation therapy* - **External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)** is also an effective treatment for **localized T2a prostate cancer** with comparable long-term survival outcomes. - However, **radical prostatectomy is generally preferred** in younger, healthier patients as it: - Provides definitive pathological staging - Allows for immediate assessment of surgical margins - Preserves radiation as a salvage option if needed - EBRT is better suited for patients who are **not surgical candidates** due to comorbidities or patient preference. *Active surveillance* - **Active surveillance** is appropriate for **very low-risk prostate cancer** (T1c, PSA <10, Gleason ≤6). - For **T2a disease** (palpable tumor), the risk of progression is significant, making active surveillance **not the most appropriate first-line option**. - Would be considered only in patients with limited life expectancy or significant comorbidities. *Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)* - **ADT** is used for **advanced, locally advanced, or metastatic prostate cancer** to reduce testosterone and slow tumor growth. - It is **not curative** and not appropriate as **monotherapy for localized T2a disease**. - May be used as adjuvant therapy with radiation in higher-risk cases, but not as primary treatment alone.

Q: A 45-year-old male presenting with penile cancer extending up to the glans penis is treated with which of the following surgical options?

Partial penectomy with a 2 cm margin. ***Partial penectomy with a 2 cm margin*** - For **penile cancer** confined to the glans, **partial penectomy** is the standard surgical approach to achieve local control while preserving penile length. - Historically, a **2 cm tumor-free margin** was recommended as the standard of care (reflected in older guidelines and exam questions). - **Modern evidence** suggests that narrower margins of **5-8 mm** are oncologically safe with comparable local control rates, but the **2 cm margin** was the traditional teaching and remains the expected answer for this question context. *Simple circumcision* - **Simple circumcision** is indicated for benign conditions like **phimosis** or **premalignant lesions** (carcinoma in situ), not for invasive cancer. - It does not provide adequate oncological clearance for **invasive penile cancer** and carries a high risk of **local recurrence**. *Partial penectomy with a 4 cm margin* - A **4 cm margin** is excessively radical and would result in unnecessary loss of penile length and function. - Even by historical standards, this exceeds the recommended **2 cm margin** and would cause significant functional and psychological morbidity. *Partial penectomy with inguinal lymph node dissection* - **Inguinal lymph node dissection** is indicated when there is **clinical or radiological evidence of lymph node metastasis** or high-risk pathological features. - Without evidence of nodal involvement, routine prophylactic lymphadenectomy is not performed due to significant morbidity (lymphedema, wound complications). - The question does not specify nodal involvement, making this option unnecessarily aggressive.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of membranous urethral injury?

Perineal butterfly hematoma. ***Perineal butterfly hematoma*** - A **perineal butterfly hematoma** is more characteristic of an injury to the **anterior urethra**, specifically the bulbar urethra, often caused by a straddle injury. - It occurs due to the extravasation of blood into the subcutaneous tissue of the perineum, outlining the shape of a butterfly. *blood at the meatus* - **Blood at the meatus** is a classic sign of urethral injury, regardless of the segment (anterior or posterior). - It indicates disruption of the urethral mucosa and bleeding from the damaged blood vessels. *Retention of urine* - **Retention of urine** can occur due to either a complete or partial urethral transection, preventing normal urine flow. - The inability to void can lead to bladder distension and is a significant symptom in assessing urethral trauma severity. *Pelvic fracture* - **Pelvic fractures** are frequently associated with **membranous urethral injuries** because the membranous urethra is fixed within the pelvic ring. - Shear forces from pelvic trauma can cause the prostatomembranous junction to avulse.

Q: In which of the following surgeries is monopolar cautery preferred over bipolar cautery?

Surgery of the Hip. ***Surgery of the Hip*** - **Monopolar cautery** is preferred in surgeries like hip surgery where a larger area needs to be coagulated, as it provides a wider field of effect and can be more efficient for **deep tissue coagulation**. - Its mechanism relies on the current passing through the patient to a large **dispersive electrode (grounding pad)**, making it suitable for extensive tissue work. *Hand Surgery* - In **hand surgery**, delicate structures like nerves and tendons are abundant, making **bipolar cautery** safer due to its localized current flow and reduced risk of inadvertent thermal spread. - **Bipolar cautery** limits the current to a small area between the two prongs of the instrument, thus minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. *Surgery around Penis* - **Bipolar cautery** is generally preferred in sensitive areas like the penis, due to its localized effect and reduced risk of thermal injury to adjacent delicate structures. - The avoidance of current passing through the body to a grounding pad in **bipolar modality** is especially important in areas with potential for nerve damage or scarring. *Surgery around the face* - Surgically around the face often involves delicate tissues and structures where **bipolar cautery** is favored to prevent widespread thermal damage and minimize scarring or nerve injury. - The confined current path of **bipolar cautery** makes it ideal for precision work in cosmetic or reconstructive facial surgery.

Q: Young male with history of trauma having left sided testis swollen and erythematous. Other side normal. What is the diagnosis?

Hematoma. ***Hematoma*** - A history of **trauma** leading to a **swollen and erythematous testis** is highly indicative of a testicular hematoma. Trauma can cause bleeding within the scrotal sac, leading to the observed symptoms. - A hematoma is a localized collection of **blood outside of blood vessels**, which in this case, results from the injury to the testis or surrounding structures. *Torsion* - Testicular torsion typically presents with **sudden, severe pain** and swelling, and can be associated with absent **cremasteric reflex**. While swelling is present, the clear history of trauma points away from spontaneous torsion. - Torsion is an **emergency** caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which **cuts off blood supply** to the testis, and usually lacks a direct antecedent trauma. *Carcinoma* - Testicular carcinoma usually presents as a **painless, firm mass** within the testis. Pain can occur if there is hemorrhage within the tumor or rapid growth. - While it can cause swelling, the acute onset and direct association with trauma make carcinoma less likely, as it is a **slowly progressive** condition. *Hernia* - An inguinal hernia typically presents as a **groin bulge** that can extend into the scrotum, and usually reduces with manipulation or lying down. It is often associated with a cough or strain. - While a hernia can cause scrotal swelling, the primary presentation is usually a reducible mass, and the direct link to trauma with associated erythema is not typical for a simple hernia.

Q: In which condition is the Prehn sign typically positive?

Acute epididymitis. ***Acute epididymitis*** - **Prehn sign** is positive when lifting the scrotal sac alleviates pain, as it reduces pressure on the inflamed epididymis. - This sign is commonly used to differentiate **epididymitis** from **testicular torsion**, where pain typically worsens or remains unchanged with elevation. *Chronic epididymitis* - While potentially painful, **chronic epididymitis** usually presents with persistent, dull pain that is less likely to be acutely relieved by scrotal elevation. - The **Prehn sign** is primarily a diagnostic tool for **acute inflammatory conditions** of the epididymis. *Testicular torsion* - In **testicular torsion**, the pain is often sudden, severe, and typically **not relieved** by elevating the testicle; in fact, it may worsen. - This condition is a **surgical emergency** where blood flow to the testicle is compromised. *Acute scrotal pain due to other causes* - Other causes of **acute scrotal pain**, such as **trauma** or **incarcerated hernias**, generally do not exhibit a positive Prehn sign. - The **Prehn sign** is quite specific to the **inflammatory process** of epididymitis affecting pain perception.

Q: All are true about carcinoma penis except which of the following?

Spreads by blood borne metastasis. ***Spreads by blood borne metastasis*** - Carcinoma penis typically spreads initially via the **lymphatic system** to inguinal lymph nodes. - **Hematogenous spread** is a late event and generally rare, with the most common sites being the lung, liver, and bone. *Leads to erosion of artery* - Local advancement of penile carcinoma can lead to **erosion of penile arteries**, which can cause significant morbidity including bleeding and functional compromise. - This local tissue destruction is a characteristic feature of advanced, uncontrolled penile cancer. *Slowly progressive* - Carcinoma penis is generally a **slowly progressive** malignancy, allowing for early detection and intervention if patients seek medical attention promptly. - The slow growth rate contributes to the fact that many patients present with localized or regionally advanced disease before distant metastases occur. *Most common type is squamous cell carcinoma* - Approximately 95% of penile cancers are **squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)**, arising from the epithelial cells of the glans or foreskin. - Other rare types include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and sarcomas, but SCC vastly predominates.

Q: In testicular torsion, within what time frame should surgery be performed to save the viability of the testis?

6 hr. ***6 hr*** - Testicular viability is highest when **detorsion** occurs within **6 hours** of symptom onset. - Delay beyond this timeframe significantly increases the risk of **testicular ischemia** and necrosis. *12 hr* - While some viability may remain, the probability of **testicular salvage** decreases substantially after 6 hours. - Testicular function, including **sperm production**, is often compromised even if the testis is saved. *24 hr* - Beyond 12-24 hours, the likelihood of **testicular viability** is very low, and **orchiectomy** (testicle removal) is often necessary. - Prolonged ischemia leads to irreversible **tissue damage** and infarction. *1 week* - After one week, the testis is almost certainly non-viable due to **prolonged ischemia** and necrosis. - This delay would invariably result in the need for **orchiectomy**.

Question 1

The Grayhack shunt is established between which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Corpora cavernosa and saphenous vein

Answer

Corpora cavernosa and dorsal vein

Answer

Corpora cavernosa and glans

Answer

Corpora cavernosa and corpora spongiosa

Question 2

A 54 year old woman is diagnosed as having carcinoma of the renal pelvis of size less than 4 cm without any metastasis. The best treatment option is

Accepted Answer

Radical Nephroureterectomy

Answer

Palliative Radiotherapy

Answer

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy

Answer

Partial nephrectomy

Question 3

A 65 year old male presents with CA prostate. The tumour is limited to the capsule and it is palpable on PR examination. The patient is diagnosed as stage T2a. What is the most appropriate treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal of the prostate (Radical prostatectomy)

Answer

External beam radiation therapy

Answer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)

Answer

Active surveillance

Question 4

A 45-year-old male presenting with penile cancer extending up to the glans penis is treated with which of the following surgical options?

Accepted Answer

Partial penectomy with a 2 cm margin

Answer

Simple circumcision

Answer

Partial penectomy with a 4 cm margin

Answer

Partial penectomy with inguinal lymph node dissection

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a feature of membranous urethral injury?

Accepted Answer

Perineal butterfly hematoma

Answer

blood at the meatus

Answer

Retention of urine

Answer

Pelvic fracture

Question 6

In which of the following surgeries is monopolar cautery preferred over bipolar cautery?

Accepted Answer

Surgery of the Hip

Answer

Surgery around Penis

Answer

Hand Surgery

Answer

Surgery around the face

Question 7

Young male with history of trauma having left sided testis swollen and erythematous. Other side normal. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hematoma

Answer

Carcinoma

Answer

Hernia

Answer

Torsion

Question 8

In which condition is the Prehn sign typically positive?

Accepted Answer

Acute epididymitis

Answer

Chronic epididymitis

Answer

Testicular torsion

Answer

Acute scrotal pain due to other causes

Question 9

All are true about carcinoma penis except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Spreads by blood borne metastasis

Answer

Leads to erosion of artery

Answer

Slowly progressive

Answer

Most common type is squamous cell carcinoma

Question 10

In testicular torsion, within what time frame should surgery be performed to save the viability of the testis?

Accepted Answer

6 hr

Answer

12 hr

Answer

24 hr

Answer

1 week

Urology — MCQs

Urology — MCQs

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