Gastrointestinal Surgery Practice Questions

Q: In a case of obstructed hernia, strangulation is suggested by which of the following? 1. Presence of shock 2. Pain is never completely absent 3. Localised tenderness is associated with rebound tenderness 4. Pain persists despite conservative management 5. An external hernia becomes tense, tender, irreducible, with recent increase in size Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. ***1, 2, 3, 4 and 5*** - All listed options (presence of **shock**, persistent pain, **localized and rebound tenderness**, failure of conservative management, and a **tense, tender, irreducible hernia** with recent size increase) are classic indicators of **hernia strangulation**. - **Strangulation** is a surgical emergency where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised, leading to **ischemia** and potential **necrosis**, requiring immediate intervention. *1, 2, 4 and 5 only* - This option incorrectly omits **localized tenderness associated with rebound tenderness**, which is a crucial sign of peritoneal irritation and impending or established strangulation. - While other signs are accurate, the absence of this specific finding makes the option incomplete for a comprehensive understanding of strangulation. *1, 2, 3, 4 only* - This option misses the critical clinical sign of an **external hernia becoming tense, tender, irreducible, with a recent increase in size**, which is a direct and often visible sign of strangulation. - The physical examination findings of the hernia itself are paramount in diagnosing strangulation. *1, 3 and 5 only* - This option omits two significant indicators: **pain is never completely absent** (implying continuous, severe pain) and **pain persists despite conservative management**. - Continuous pain and refractoriness to treatment highlight the progressive and severe nature of strangulation.

Q: The most common cause of intestinal obstruction is:

Bands and adhesions. ***Bands and adhesions*** - **Post-surgical adhesions** are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction, often forming after abdominal surgeries due to tissue healing. - These fibrous bands can **constrict or kink** the bowel, leading to a mechanical blockage. *Inflammatory abdominal conditions* - Conditions like **Crohn's disease** or **diverticulitis** can cause obstruction, but they are less frequent than adhesions as a primary cause. - Obstruction due to inflammation often involves **strictures** or inflammation-induced narrowing of the lumen. *Obstructed hernia* - **Hernias** (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional) can become obstructed or strangulated, causing acute obstruction. - While a significant cause, the overall incidence is lower than that of adhesions, especially looking at all cases of intestinal obstruction. *Gastrointestinal malignancy* - **Colorectal cancer** is a common cause of large bowel obstruction, and other GI malignancies can cause small bowel obstruction. - Malignancy-related obstructions typically involve **tumor growth** causing luminal narrowing, but adhesions remain the leading cause overall.

Q: Ventral hernia includes all EXCEPT:

Inguinal hernia. ***Inguinal hernia*** - An **inguinal hernia** is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the **inguinal canal**, located in the groin region. - It is **NOT a ventral hernia** because it occurs through the inguinal canal in the groin, not through the anterior abdominal wall directly. - Inguinal hernias are classified separately as **groin hernias**, distinct from ventral hernias. *Umbilical hernia* - An **umbilical hernia** occurs through a defect in the **umbilical ring** at the umbilicus. - This is a **true ventral hernia** as it protrudes directly through the anterior abdominal wall at the umbilicus. - Common in infants and adults, especially in conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure. *Epigastric hernia* - An **epigastric hernia** involves protrusion of preperitoneal fat or peritoneum through a defect in the **linea alba** between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus. - This is a **ventral hernia** because it occurs directly in the anterior abdominal wall through the midline. *Para-umbilical hernia* - A **para-umbilical hernia** occurs through a defect in the **linea alba** adjacent to, but not directly through, the umbilical cicatrix. - This is classified as a **ventral hernia** due to its location in the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus.

Q: A 48 year old male with the history of chronic duodenal ulcer presented in surgical emergency with the complaints of sudden severe pain in the abdomen. At presentation: Pulse = 120/m, BP = 90/60 mm of Hg Abdomen: Tenderness (+), Rigidity (+), Guarding (+) Respiratory Rate: 20/m X-ray: Gas under right dome of diaphragm The probable diagnosis is:

Perforation Peritonitis. ***Perforation Peritonitis*** - The patient's history of **chronic duodenal ulcer**, sudden severe abdominal pain, signs of **peritonitis** (**tenderness, rigidity, guarding**), and especially the X-ray finding of **gas under the right dome of the diaphragm** (indicating **pneumoperitoneum**) are all classic for a perforated viscus. - The **tachycardia** (Pulse = 120/m) and **hypotension** (BP = 90/60 mm Hg) further suggest a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or even **septic shock** due to peritonitis. *Acute appendicitis* - This typically presents with peri-umbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, with localized tenderness and guarding, not diffuse peritonitis. - **Gas under the diaphragm** is not a feature of uncomplicated appendicitis but occurs with perforation of a hollow viscus. *Acute Pancreatitis* - While it can cause severe abdominal pain and signs of peritonitis, the pain often radiates to the back and is associated with elevated pancreatic enzymes. - **Gas under the diaphragm** is not a typical finding in acute pancreatitis unless there's a complication like colonic perforation. *Acute Myocardial infarction* - Though an MI can present with epigastric pain, it would not typically cause **diffuse abdominal tenderness, rigidity, guarding**, or **pneumoperitoneum**. - The primary symptoms would generally involve chest discomfort, and diagnostic tests would show cardiac enzyme elevation and EKG changes.

Q: What is true about the management of a corrosive injury of oesophagus?

Early skilled endoscopy is a must. ***Early skilled endoscopy is a must*** - **Early endoscopy** within 12-24 hours is crucial to assess the extent and depth of corrosive injury - Helps determine severity (Grade I-III burns) and guide further management - Identifies patients needing aggressive treatment vs. conservative management - **Contraindicated** only in suspected perforation or severe respiratory distress *Broad spectrum antibiotics should be started as soon as possible* - **Prophylactic antibiotics are NOT routinely recommended** for corrosive injuries - Risk of promoting antibiotic resistance without proven benefit - Antibiotics indicated only when signs of infection present: **fever, leukocytosis, or suspected perforation** *Immediate surgery with oesophagectomy is advisable* - **Immediate oesophagectomy is NOT standard management** - Reserved for severe complications: **perforation, extensive necrosis, mediastinitis, or uncontrolled bleeding** - Most patients initially managed conservatively with supportive care - Surgery considered only if conservative measures fail *Immediate NG tube insertion and gastric lavage should be performed* - **Both are CONTRAINDICATED** in corrosive ingestions - **Gastric lavage** can induce vomiting, causing re-exposure of esophagus and risking perforation - **NG tube insertion** can traumatize damaged esophageal mucosa and cause perforation - Management focuses on NBM (nil by mouth), fluid resuscitation, and pain control

Q: Which of the following is NOT a tissue repair surgery for inguinal hernia repair?

Stoppa's repair. ***Stoppa's repair*** - Stoppa's repair is a type of **giant prosthetic reinforcement of the visceral sac (GPRVS)**, which involves placing a large sheet of **synthetic mesh** in the preperitoneal space to buttress the entire myopectineal orifice. - This technique is primarily a **mesh repair** and thus not considered a pure tissue repair method. *Bassini's repair* - This is a classic **tissue repair** method where the conjoint tendon is sutured to the inguinal ligament, reinforcing the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. - It involves using the patient's own tissues without the implantation of synthetic mesh. *Shouldice repair* - Considered a gold standard among **tissue repairs**, it involves a multi-layered reconstruction of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal by approximating the transversalis fascia, conjoint tendon, and iliopubic tract. - The Shouldice repair also avoids the use of mesh. *Desarda repair* - This is a newer **tissue repair** method that utilizes a strip of the external oblique aponeurosis to create a new posterior wall for the inguinal canal. - It is promoted as a tension-free repair that does not use foreign mesh materials.

Q: Valentino's syndrome is:

Pain in right iliac fossa in perforated peptic ulcer. ***Pain in right iliac fossa in perforated peptic ulcer*** - **Valentino's syndrome** (also known as **Valentino's sign**) specifically describes the clinical presentation of **right iliac fossa (RIF) pain** in patients with a **perforated peptic ulcer**. - This occurs when gastric or duodenal contents from the perforation track down along the **right paracolic gutter** due to gravity and peritoneal fluid flow, accumulating in the RIF and causing **localized peritonitis**. - This can **mimic acute appendicitis** clinically, making it an important differential diagnosis. - Named after Rudolph Valentino, the famous actor who died from complications of a perforated gastric ulcer. *Pain over left shoulder in left hypochondriac collection* - This describes **Kehr's sign**, which is referred pain to the left shoulder due to **diaphragmatic irritation** from blood or fluid in the left upper quadrant (e.g., splenic rupture, subphrenic abscess). - Caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), which also supplies sensation to the shoulder. - This is **not** Valentino's syndrome. *Pain on per-vaginal examination in pelvic abscess* - Cervical excitation pain or adnexal tenderness on vaginal examination suggests **pelvic pathology** such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic abscess. - This finding is unrelated to Valentino's syndrome, which involves upper GI perforation with RIF pain. *Pain over left groin in perirenal collection* - Groin pain from perirenal pathology may occur with conditions like renal calculi, pyelonephritis, or perinephric abscess. - This is not associated with Valentino's syndrome, which has a specific anatomical pattern related to peptic ulcer perforation.

Q: 'Swiss cheese defects' are seen during laparoscopic repair of:

Ventral hernia. ***Ventral hernia*** - **Swiss cheese defects** refer to multiple small fascial defects scattered throughout the **abdominal wall** commonly seen during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). - These defects represent areas of **fascial weakness** that can lead to recurrence if not properly identified and reinforced with **mesh placement**. *Inguinal hernia* - Inguinal hernias involve defects in the **inguinal canal** region, not multiple scattered fascial defects throughout the abdominal wall. - The term **Swiss cheese defects** is not associated with inguinal hernia repair, which typically involves **single or well-defined defects**. *Obturator hernia* - Obturator hernias occur through the **obturator foramen** in the pelvis and are relatively rare. - These hernias involve a **single anatomical defect** and are not characterized by multiple small holes resembling **Swiss cheese**. *Femoral hernia* - Femoral hernias protrude through the **femoral canal** below the inguinal ligament and involve a **discrete defect**. - The **Swiss cheese pattern** of multiple fascial defects is not a feature of femoral hernia anatomy or repair.

Q: All of the following are sequelae of peptic ulcer surgery EXCEPT:

Increased appetite. ***Increased appetite*** - **Increased appetite** is generally not a sequela of peptic ulcer surgery; patients commonly experience *early satiety* or *anorexia* due to faster gastric emptying and altered nutrient absorption. - Surgical alterations to the GI tract often lead to changes in hunger and satiety signals, typically *reducing desire for large meals* rather than increasing appetite. *Dumping syndrome* - **Dumping syndrome** is a common sequela, particularly after gastrectomy or vagotomy, due to *rapid emptying* of undigested food into the small intestine. - Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vasomotor symptoms like palpitations and sweating, often occurring post-prandially. *Bilious vomiting* - **Bilious vomiting** can occur, especially after gastrectomy or gastrojejunostomy, when *bile refluxes* into the gastric remnant and is subsequently vomited. - This is often due to an *altered anatomical arrangement* that allows bile to enter the stomach more easily. *Diarrhoea* - **Diarrhea** is a frequently reported complication, often resulting from *accelerated gastric emptying*, *bacterial overgrowth* in the small intestine, or *loss of vagal innervation*. - It can be chronic and significantly impact quality of life due to malabsorption or rapid transit of chyme.

Q: A 22-year female has presented with a history of malaise, cough, alternating constipation and diarrhoea with intermittent abdominal pain for last 6 months. She also complains of abdominal distension for last 2 days. On examination her abdomen has a doughy feel along with an ill defined mass over the right lower quadrant. She is most likely suffering from:

Ileocaecal tuberculosis. ***Ileocaecal tuberculosis*** - The combination of **constitutional symptoms** (malaise, cough), chronic gastrointestinal complaints (alternating constipation/diarrhea, abdominal pain), a **doughy abdomen**, and an **ill-defined right lower quadrant mass** is highly characteristic of ileocecal tuberculosis. - This presentation suggests chronic inflammation and potential **mass formation** in the ileocecal region, which is the most common site for intestinal tuberculosis. *Ovarian mass* - While an ovarian mass can cause abdominal distension and pain, it typically does not present with a **doughy feel** or the specific long-standing cough and alternating bowel habits described. - A definitive ovarian mass would usually be palpable as a more distinct, often mobile, pelvic mass rather than an ill-defined right lower quadrant mass that is sometimes seen with ileocecal tuberculosis. *Appendicular lump* - An appendicular lump is usually associated with **acute appendicitis** that has localized, leading to a firm, tender mass. - The patient's chronic symptoms over 6 months, fluctuating bowel habits, and doughy feel are not typical for an appendicular lump which is generally an acute or subacute process. *Carcinoma caecum* - Carcinoma of the caecum can present with an abdominal mass, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain. - However, the **doughy feel** and the presence of significant constitutional symptoms like persistent cough are less typical for early-stage caecal carcinoma and point more towards a chronic inflammatory or infectious process like tuberculosis.

Question 1

In a case of obstructed hernia, strangulation is suggested by which of the following?

1. Presence of shock
2. Pain is never completely absent
3. Localised tenderness is associated with rebound tenderness
4. Pain persists despite conservative management
5. An external hernia becomes tense, tender, irreducible, with recent increase in size

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer

1, 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer

1, 2, 3, 4 only

Answer

1, 3 and 5 only

Question 2

The most common cause of intestinal obstruction is:

Accepted Answer

Bands and adhesions

Answer

Inflammatory abdominal conditions

Answer

Obstructed hernia

Answer

Gastrointestinal malignancy

Question 3

Ventral hernia includes all EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Inguinal hernia

Answer

Umbilical hernia

Answer

Epigastric hernia

Answer

Para-umbilical hernia

Question 4

A 48 year old male with the history of chronic duodenal ulcer presented in surgical emergency with the complaints of sudden severe pain in the abdomen. At presentation: Pulse = 120/m, BP = 90/60 mm of Hg Abdomen: Tenderness (+), Rigidity (+), Guarding (+) Respiratory Rate: 20/m X-ray: Gas under right dome of diaphragm The probable diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Perforation Peritonitis

Answer

Acute appendicitis

Answer

Acute Pancreatitis

Answer

Acute Myocardial infarction

Question 5

What is true about the management of a corrosive injury of oesophagus?

Accepted Answer

Early skilled endoscopy is a must

Answer

Broad spectrum antibiotics should be started as soon as possible

Answer

Immediate surgery with oesophagectomy is advisable

Answer

Immediate NG tube insertion and gastric lavage should be performed

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a tissue repair surgery for inguinal hernia repair?

Accepted Answer

Stoppa's repair

Answer

Bassini's repair

Answer

Shouldice repair

Answer

Desarda repair

Question 7

Valentino's syndrome is:

Accepted Answer

Pain in right iliac fossa in perforated peptic ulcer

Answer

Pain over left shoulder in left hypochondriac collection

Answer

Pain on per-vaginal examination in pelvic abscess

Answer

Pain over left groin in perirenal collection

Question 8

'Swiss cheese defects' are seen during laparoscopic repair of:

Accepted Answer

Ventral hernia

Answer

Femoral hernia

Answer

Inguinal hernia

Answer

Obturator hernia

Question 9

All of the following are sequelae of peptic ulcer surgery EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Dumping syndrome

Answer

Bilious vomiting

Answer

Diarrhoea

Question 10

A 22-year female has presented with a history of malaise, cough, alternating constipation and diarrhoea with intermittent abdominal pain for last 6 months. She also complains of abdominal distension for last 2 days. On examination her abdomen has a doughy feel along with an ill defined mass over the right lower quadrant. She is most likely suffering from:

Accepted Answer

Ileocaecal tuberculosis

Answer

Ovarian mass

Answer

Appendicular lump

Answer

Carcinoma caecum

Gastrointestinal Surgery — MCQs

Gastrointestinal Surgery — MCQs

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