NEET-PG 2015 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about undescended testis is true?

Increased risk of malignancy. ***Increased risk of malignancy*** - Undescended testis is associated with a **3 to 14 times increased risk** of testicular malignancy, particularly **seminoma**. - The risk remains elevated even after orchiopexy, though the procedure allows for **easier surveillance and examination**. - This is one of the **most important clinical features** of cryptorchidism and a key reason for early surgical correction. - Even a **corrected cryptorchid testis** maintains higher cancer risk compared to normally descended testes. *Secondary sexual characteristics are universally normal* - In **unilateral cryptorchidism** (90% of cases), the normally descended contralateral testis produces **adequate testosterone** for normal secondary sexual development. - However, in **bilateral cryptorchidism** or if the descended testis is functionally impaired, **testosterone deficiency** can occur, leading to delayed or abnormal sexual development. - Therefore, secondary sexual characteristics are **not universally normal** in all cases of undescended testis. *Hormonal therapy is effective* - Hormonal therapy with **hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)** or **GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)** has **limited and inconsistent effectiveness**. - Success rates are generally **low** (10-30%), particularly for truly undescended testes (as opposed to retractile testes). - **Orchiopexy** (surgical correction) remains the **definitive treatment**, ideally performed between **6-18 months of age** to optimize fertility potential. *More common on the right side* - Undescended testis is actually **slightly more common on the left side** (~55-60%) than the right (~40-45%). - **Bilateral cryptorchidism** occurs in approximately 10-20% of cases. - There is no significant right-sided predilection.

Q: A 45-year-old male is diagnosed with carcinoma of the penis. Which lymph nodes should the surgeon primarily consider for potential metastasis?

Inguinal lymph nodes (located in the groin region). ***Inguinal lymph nodes (located in the groin region)*** - The lymphatic drainage of the penis primarily bypasses the internal nodal basins and drains directly to the **superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes**. - Metastasis to these nodes is the **most common initial spread** in penile carcinoma, making them the primary targets for surgical evaluation and dissection. *Para-aortic lymph nodes (located near the aorta)* - These nodes are typically involved in more advanced or widespread metastatic disease, following initial spread to the pelvic nodes. - They are not considered the primary draining lymph nodes for penile carcinoma. *External iliac lymph nodes (located along the external iliac vessels)* - While part of the pelvic lymph node chain, the external iliac nodes are usually involved after metastasis to the inguinal nodes, or in cases of direct invasion of the pelvic floor. - They are not the first echelon of lymphatic drainage for the penis. *Internal iliac lymph nodes (located along the internal iliac vessels)* - These nodes are involved in lymphatic drainage from organs like the bladder, prostate, and rectum. - The lymphatic drainage of the penis primarily bypasses these nodes for initial metastasis.

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: A young male presents with a testicular mass on the right side. The AFP is elevated while the HCG is normal. The most appropriate next step is

Orchidectomy. ***Radical Inguinal Orchidectomy*** - In a patient who already presents with a **testicular mass** and **elevated AFP** (suggesting non-seminomatous germ cell tumor), the most appropriate next step is **radical inguinal orchidectomy**. - This procedure is both **diagnostic and therapeutic**, providing tissue for histopathological confirmation while removing the primary tumor. - The standard management sequence is: clinical examination → scrotal USG → tumor markers → **orchidectomy** → staging imaging → further treatment based on histology and stage. - Since the mass is already identified and tumor markers are done, proceeding directly to orchidectomy is appropriate. *USG* - Scrotal **ultrasound** is typically the **first imaging modality** when a testicular mass is suspected or palpated. - However, in this scenario, the mass is already clinically identified and tumor markers (AFP) have been measured, suggesting that initial workup including USG has likely been completed. - USG would have been the appropriate answer if the question asked for the "first investigation" before tumor markers were done. *Biopsy* - Direct **biopsy** of a testicular mass is **contraindicated** due to the high risk of tumor cell spillage along the needle tract, which can alter staging and worsen prognosis. - Testicular cancer is diagnosed via **radical inguinal orchidectomy**, not biopsy. *Wait and Watch* - A **wait and watch** approach is inappropriate and dangerous in the presence of a **testicular mass with elevated AFP**, which strongly suggests malignancy (non-seminomatous germ cell tumor). - Delayed treatment can lead to disease progression, metastasis, and poorer outcomes.

Q: All of the following are true about Nissen Fundoplication except which of the following?

Reinforcement is done only in the posterior half. ***Reinforcement is done only in the posterior half*** - This statement is incorrect because the **Nissen fundoplication** typically involves a **360-degree wrap** of the gastric fundus around the lower esophagus. - A 360-degree wrap provides complete reinforcement to prevent reflux, unlike a partial wrap which might be used in other procedures but not a standard Nissen. *It is done for GERD* - **Nissen fundoplication** is a common surgical procedure performed to treat severe **Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)** that is refractory to medical management. - The procedure aims to strengthen the **lower esophageal sphincter (LES)** and prevent the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. *Upper part of stomach is plicated around the lower esophagus* - Specifically, the **fundus** (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped around the distal esophagus to create a functional valve. - This wrap helps to reinforce the LES and prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. *It is done for paraesophageal hiatus hernia* - **Nissen fundoplication** is often performed concurrently with the repair of a **hiatal hernia**, especially a **paraesophageal hernia**, to anchor the stomach in its correct anatomical position and prevent recurrence. - Repair of the hernia alone may not be sufficient to prevent reflux, making the fundoplication an important additional step.

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: What is the primary treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer?

Surgical resection. ***Surgical resection*** - **Surgical resection** (lobectomy or segmentectomy with lymph node dissection) is the **primary and definitive treatment** for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (Stage I-II). - For **Stage IA disease**, surgery alone provides excellent outcomes with 5-year survival rates of 70-90%, and adjuvant chemotherapy is generally **not indicated**. - For **Stage IB-II**, surgery remains primary, with adjuvant chemotherapy considered selectively based on tumor size (>4 cm), poor differentiation, vascular invasion, or other high-risk features. - Complete surgical resection offers the **best chance of cure** for resectable early-stage NSCLC. *Surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy* - While this combination is important for **select early-stage cases** (high-risk Stage IB, Stage II-IIIA), it is **not the universal primary treatment** for all early-stage disease. - Adjuvant chemotherapy is an **addition** to surgery in specific scenarios, not part of the primary treatment for the majority of early-stage (especially Stage IA) patients. - Current guidelines recommend risk stratification before adding adjuvant therapy. *Radiotherapy* - **Radiotherapy** (stereotactic body radiotherapy/SBRT) is reserved for **medically inoperable** patients or those who refuse surgery. - It is not the primary treatment when the patient is a **surgical candidate**. - May be used as adjuvant therapy in patients with positive margins or N2 disease. *Immunotherapy* - **Immunotherapy** has emerging roles in neoadjuvant/adjuvant settings for resectable NSCLC (recent trials showing benefit). - However, it is **not established as primary monotherapy** for early resectable disease. - More commonly used in advanced/metastatic NSCLC or as part of combination regimens in clinical trial settings for early disease.

Q: All of the following statements about Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are true, Except:

Rectum is spared. ***Rectum is spared*** - This statement is **incorrect**; carcinoid tumors can occur in the rectum, which is often **affected** by such tumors. - It is more accurate to say that carcinoid tumors arise in various gastrointestinal locations, including the **rectum** itself. *Small intestine and appendix account for almost 60% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid* - This statement is **true**; small intestine and appendix are indeed significant sites for carcinoid tumors, together accounting for nearly **60% of cases**. - These locations are particularly prominent due to the number of neuroendocrine cells found in these areas of the **gastrointestinal tract** [1][2]. *5 year survival for carcinoid tumors is >60%* - This statement is **true**, as many patients with localized carcinoid tumors exhibit a **5-year survival rate** greater than 60%. - Survival rates vary depending on the tumor's stage and location, but overall, they tend to have a favorable prognosis when diagnosed early. *Appendicial carcinoids are more common in females than males* - This statement is **true**; studies indicate that appendiceal carcinoids are indeed more frequently diagnosed in **females** compared to males [2]. - This differentiation is one of the notable epidemiological trends observed with carcinoid tumors.

Q: What is the typical absorption duration of Polydioxanone sutures?

6 months. ***Correct: 6 months*** - **Polydioxanone (PDS) sutures** are known for their **prolonged absorption time**, typically ranging from 180 to 210 days, or approximately 6 months. - This characteristic makes PDS sutures suitable for tissues requiring **extended support** during the healing process. - PDS retains approximately **50% tensile strength at 4 weeks** and **25% at 6 weeks**, with complete absorption occurring over 6-7 months. *Incorrect: 2 weeks* - An absorption duration of 2 weeks is characteristic of **rapidly absorbing sutures**, such as **chromic gut** or **fast-absorbing synthetic sutures**, which are used for tissues that heal quickly or require minimal support. - PDS sutures offer much longer tensile strength retention and absorption than this brief period. *Incorrect: 4 weeks* - A 4-week absorption time is considerably shorter than that of PDS sutures. This duration might be seen with some **intermediate-absorbing sutures**, but not with the long-lasting PDS. - Sutures absorbed in this timeframe would not provide sufficient support for tissues where PDS is typically indicated. *Incorrect: 6 weeks* - While longer than 2 or 4 weeks, 6 weeks (approximately 42 days) is still much shorter than the typical absorption profile of PDS sutures. - Sutures like **Vicryl Rapide** might fall into this absorption range, but PDS is designed for applications needing several months of support.

Q: A patient presents with abdominal pain. On physical examination there was abdominal guarding and tenderness. A plain erect chest X-ray reveals air under diaphragm. Probable diagnosis is

Perforated abdominal viscus. ***Perforated abdominal viscus*** - The presence of **abdominal guarding** and **tenderness** indicates peritoneal irritation, while **air under the diaphragm** on an erect chest X-ray (**pneumoperitoneum**) is a classic sign of a perforated hollow abdominal organ. - This combination strongly suggests a **perforated abdominal viscus**, such as a **perforated peptic ulcer** or perforated diverticulitis, leading to the leakage of air and intestinal contents into the peritoneal cavity. *Acute myocardial infarction* - Acute myocardial infarction primarily presents with **chest pain**, radiation to the arm/jaw, and shortness of breath, not typically severe abdominal pain with guarding. - While it can cause some epigastric discomfort, it would not explain the **pneumoperitoneum** seen on the chest X-ray. *Aortic dissection* - Aortic dissection typically causes **sudden, severe tearing chest or back pain**, often radiating to the back. - There is no direct link between aortic dissection and **air under the diaphragm** unless there's a co-existing, unrelated issue, which is not suggested by the primary symptoms. *None of the options* - Given the clear clinical and radiological findings of **pneumoperitoneum** and **peritoneal signs**, a perforated abdominal viscus is the most fitting diagnosis among the choices provided. - This option is incorrect as there is a highly probable diagnosis among the given choices.

Question 1

Which of the following statements about undescended testis is true?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of malignancy

Answer

Hormonal therapy is effective

Answer

More common on the right side

Answer

Secondary sexual characteristics are universally normal

Question 2

A 45-year-old male is diagnosed with carcinoma of the penis. Which lymph nodes should the surgeon primarily consider for potential metastasis?

Accepted Answer

Inguinal lymph nodes (located in the groin region)

Answer

Para-aortic lymph nodes (located near the aorta)

Answer

External iliac lymph nodes (located along the external iliac vessels)

Answer

Internal iliac lymph nodes (located along the internal iliac vessels)

Question 3

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 4

A young male presents with a testicular mass on the right side. The AFP is elevated while the HCG is normal. The most appropriate next step is

Accepted Answer

Orchidectomy

Answer

Biopsy

Answer

USG

Answer

Wait and Watch

Question 5

All of the following are true about Nissen Fundoplication except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement is done only in the posterior half

Answer

It is done for GERD

Answer

Upper part of stomach is plicated around the lower esophagus

Answer

It is done for paraesophageal hiatus hernia

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

What is the primary treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surgical resection

Answer

Radiotherapy

Answer

Surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy

Answer

Immunotherapy

Question 8

All of the following statements about Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are true, Except:

Accepted Answer

Rectum is spared

Answer

Small intestine and appendix account for almost 60% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid

Answer

Appendicial carcinoids are more common in females than males

Answer

5 year survival for carcinoid tumors is >60%

Question 9

What is the typical absorption duration of Polydioxanone sutures?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

4 weeks

Answer

6 weeks

Answer

2 weeks

Question 10

A patient presents with abdominal pain. On physical examination there was abdominal guarding and tenderness. A plain erect chest X-ray reveals air under diaphragm. Probable diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Perforated abdominal viscus

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Aortic dissection

Answer

None of the options

NEET-PG 2015 — Surgery