1. Fluid and electrolyte balance:a. Insulin and glucose infusion may be used to treat hyperkalemia> 6.5 mg/L – TRUE

Management of severe acute hyperkalaemia:(a) Identify and treat the cause(b) 10-20ml IV 10% calcium chloride over 10min in patients with ECG abnormalities

(↓es risk of ventricular fibrillation)(c) 50ml 50 % dextrose plus 10 units short-acting insulin over 2-3min

- monitor plasma glucose and K+ over next 30-60min(d) Regular salbutamol nebs(e) Consider oral or rectal calcium resonium(f) Haemodialysis for persistent hyperkalaemia

b. Short gut Syndrome does not predispose to carcinoma

Short gut syndrome = malnutrition resulting from less than 100cm of viable small bowel.

c. Patients on IV fluids require 1 mmol/kg body weightof potassium per day – TRUE

Normal fluid requirements:- Water: 30-35 ml/kg- Potassium: 1 mmol/kg- Sodium: 1-2 mmol/kg- Chloride: 1-2 mmol/kg

d. Hyponatremia should be corrected by large volumesof hypertonic saline – FALSE

Hyponatraemia should be treated with 0.9% salineSevere hyponatraemia requires careful management with water restriction, 0.9% sodium chloride therapy, and occasionally diuretic use.

e. Vomiting due to gastric outlet obstruction causeshypochloremia, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis – TRUE

2. Regarding sinuses and fistulaea. High output fistulae are characterized by loss of

intestinal fluid in excess of 200 mL/24 hours - ????

b. Pilonidal sinus is premalignant – FALSE

c. An example of a congenital fistula is athyroglossal fistula – FALSE

An example would be a branchial cyst

d. Inefficient or non-dependent drainage is one of thefactors leading to persistence of a sinus – TRUE

e. A chronic subareolar abscess can lead to a mammaryfistula – TRUE

3. Regarding thyroid and parathyroid neoplasmsa. Follicular carcinoma of thyroid primarily spreads

through lymphatics – FALSE

P/C: solitary thyroid nodule in patients aged 30-50 yearsLymph node metastases are much less common than haematogenous spread20% of patients have deposits in the lungs, bone or liverHistology: malignant cells are arranged in solid masses with rudimentary aciniVascular and capsular invasion characterize this neoplasm and distinguish it from a benign follicular adenoma

b. Parathyroid adenoma is the most likely cause ofprimary hyperparathyroidism – TRUE

90% of 1° hyperparathyroidism is due to an adenoma10% are due to Hyperplasia (usually affecting all 4 glands)<1% from parathyroid carcinoma

c. Hürthle cell carcinoma is a variant of papillarycarcinoma of the thyroid – FALSE

Hürthle cell carcinoma is a thyroid cancer of Hürthle cellsFollicular cells are the cells of originFNA can identify cells, but malignancy can be determined only by tissue histology (like follicular cancer)Lymphatic spread > haematogenous spread

d. Phaeochromocytoma is detected by measuring urinary5-HIAA levels – FALSE

Phaeochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglion (from chromaffin cell lines) that produces catecholamines (norepinephrine > epinephrine)Phaeochromocytoma is detected by measuring:

- vanillymandelic acid (VMA)- metanephrine- normetanephrine

(all breakdown products of the catechols)

e. Superior laryngeal nerve supplies cricothyroid

muscle – TRUE

Superior laryngeal nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscles (external branch), which tense the vocal cords, the internal branch supplies sensation above the cordsThe external branch can be damaged during ligation of the vascular pedicle at the upper pole of the thyroid → inability to tense the vocal cord results in a weak, hoarse deep voice

4. Regarding lesions of the breasta. A breast lesion is >5 cm in dimension - FALSEb. Tamoxifen should be prescribed for life to patients

with breast cancer – FALSE

Give tamoxifen for 5 years if premenopausal, and for 2 years if postmenopausal (plus aromatase inhibitor for 3 years)

c. Axillary lymph node involvement is a weak predictorof outcome – FALSE

The single most important prognostic factor is the number of axillary lymph nodes involved.

d. Comedo DCIS is associated with lower recurrencerate – FALSE

It is the most aggressive type

e. Breast cancer metastasizes to lung more commonlythan bone - ???

5. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)a. Surgery is recommended for patients with AAA size >

6 cms – TRUE

<5.5cm: the risks of surgery generally outweigh the risk of ruptureRepair is considered when the AAA exceeds 5.5cmRepair:Prosthetic graft placement – with rewrapping of the native aneurysm adventitia

around the prosthetic graft after the thrombus is removedEndovascular repair – repair of the AAA by femoral catheter placed stents

b. 90% arise below renal arteries – FALSE

70% are infrarenal

30% occur in the rest of the abdominal aorta, the thoracic aorta or a combination of both is involved

c. Ischemia of the colon is a peri-operative risk – TRUE

Often the inferior mysenteric artery is sacrificed; if the collaterals are not adequate, the patient will have colonic ischaemia, typically occurs in the 1st week post-operativeSigns: haem +ve stool, or bright red blood per rectum, diarrhoea, abdominal painDiagnosis: ColonoscopyTreatment: 1. Resection of necrotic colon

2. Hartmann’s pouch or mucus fistula 3. End colostomy

d. Mortality rate of ruptured AAA is 25% - FALSE

Mortality rate is >50%Risk factors for rupture:

- ↑ing aneurysm diameter- COPD- HTN- Recent rapid expansion- Large diameter- Symptomatic

Signs of rupture → abdominal pain, pulsatile abdominal mass, hypotension

e. Blue toe syndrome occurs in association with AAA - TRUE

Blue toe syndrome = intermittent painful blue toes (or fingers) due to microemboli from a proximal arterial plaque

6. T/F:a. Carotid atheromatous disease is the commonest cause

of strokes in the western world – TRUE

b. Varicose veins are treated by femoral-poplitealbypass graft – FALSE

Non-surgical:- Graduated elastic support stockings (Grade II compression)- Encourage weight loss and regular exercise

Surgical:

- Injection sclerotherapy with 1% sodium tetradecyl sulphate (high recurrence rate), indicated for → post-op recurrence of veins, below knee varicosities if the LSV and SSV are not involved

- Ligation of the incompetent SFJ or SPJ with stripping of the involved vein and stab avulsion of varicosities

- Ligation of incompetent perforating vessels (with site of incompetence pre-op marked with Duplex)

- Subcutaneous endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS)

c. Chest pain is relieved by elevation of the foot – FALSE (what the hell!!!)

d. Diabetic patient presenting with an ischemic footmay have an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index of 0.8 – TRUE

The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure at the ankle to the systolic blood pressure at the armNormal ABPI >1.0Claudicator ABPI <0.6Rest pain ABPI <0.4

Patients with calcified arteries, esp. those with diabetes, can get false ABPI readings

e. Cervical rib may present with wasting of the thenarmuscles – TRUE

Symptoms and signs:- Vascular symptoms → Raynaud’s phenomenon, venous thrombosis in the arm- Neurological symptoms → wasting of the small muscles of the hand,

paraesthesiae on the inner upper aspect of the arm in the dermatomal distribution of T1.

- May be palpable lump in the supraclavicular fossa-

7. Regarding colorectal cancera. Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer is

autosomal dominant – TRUE

There are 2 types of AD HNPCC:- cancer family syndrome (CFS), which occurs with early onset at around 20-

30years and is associated with other adenocarcinoma esp. endometrial carcinoma and breast carcinoma

- hereditary site-specific colonic cancer (HSSCC), which shows the same characteristics as CFS except for the extracolonic carcinomas

b. Colorectal cancers develop before 40 years of agein familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) – TRUE

FAP: hundreds of adenomatous polyps within the rectum and colon that begin developing at puberty; all undiagnosed, untreated patients develop cancer by ages 40-50.Treatment: Total proctocolectomy and ileostomy

Total colectomy and rectal mucosal removal (mucosal proctectomy) and Ileoanal anastomosis

c. Polyps in Peutz Jeghers Syndrome are hyperplastic – FALSE

Polyps are hamartomas

d. The Familial Adenomatous Polyposis gene is on theshort arm of chromosome 5 – TRUE

The gene responsible is the APC gene, which is located on the long arm of chr 5

e. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer accountsfor 5% of colorectal cancer cases. - TRUE

8. Herniasa. Direct inguinal hernias pass through the internal

ring – FALSE

Direct herniae are due to weakness of the abdominal wall and may be precipitated by increases in intra-abdominal pressure (e.g. COPD, prostatism or chronic constipation)Protrudes through the transversalis fascia in the posterior wall of the inguinal canalBounded by Hesselbech’s triangle:

- Above: conjoint tendon- Below: inguinal ligament- Laterally: inferior epigastric vessels

b. A femoral hernia is the most common hernia infemales – FALSE

Although 85% of femoral hernias occur in females, the most common hernia in females is indirect inguinal hernia

c. Testicular atrophy may occur after inguinal herniarepair – TRUE

Complications of surgery include:- haematoma (wound or scrotal)- Acute urinary retention- Wound infection- Chronic pain- Testicular pain and swelling leading to testicular atrophy

- Hernia recurrence (about 5%)

d. Inguinal hernias in children are treated byherniorraphy – FALSE

Paediatric inguinal hernia repair:- High ligation of hernia sac (herniotomy)- No repair of the abdominal wall floor (i.e. no herniorraphy)

e. Open appendicectomy is associated with an increasedincidence of right sided indirect inguinal hernia – TRUE

Other complications include: Small bowel obstructionEnterocutaneous fistulaWound infectionInfertility with perforation in womenStump abscess

9. Pancreatitisa. Cholelithiasis is the commonest cause – FALSE

Alcohol is the most common cause

b. Cullen’s sign is associated with bruising inflanks – FALSE

Cullen’s sign: Bluish discolouration of the periumbilical area due to retroperitoneal haemorrhage tracking around to the anterior abdominal wall through fascial planes (e.g. acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis)

b. Steroids are not associated with acute pancreatitis – FALSE

Causes of acute pancreatitis: ‘I GET SMASHED’- I diopathic- G allstones- E thanol- T rauma- S corpion bite- M umps (and other viruses)- A utoimmune- S teroids

d. The treatment of sterile necrotizing pancreatitisin necrosectomy – TRUE

Tx: antibiotics +/- surgical debridement

e. A pseudocyst should be drained within 2 weeks ofthe acute attack – FALSE

It takes 6 weeks for pseudocyst to ‘mature’ or become firm enough to hold sutures and most will resolve in this period of time if they are going to. Approx. 50% resolve spontaneously

10. Gallstonesa. Ascending cholangitis requires emergency

decompression of the Common Bile Duct - ?FALSE

b. Choledochal cysts are associated with malignancy – TRUE

Complications of choledochal cysts: Cholelithiasis, cirrhosis, carcinoma portal hypertension

c. The five year survival rate of adenocarcinoma ofgallbladder is less than 5% - TRUE

d. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography gives anaccurate picture of the biliary tree – TRUE

e. Gallstones can be dissolved by chenodoxycholic acid – TRUE

Chenodoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid dissolve cholesterol gallstones but if medication is stopped, gallstones recur

11. Diverticular diseasea. Bleeding from diverticular disease is

characteristically plum colored – FALSE

Diverticular disease: spontaneous onset, large volume, mostly fresh blood, previous history of constipation

b. The treatment of diverticular disease is oralsteroids – FALSE

Treat with a high fibre dietDiverticulitis: IV fluids, NPO, broad-spectrum antibiotics with anaerobic coverage, NG suction (as needed)

c. May arise in the rectum - TRUE

c. Is best treated with a low residue diet – FALSE

If low residue means low fibre then it is false!!

d. May present with Urinary Tract Infection – TRUE

Painful diverticulosis: LIF pain, constipation, diarrhoeaAcute diverticulitis: malaise, fever, LIF pain and tenderness +/- palpable mass and abdominal distensionPerforation: peritonitis + features of diverticulitisLarge bowel obstruction: absolute constipation, distension, colicky abdominal pain, vomitingFistula: to bladder (cystitis/pneumaturia/recurrent UTIs); to vagina (faecal discharge PV); to small intestine (diarrhoea)Lower GI bleed: painless spontaneous

12. Orthopaedicsa. Smith’s fracture results in volar angulation

of the radius – TRUE

Smith’s fracture (AKA ‘Reverse Colles’ fracture) involves distal radial fracture with volar displacement and angulation, usually from falling on the dorsum of the hand (uncommon)

b. A fractured neck of femur results in externalrotation of the lower limb – TRUE

Results in external rotation and leg adduction

c. The radial nerve is often injured in fracture ofthe neck of humerus – FALSE

Risk to the brachial plexus and axillary arteryFracture of shaft of humerus can cause radial nerve damage

d. Bennett’s fracture involves distal end ofradius – FALSE

Bennett’s fracture: fracture-dislocation of the base of the 1st metacarpal with disruption of the carpometacarpal joint

e. Supracondylar fracture of humerus may causevascular complications – TRUE

Keeping the elbow in extension after injury prevents brachial artery. Median and ulnar nerve palsies are rare complications

13. Trauma/Cardiothoracica. In the initial management of the injured patient,

control of hemorrhage should be the priority – FALSE

Initial management should begin with Airway, Breathing and Circulation

b. Right diaphragmatic rupture is more common thanleft – FALSE

Can occur with blunt or penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma usually results in tears of the left posterolateral hemidiaphragm. Penetrating trauma may result in herniation years after injury as the defect gradually increases

c. Fracture of left lower ribs may be associated withruptured spleen

d. A flail chest is commonly associated with AcquiredRespiratory Distress Syndrome

e. Tension pneumothorax is diagnosed on chest X-ray

14. Urologya. In suspected torsion of the testis, ultrasound may

be of value – TRUE

Diagnosis can be made by: Surgical explorationUltrasound (solid mass) & Doppler flow studyNuclear study – cold Tc-99m scan

b. Unilateral orchidopexy is the treatment of choicefor torsion of the testis – FALSE

Treatment includes surgical detorsion and bilateral orchidopexy to the scrotum

c. Varicocele is more common on the right side - FALSE

It is more common on the left side

d. Varicocele is associated with oligospermia – TRUE

e. Uric acid calculi are the most common types ofrenal calculi – FALSE

Types of stones:(a) Calcium oxalate/calcium PO4 (75%)

(b) Struvite (MgAmPh) (15%) (c) Uric acid (7%)(d) Cystine (1%)

15. Pleomorphic salivary adenomaa. Presents as a slowly growing painless lump – TRUE

b. Can present with facial nerve weakness – TRUE

c. Treatment includes radiotherapy – FALSE

Treatment: excision with a cuff of normal tissue (superficial parotidectomy)

d. Sentinel lymph node mapping is recommended – FALSE

e. The minimum operation is a superficialparotidectomy – FALSE

16. Melanomaa. Ulceration of the primary lesion is associated with

worsening of prognosis – TRUE

Indicators of poor prognosis include:- Increasing age of the patient- Male patients- Melanomas on the trunk (esp. the back), scalp, hand and foot- Ulceration of the tumour- Depigmentation and amelanotic melanomas- Aneuploidy and high mitotic index

b. A brisk tumour infiltrating lymphocyte response isassociated with worse prognosis - ???

c. Clark’s level III implies invasion of thereticular dermis – FALSE

Staging malignant melanoma → Clark’s level and Breslow’s thickness

Clark’s level Extent of tumour 5-year survivalI Epidermis only 98%II Invades papillary dermis 96%III Fills papillary dermis 94%IV Invades reticular dermis 78%V Subcutaneous invasion 44%

Breslow Thickness 10-year survival<0.76 mm 92%< 3 mm 50%< 4 mm 30%Lymph node involvement <40% (8 year survival

d. Suspicious lesions should be evaluated by initialincisional biopsy – FALSE

Always consider excisional biopsy

e. Sentinel lymph node mapping should be consideredfor lesions of intermediate depth (1-4 mm) – TRUE

17. Nerve injuries/Handa. Flexor tendons require at least 6 weeks of

immobilization for adequate healing and strength - ???

b. A compound fracture of metacarpal, sustained whilepunching an opponent in teeth, should be treated withantibiotics – TRUE

c. Tinel’s sign is useful in monitoring progressfollowing nerve repair – FALSE

d. Ulnar nerve entrapment is more common at elbow thanwrist – TRUE

e. Normal sensation over the thenar eminence isconsistent with carpal tunnel syndrome – FALSE

18. In head injury patientsa. Patients with acute subdural hematoma present with

a lucid interval – FALSE

Symptoms & signs: Severe head injury. May be rapid deterioration. Signs of raised ICP. Localizing signs. Pupillary inequality.

b. The lowest Glasgow Coma score possible is 3 – TRUE

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

Responses ScoreEye-opening response

- Spontaneous- To voice- To pain

432

- None 1Best verbal response

- Orientated- Confused- Inappropriate speech- Incomprehensible speech- None

54321

Best motor response- Obeys commands- Localises pain- Withdraws to pain- Flexion to pain- Extension to pain- None

654321

Total 3-15

c. Skull fracture is a risk factor for extraduralhematoma – TRUE

Extradural haematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and duraUsually occurs in association with a skull fracture as bone fragments lacerate meningeal arteries

d. In a patient with decreased level of consciousness,skull X-ray is the investigation of choice – TRUE

e. Normal intracranial pressure ranges between 10-30mmHg – FALSE

Normal intracranial pressure: 5-15cm H20, 0-15 mmHg

19. Delayed recovery of consciousness followinggeneral anesthesia may be caused bya. Intra-operative hypoxia - TRUEb. Carbon dioxide narcosis - TRUEc. Opioid premedication - FALSEd. Residual neuromuscular blockade - FALSEe. Hyperventilation - FALSE

20. Factors which increase the likelihood ofaspiration of gastric content at the induction ofanaethesiaa. Increasing age - TRUEb. Anxiety - TRUEc. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - FALSEd. Major Trauma – TRUE if leading to gastric emptying delay

e. Pregnancy - TRUE

High risk factors for regurgitation:- Oesophageal disease: pouch, stricture- Gastro-oesophageal sphincter abnormalities: hiatus hernia, obesity, drugs- Gastric emptying delay: trauma, pyloric stenosis, gastric malignancy, opiates,

patient predisposition, anxiety, pregnancy, recent food intake- Abnormal bowel peristalsis: peritonitis, ileus (metabolic or drugs), bowel

obstruction

EXAM 3 Final Medical Surgical MCQ March, 19991. The following associations are true:

a. Galen (AD 131-200) : A Greekb. Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564) :De HumanisCorporis Fabrica;c. Benjamin Alcock (1849) : Professor of Anatomy, Corkd. Ignaz Semmelweiss (1818-1865) : Postpuerpal sepsise. Abraham Colles (1773-1843) : Orthopedic Surgeon,Cork

True: Galen performed many audacious operations that were not again used for almost two millennia, including brain and eye surgery. To perform cataract surgery, Galen would insert a long needle-like instrument into the eye behind the lens. He would then pull it back slightly and remove the cataract. The slightest slip could cause permanent blindness. He was reknowned for his detailed knowledge of anatomy.

True: Vesalius is often referred to as the founder of modern human anatomy. Publishing the landmark book, :De Humanis Corporis Fabrica in the 16th century. He corrected many of Galen’s errors, e.g. the main blood vessel of the body does not arise from the liver!

True: The first Prof of anatomy in Cork. Described Alcock’s canal aka the pudendal canal. Sound familiar?!

True: He was a Hungarian physician called the "savior of mothers" who discovered, by 1847 that the incidence of peurperal fevercould be drastically cut by use of hand washing standards in obstetrical clinics

False: RCSI. As well as describing the Colles’ fracture He also described the membraneous layer of subcutaneous tissue of theperineum, which came to be known as Colles’ fascia. He also extensively studied theinguinal ligament, which is sometimes called Colles’ ligament.

2. Regarding Hypertrophic pyloric stenosisa. There is a predominance of males 4:1 (M:F)b. Stenosis occurs 4-6 weeks after birth

c. Characteristically presents with blood stainedprojectile vomitingd. 0.45% saline solution is the resuscitation fluid ofchoicee. Hypokalemic hypochloremic metabolic acidosischracterises the metabolic disturbance

a. Trueb. Truec. Falsed. Truee. True

Hypertrophy of the smooth muscle of the pylorus occurs in 1:750 births. There is a 4:1 male preponderance with first born males and those with a positive family history being at increased risk. The pylorus is normal in the first number of weeks with the development of symptoms anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. The vomitus is non-bilious as obstruction is proximal to the ampulla of vater. Biochemical analysis reflects dehydration with low Na, and a high urea. There is a low K and Cl (vomitus) and an increased bicarbonate. Regarding fluid deficit replacement Na deficits are generally about 80 mEq/L of fluid deficit, and K deficits are generally about 30 mEq/L of fluid deficit, Because 0.45% saline has 77 mEq Na per liter, it is generally an appropriate fluid choice. K replacement (usually by adding 20 to 40 mEq K per liter of replacement fluid) should not begin until adequate urine output is established. Definitive treatment is with Ramstedt’s pyloromyotomy (Division of circular smooth muscle fibers without dividing the mucosa).

3. Patients presenting with acute pancreatitisa. Hyperparathyroidism may be the underlying aetiologyb. Onset of acute pancreatitis is associated withtetracycline therapyc. A normal serum amylase occurs in up to 30% of casesd. Characteristically have associated steatorrheae. 60% of cases have detectable choledocholithiasis

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. Falsee. True

Among the I “get smashed” causes of pancreatitis, hypercalcaemia and drugs are among the rarer causes. The most common causes are Gallstones (60%0, and alcohol (20%)

Drugs definitely associated with acute pancreatitis include azathioprine, sulfonamides, sulindac, tetracycline, valproic acid, didanosine, methyldopa, estrogens, furosemide, 6-

mercaptopurine, pentamidine, 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds, corticosteroids, and octreotide

As serum amylase returns the normal within 48hrs, it is common for levels to be normal upon reaching hospital. Serum lipase levels are more sensitive, as serum lipase remains elevated longer. Epigastric pain radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of acute pancreatitis, while epigastric pain radiating to the back eith steatorrhoes and weight loss are typical symptoms of chronic pancreatitis.

4. Regarding melanomaa. Juvenile melanoma (Spitz naevus) is a benignconditionb. Breslow staging of <0.75mm has predicted 5 yearsurvival of 95-100%c. Acral lentiginous melanoma is the rarest form ofmelanomad. Overall males have a better prognosise. Locoregional radiotherapy confers a significantsurvival benefit

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. Falsee. False

Juvenile melanomas are clinically benign naevi that initially grow rapidly and are seen in exclusively in fair-skinned individuals.Breslow classification

Thickness Thickness of 0.75 mm or less Thickness of 0.76-1.5 mm Thickness of 1.51-4 mm Thickness greater than 4 mm

The staging of melanomas also involves the regional and distant spread. If lymph node positive – about 45% 5 year survival. Distant mets – about 10%. Poor prognostic factors include; Tumor thickness (worse prognosis in thicker lesions), Evidence of tumor in regional lymph nodes (stage III disease), Higher number of positive lymph nodes, Presence of distant metastasis (stage IV disease), Anatomic site (trunk and/or face lesions have worse prognoses than extremity lesions), Presence of ulceration, Male sex. Definitive treatment requires surgery. Adjuvant and biological therapy are still undergoing evaluation.

5. Risk factors for the development of colorectalcarcinoma include:a. Chronic ulcerative colitisb. Peutz-Jeghers syndromec. Gardners syndromed. Juvenile polypse. Previous cholecystectomy

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. Truee. True

After cholecystectomy, bile acids circulate continuously, increasing exposure to the degrading action of intestinal bacteria leading to the production of certain carcinogens. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer in peutz is 10%

6. The natural history of colonic polypsa. The majority are premalignantb. Overall villous adenomatous polyps have a poorerprognosis than tubular polypsc. There is a higher incidence of rectosigmoid lesionsthan ascending colonic lesionsd. 85% of adenomatous polyps are tubular in naturee. Hereditary polyposis coli is associated withduodenal and gastric polyps

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. The highest quoted figure I could find was 75%e. True

The overwhelming majority of polyps pound on endoscopy are adenomas. A villous adenoma is three times more likely to become malignant than a tubular adenoma of a similar size. There is associated intestinal polyps in FAP, a major cause of death in FAP is periumpullary tumours in the duodenum.

7. Features of Charcots triad and Reynolds pentadincludea. Right upper quadrant pain

b. A palpable gall bladderc. Pyrexiad. Rigorse. Shock

a. Trueb. Falsec. Trued. Falsee. True

Charcot’s triad is seen in cholangitis: a triad of fever, jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. Reynolds pentad is Charcot’s triad plus shock and mental status changes – Seen in patients with suppurative cholangitis.Courvoisier’s an enlarged non-tender gallbladder is due to obstruction of the common bile duct. Rigors is not in the pentad, it is a sign of pyrexia, but for pyrexia to diagnosed, objective measurement of the temperature is required.

8. In Inflammatory bowel disease secondary to CrohnsDiseasea. The rectum is usually involvedb. Granuloma formation is characteristicc. There is a male predominance (M:F of 2:1)d. Restorative proctocolectomy potentially offerssurgical cure for the diseasee. Fistula tract formation is more suggestive ofulcerative colitis

a. Falseb. Truec. Falsed. Falsee. False

9. Toxic megacolona. Is unique to ulcerative colitisb. Colonic perforation carries mortality of 50%c. Is best treated with high dose corticosteroids forat least 72 hoursd. A gastrograffin enema may be diagnostice. Occurs in 10% IBD patients

a. Falseb. Truec. True

d. Falsee. True

Toxic megacolon is the clinical term for an acute toxic colitis with dilatation of the colon. The hallmarks of toxic megacolon, a potentially lethal condition, are nonobstructive colonic dilatation larger than 6 cm and signs of systemic toxicity. The first criterion is radiographic evidence of colonic dilatation. The second criterion is any 3 of the following: fever (>101.5°F), tachycardia (>120), leukocytosis (>10.5), or anemia. The third criterion is any 1 of the following: dehydration, altered mental status, electrolyte abnormality, or hypotensionCauses:

The classic etiologies of toxic megacolon include the following inflammatory causes:

Ulcerative colitis Crohn colitis Pseudomembranous colitis

The many causes of infectious colitis, including the following, may lead to toxic megacolon:

Salmonella species Shigella species Campylobacter species Yersinia species Clostridium difficile Entamoeba histolytica Cytomegalovirus

Toxic megacolon also may be caused by the following: Radiation colitis Ischemic colitis Nonspecific colitis secondary to chemotherapy

Avoid enemas as the risk of perforation is high. AXRs and/or abdominal CTs are necessary to follow the progression of the disease process.Medical management includes fluid resuscitation, broad spectrum antibiotic coverage and high dose steroids.If the patient is not improving after 72 hours, or if they are progressing, surgery is indicated. A subtotal colectomy is chosen as a total proctocolectomy is associated with increased complications in an acutely unwell patient.The major complication is perforation.

10. Regarding herniaea. The most common hernia in females in femoralb. Femoral herniae are classically located below andmedial to the pubic tuberclec. Herniorrhaphy invariably necessitates herniotomyd. Inguinal hernia nearly always are congenital in

origine. An indirect inguinal hernia will protrude throughHasselbachs triangle

a. Falseb. Falsec. Falsed. Falsee. False

While femoral hernias are more common in women than in men, indirect inguinal herniae are still the most common hernia in the groin region. Femoral herniae are found below and lateral to the pubic tubercle.

-rhaphy denotes surgical repair, while –otomy denotes an incision into a structue. While herniotomy is required in the repair of an indirect hernia, simple strengthening of hasselbach’s triangle with a simple mesh placedin the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

11. The following are features of hyperparathyroidisma. Osteoporosisb. Polydipsia and polyuriac. A technetium-99m sestamibi isotope scan would beunhelpfuld. Primary hyperparathyroidism is secondary to adenomain >90% casese. A positive Chvosteks sign is evident in 30% ofcases

a. Trueb. Truec. False: would help in the localisation of any abnormally situated parathyroid glands.d. False: quoted at 80%e. False: Rare sign of hypercalcemia

12. Recognized abdominal surgical incisions includea. A Kochers incisionb. A Commando incisionc. A Battles incisiond. A Gridiron incisione. A Mercedes Benz incision

a. True: Right subcostal incision for open cholecystectomyb. False: Operation involving radical dissection of the face with a segmental

mandibulectomy

c. False: Battle’s sign – bruising over the mastoid in association with base of skull fracture

d. True: Incision at McBurney’s point perpendicular to the imaginary line( you know the one!)

e. True: Seen in liver transplant operations.

13. Thyroid neoplasia exhibits the following featuresa. Follicular thyroid carcinoma is the most commontypeb. When associated with MEN IIa, are medullary inoriginc. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is often multifocald. Hematogenous spread is a feature of follicularthyroid carcinomae. Thyroid lymphoma is strongly associated withHashimoto’s Disease

a. Falseb. True: Medullary cancer has a poor prognosis. Genetic screening is now possible- ret

proto-oncogene. Markers of medullary cancer – calcitonin.c. Trued. Truee. True: Primary thyroid cancers are usually of the NHL variety.

14. In patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(GORD)a. The treatment is largely medicalb. A hiatus hernia is found in over 70% casesc. The Belsey Mark IV procedure alleviates thesymptomsd. A Nissen Fundoplication is the operation of choicee. The use of the Demeester scoring system isappropriate

a. Trueb. False:

Predisposing factors include the following: Muscle weakening and loss of elasticity as people age is thought to

predispose to hiatus hernia, based on the increasing prevalence in older people. With decreasing tissue elasticity, the gastric cardia may not return to its normal position below the diaphragmatic hiatus following a normal swallow. Loss of muscle tone around the diaphragmatic opening also may make it more patulous.

Hiatal hernias are more common in women. This may relate to the intra-abdominal forces exerted in pregnancy.

Burkitt et al suggest that the Western, fiber-depleted diet leads to a state of chronic constipation and straining during bowel movement, which might explain the higher incidence of this condition in Western countries.

Obesity predisposes to hiatus hernia because of increased abdominal pressure.

Conditions such as chronic esophagitis may cause shortening of the esophagus by causing fibrosis of the longitudinal muscles and, therefore, predispose to hiatal hernia. However, which comes first, the hiatal hernia worsening the reflux or the reflux-induced shortening of the esophagus, remains unknown.

The presence of abdominal ascites also is associated with hiatal herniasc. Trued. True: This is coming back into vogue, especially with the advent of laporascopic

repair. There is a lower post op incidence of reflux.e. False: An old scoring system, overestimates the incidence of GORD

15. The following conditions are premalignant foroesophageal neoplasiaa. Tylosisb. Plummer-Vinson Syndromec. Barret’s oesophagusd. Achalasiae. Scleroderma

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. Truee. False

Tylosis with esophageal cancer: A genetic disorder characterized by thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the palms and soles, white patches in the mouth (oralleukoplakia), and a very high risk of oesophageal cancer. This is the only genetic syndrome known to predispose to Squamous cell carcinomaof the esophagus. The risk of developing esophageal canceris 95% by age 70. The syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Plummer Vinson syndrome usually occurs in elderly women. Post-cricoid oesophageal web and iron deficiency anaemia. 10% develop squamous cell carcinoma.

Barrett’s; columnar metaplasia of the LES. Progression can be monitored with endoscopic ultrasound. Photodynamic therapy or laser therapy may be used for low-grade lesions. Management of the reflux with medication is vital.

Achalasia increases the risk of squamous cell cancer through the prolonged time food remains in the oesophagus leading to chronic irritation of the mucosa.

16. Regarding intestinal obstruction necessitating inpatient managementa. Large bowel obstruction is most commonly caused by neoplasiab. Small bowel obstruction is most commonly caused by incarcerated herniaec. Ogilvies syndrome is a reflection of an underlying mechanical obstructiond. A caecal volvulus is more common than a sigmoid volvuluse. A bird’s beak deformity on barium enema is characteristic of a sigmoid volvulus

a. Trueb. Falsec. Falsed. Falsee. True

Common causes of large bowel obstruction include; Cancer, sigmoid/caecal volvulus, diverticulitis and faecal impaction. Small bowel is more commonly caused by adhesions, however remember hernia(any abdominal type), intussusception, Crohn’s, Gallstone ileus, tumour, foreign body, TB.

Ogilvie’s syndrome is a fancy term for pseudobstruction. Caused by eloctrolyte disturbance, certain drugs, recent surgery.

Caecal volvulus is less common but the risk of gangrene is much higher as the ileocolic artery is often “strangled”

The bird’s beak is seen at the distal part of the distal limb of the vovulus

17. The following occur in Leriche syndrome;a. Clubbingb. Claudicationc. Lower extremity muscle wastingd. Impotencee. Paradoxically high ankle brachial indiced (ABIs)

a. Falseb. Truec. Trued. True

e. False

Also known as Aortic bifurcation syndrome; The internal and external iliacs may be involved. It is described as a disturbance usually affecting young males caused by atheromatous involvement or occlusion of the abdominal aorta by a thrombus just above the site of its bifurcation. The main symptoms are inability to maintain penile erection, fatigue in the lower limbs, cramps in the calf area, ischemic pain of intermittent bilateral claudication; absent or diminished femoral pulse, pallor and coldness of the feet and legs. Onset usually between 30 and 40 years of age

18. In the management of burns:a. A splenectomy is indicated in Class I and IIsplenic injuriesb. Kehrs sign may be found in patients with splenicinjuryc. An 80kg male with 20% burn surface area willrequire over 6L fluid in the first 24 hours ofresuscitation.d. A liter of Hartmanns solution contains 130mmol sodiume. A Hartmanns solution is a crystalloidisotonic solution

a. False:b. Truec. True: Modified Parkland formula for burns: The volume of replacement in the first 24 hrs = (Total body surface area of the burn) Weight(kg) 4 Half the volume is replaced in the first 8 hours and the rest over the following 16 hours.d. Truee. True

19. The following are true:a. Volar angulation is a feature of the Smithsfractureb. A Bennett fracture is an intrarticular fracturec. A Colles fracture results in radial deviationd. A dinner fork deformity is characteristically found in Colles fracturee. The Lachman manoeuvre is useful in anterior shoulder dislocation

a. True: AKA “reverse colles fracture”. Volar = Ventralb. True: Fracture and dislocation at the base of the first carpometacarpal joint.

c. False: Unsure exactly what is meant by deviation. The radius is still aligned when looking from above

d. Truee. False: a manoeuvre to detect deficiencyof the anterior cruciate ligament; with the

knee flexed 20 to 30degrees, the tibia is displaced anteriorly relative to the femur; a soft endpoint or greater than 4 millimeters of displacement is positive(abnormal).

20. Criteria for the diagnosis of the SystemicInflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) includea. A wcc < 4/mm3b. A temperature greater than 380C or rectaltemperature <360Cc. A heart rate greater than 90 bpmd. One positive blood culturee. The presence of >10% immature bands forms on a fullblood count

a. Trueb. Truec. Trued. Falsee. True

SIRS is defined as 2 or more of the following variables: Fever of more than 38°C or less than 36°C Heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute Respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute or a PaCO2 level of less than

32 mm Hg Abnormal white blood cell count (>12,000/L or <4,000/L or >10% bands)

SIRS is nonspecific and can be caused by ischemia, inflammation, trauma, infection, or a combination of several insults. SIRS is not always related to infection.

EXAM 4 : Unknown year, unknown collegeFirst two questions missing

3.    Traumaa.    Pneumothorax can be temporarily treated byinserting a 16 gauge cannula in the second intercostalspace of the same sideb.    Fracture of the posterior cranial fossa isassociated with Battle &#8217;s signc.    Ultrasound is the gold standard in the diagnosis ofrupture of the thoracic aorta

d.    A flail chest is associated with pericardialeffusione.    Coronary air embolisation is an unusual consequenceof injury to the lung parenchyma

A) T 14-16 guage needle 2nd ICS MCL. Drain siting 4-6th ICS anterior to MALB) T bruising/discolouration of the mastoid due to tracking of blood due to fracture of the base of the skull. Some say posterior fossa other sources middle fossaRacoon eyes – Bruising around the orbits due to blood tracking from fracture of base of skull anterior cranial fossa.C) F Aortography is gold standard although ultrasound is used more frequently

Idiopathic cystic medial degeneration The most common cause of ascending aortic aneurysms is a condition known as idiopathic cystic medial degeneration. The elastic fibers which make up the outer wall of the aorta normally break down as we age, making the aorta more prone to dilation. In some patients this process is accelerated resulting in early aneurysm formation. We presently do not know the exact mechanisms involved in this process (hence the term idiopathic). Cystic medial degeneration can also be the cause of aortic arch and descending thoracic aneurysms. It rarely is the cause of thoracoabdominal or abdominal aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the term used to describe hardening of the arteries. Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are the primary causes of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis typically results in blockages of arteries that deliver blood to the heart (coronary arteries), the legs (femoral arteries), or the brain (carotid arteries). The damage caused to the aortic wall by atherosclerosis can result in aneurysm formation.  Genetic disorders Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition which is transmitted from parent to child that affects the connective tissues throughout the body. The defect is in the gene that makes fibrillin, a major elastic fiber protein found in the wall of the aorta. Nearly all patients with Marfan syndrome develop aneurysms of the ascending aorta and subsequent leakage of the aortic valve. These aneurysms are prone to rupture at smaller sizes when compared to aneurysms of other etiologies. The risk of aortic dissection is likewise significantly increased in Marfan syndrome. Patients with Marfan syndrome may also develop leakage of the mitral valve. Connective tissue abnormalities throughout the rest of the body can result in slender, tapering fingers, long arms and legs, curvature of the spine and eye problems. Certain families without specific genetic disorders may exhibit a strong history of aortic aneurysm formation. If a sibling or parent has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, there may be an increased risk of aortic aneurysm formation in the patient. Aneurysms Associated with Aortic Dissection An aortic dissection results when the inner layer of the aorta separates from the middle layer of the aorta (see above). When this occurs within the ascending aorta it is frequently fatal unless emergency surgery is performed. However, in the descending aorta, an aortic dissection can typically be treated with medications.

Nonetheless, the dissection weakens the aortic wall and the aorta is then prone to aneurysm formation. Chronic dissections need to be managed like all other aneurysms and surgery is indicated once a certain size is reached. Aneurysms Associated with Bicuspid Aortic Valve A bicuspid aortic valve is one which contains 2 leaflets instead of the usual three. Such valves are prone to both leakage and stenosis. A bicuspid aortic valve is composed of abnormal connective tissue. This same abnormal tissue also composes the ascending aorta making it susceptible to aneurysm formation. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves frequently have aneurysms of the ascending aorta and surgery on the aortic valve should involve replacement of the aorta should there be any aortic dilation. Other Causes Infection of the aortic wall (bacterial, syphilis, etc.) can rarely result in an aneurysm known as a "mycotic aneurysm." Inflammatory aortic aneurysms are a special type of aneurysm associated with a vigorous fibrotic and inflammatory response and require special surgical interventions. Takayasu's arteritis is an autoimmune inflammatory response which is typically found in Japanese patients and results in aneurysms of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. 

 

D) T Any blunt chest trauma can lead to an effusion due to changes in the secretion absorption balance.E) T Need to damage parenchyma, air passages and blood vessels to get an air embolus so I’m not completely sure if this is true.

4.    Pharyngeal poucha.    It is a pulsion diverticulum arising fromKillians dehiscence

b.    It appears as a swelling in the anterior triangleof the neckc.    Presents as halitosis, regurgitation of food anddysphagiad.    Is a congenital diverticulume.    Arises withing the superior pharyngeal constrictormuscle

A) T Killans dehisence is located between the thyropharyngeus and the cricopharengeus and occurs due to increased cricopharyngeal pressure

B) F Goes posteriorly and to the leftC) T & gurgling, aspiration, lump in the neck, asymptomaticD) F Acquired pulsion diverticulaum due to incoordinate swallow and failure of relaxation of

the cricopharyngeusE) See A

Is posteromedial pulsion diverticulum through Killian's dehiscence Occurs between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles Both form the inferior constrictor of the pharynx Male : female ratio is  5:1 Usually only seen in the elderly Aetiology is unknown but upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction may be important

Clinical features

Commonest symptoms are dysphagia, regurgitation and cough Recurrent aspiration can result in pulmonary complications A carcinoma can develop within the pouch Clinical signs are often absent A cervical lump may be present that gurgles on palpation

5.    Carcinoma of the breast

a.    LCIS is more common than DCISb.    T2 lesions measure >5 cm in sizec.    Inflammatory breast cancer presents as erythema,warmth and edema of the involved breastd.    Follow up of breast cancer involves measuring serumlevels of Ca 19-9e.    Treatment of locally advanced breast cancer ismastectomy

A) F other way aroundB) F 2cm-5cmC) T Erythema, Peau d’orange, brawny, oedematous, induratedD) F For pancreatic, gastric, colonic, ovarianE) F Majority systemic chemo. Surgery if it becomes operable

6.    Nipple dischargea.    Bloody nipple discharge is due to fibrocysticdiseaseb.    Serous discharge is due to duct papilloma in about¾ of casesc.    Chromophobe adenoma is a microadenomad.    Phenothiazines cause serous dischargee.    Treatment of bloody nipple discharge ismicrodochotomy

A) F Discharge is usually serous. Blood suggests malignancy. Other symptoms include lumpiness and discomfort

B) T 50% of benign conditions and 90% all together. Unilateral more worrying.C) I can find this anywhereD) TE) F Depends on the aetiology of the discharge. Intraductal papilloma can be treated by

excision of the affected segment of breast tissue - microdochectomy

7.    Thyroid glanda.    Graves disease is common in femalesb.    Subacute (DeQuervains) thyroiditis is an autoimmunediseasec.    Papillary carcinoma, secondary to radiation, ismultifocald.    Men IIA comprises medullary carcinoma,phaeochromocytoma(s) and parathyroid hyperplasiae.    Medullary carcinoma is treated by totalthyroidectomy and central neck dissection

A) T 8:1 ratioB) T post viral autoimmuneC) T also early lymphatic spread and poor prognosisD) TE) T

MEN Type 1 is also known as Wermer's syndrome after Dr Paul Wermer, who described it in 1954:

1. Parathyroid hyperplasia/tumour causing hyperparathyroidism. 2. Pancreatic islet cell tumours causing hypoglycaemia (insulinoma) and Zollinger-Ellison

syndrome (gastrinoma). 3. Pituitary adenoma which may cause pituitary hormone excess.

The causative mutation is in the menin gene which encodes a nuclear protein that is believed to act as a tumor suppressor. Most cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

MEN syndrome types 2 and 3 have their basis in molecular genetics. Individuals can be tested for this genetic disorder reliably even when asymptomatic. The mutation is in the RET oncogene. Most cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2 and 3 are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Type 2 is also known as Sipple syndrome (after the American Dr John H. Sipple, who described it in 1961) and used to be called type 2A:

1. Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid which is associated with increased calcitonin secretion. A test for elevated calcitonin should be done after pentagastrin injection and/or calcium infusion, to ensure that all affected patients are detected.

2. Pheochromocytoma 3. Parathyroid hyperplasia/tumour causing hyperparathyroidism.

8.    Regarding chronic peptic ulcersa.    Type I ulcers occurs along the lesser curvature ofthe stomachb.    Type III ulcers occur at or just proximal to thepylorusc.    Peptic ulcers that bleed erode the right gastricarteryd.    Gastrojujenocolic fistula occurs after gastrectomyand Billroth II anastomosise.    Post gastrectomy cancer is associated

A) T

B) T

Type I consisted of those cases in whom the ulcer was situated to the left of and above the gastric angulus (the angulus being defined as the lowest point of the lesser curvature), without macroscopic abnormalities of the prepyloric region, the pylorus or duodenum; these cases were associated with a low level of acid secretion and possibly hyposecretion of mucus. Type II consisted of those cases in which a gastric ulcer to the left of the angulus was associated with, and probably secondary to, an ulcer or its scar in the pylorus or duodenum; these patients were moderate and sometimes hypersecretors of acid. Type III included all gastric ulcers on or near the pylorus, and might be combined with a duodenal ulcer or a Type II gastric ulcer proximally; these patients usually had

hypersecretion of acid. Type III was subdivided as follows: (1) ulcers within one inch (2.54 cm) of the pylorus, called true prepyloric ulcers; (2) ulcers to the right of the angulus but further than 2.54 cm from the pylorus, called "other antral" ulcers. It was concluded that gastric ulcers near the pylorus and those occurring with a duodenal ulcer should be looked upon as a disease of acid hypersecretion; in these cases there was a marked blood group O predominance, the ulcers nearest the pylorus carrying the highest proportion of blood group O. Gastric ulcers in the body of the stomach, occurring in patients in whom the duodenum was normal, were usually characterized by acid hyposecretion; in these patients there was no evidence of group O preponderance, but in fact an excess of blood group A. The findings showed that the pathogenesis differed in different types of gastric ulcers.

C) F Bleeding ulcer has not necessarily eroded through a major vessel. Mostly cystic artery and slenic artery. Gastroduodenal if duodenal perf

D) F(Christian Albert Theodor Billroth, 1829 - 1894, German surgeon), subtotal gastrectomy and gastroenterostomy linking the gastric pouch to the jejunum distal to the ligament of Treitz. A loop-type gastrojejunostomy connects the jejunum to the stomach in one continuous segment. The configuration can be a right to left or antiperistaltic loop (Fig.1) in which the afferent, or that part of the bowel bringing bile and bowel contents toward the stomach, is first anastomosed to the right or lesser curvature portion of the stomach and is then carried across to the left side The colic bit of this looks wrong to me since the colon isn’t involved

E) T

Postgastrectomy gastritis is gastric atrophy developing after partial or subtotal gastrectomy

(except in cases of gastrinoma).

Metaplasia of the remaining corpus mucosa is common. The degree of gastritis is usually

greatest at the lines of anastomosis.

Several mechanisms are responsible: bile reflux, which is common after such surgery, damages

the gastric mucosa; loss of antral gastrin decreases stimulation of parietal and peptic cells,

causing atrophy; and vagotomy may result in a loss of vagal trophic action.

There are no specific symptoms of gastritis. Postgastrectomy gastritis often progresses to severe

atrophy and achlorhydria. Production of intrinsic factor may cease with resultant vitamin B12

deficiency (which may be worsened by bacterial overgrowth in the afferent loop). The relative risk

of gastric adenocarcinoma appears to increase 15 to 20 yr after partial gastrectomy; however,

given the low absolute incidence of postgastrectomy cancer, routine endoscopic surveillance is

probably not cost effective, but upper GI symptoms or anemia in such patients should prompt

endoscopy.

9.    Crohn&#8217;s Diseasea.    Is predominantly a transmural diseaseb.    Characteristic microscopic lesions are noncaseatinggranulomasc.    Bloody diarrhea is the most frequent presentationd.    Peri-anal disease is an infrequent presentatione.    Toxic dilatation of the colon is a common finding

A) TB) T in 50% of casesC) F UC. P/C episodic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tenderness, lassitude,feverD) F Common ¼ with small bowel disease, ¾ with large bowel diseaseE) ?F Less common than in UC

10.    Carcinoid tumoura.    The most common location of a carcinoid tumour isthe terminal ileumb.    Appendiceal carcinoids frequently metastasisec.    Urinary 5-HIAA is the most reliable test to confirmthe diagnosis of carcinoid tumourd.    Octreotide can successfully control the symptoms ofdiarrhea and flushinge.    5-HIAA is a metabolite of tyrosine

A) F Mostly appendix.B) F RareC) TD) TE) F

Secrete 5HT, active amines and peptides. Liver mets rare. Carcinoid syndrome when metastasize because no longer inactivating. Leads to flushing, diarrhoea, bronchoconstriction, wheezing, red/purple discolouration of the face, pulmonary stenosisTests. Urinary breakdown products of 5HTTreatment: Remove tumour, excise, enucleate or dearterialiseMedical Octreotide

11.    Appendicitisa.    The commonest location of the appendix is in thepelvisb.    Psoas sign is elicited by flexion of the right hipc.    Is associated with a fecolith in 90% casesd.    Laparoscopic appendicectomy has been shown to besuperior to open appendicectomy for acute appendicitise.    Rovsigns sign is elicited by pressing in the leftiliac fossa causing pain in the right iliac fossa

A) F 74% retrocaecal, 21% Pelvic, 1.5 % subcaecal, 2% paracaecal, 5% Postilial, 1% preileal

B) TC) FD) T I think E) T

Prospective randomised multicentre study of laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy.  Hellberg A,  Rudberg C,  Kullman E et al.  Br J Surg 1999;  86:  48-53.

Open appendicectomy is the 'gold standard' for the treatment of acute appendicitis.  Although it is a generally safe operation, postoperative complications occur in about 10% of patients.  Laparoscopic appendicectomy was first described in 1983.  Reports of early studies were equivocal with few studies evaluating analgesic requirements and the length of hospital stay.  The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic with open appendicectomy with special emphasis on the postoperative recovery period.  A total of 523 patients were randomised but because of withdrawals the outcome in 500 patients was reported; 244 in the laparoscopic and 256 in the open group. Patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy recovered quicker than those undergoing open surgery but there was no difference in the duration of sick leave taken (11 vs. 14 days).  Postoperative pain (at 24 hours, 7 and 14 days) was less after laparoscopic surgery and a functional index at one week after operation was more favorable in this group.  Operating time was longer in the laparoscopic group ( 60 vs. 35 mins.  p<0.01).  Hospital stay and complications did not differ between the two group.  In total 30 (12%) of laparoscopic procedures had to be converted to an open operation.  It was concluded that laparoscopic appendicectomy is as safe as open appendicectomy and has the advantage of a more rapid recovery.

advantages including faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay, lower risk of post operative infection, and smaller scars.

12.    Colorectal cancera.    Adenomatous polyps account for more than 90%colorectal cancersb.    High fibre diet, calcium and selenium have acytoprotective effectc.    Colonic cancer is part of Lynch II Syndromed.    FAP is inherited as an autosomal recessive patterne.    HPNCC is autosomal dominant

A) F

B) TFrom an epidemiological standpoint, there have been many studies linking calcium intake to colon cancer risk. Significant reductions in risk have been shown for the consumption of milk, dietary calcium and dairy products in general. Supplemental calcium in the diet or drinking water has been reported to decrease the colonic epithelial hyperproliferation induced by bile and fatty acids, enteric resection, a nutritional stress diet, and to suppress induction of the tumor-promotion enzyme ornithine decarboxylase. Calcium has also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on experimental colon carcinogenesis.

Calcium's effects on epithelial cells have demonstrated decreased proliferation and induced cell differentiation with increasing levels of calcium in vitro, similar in vivo effects in rodent and human colon, and decreased carcinogen-induced colonic tumor formation in rodents.In human subjects at increased risk for colon cancer, oral calcium supplementation significantly reduced colonic epithelial cell proliferation in most of the studies, including four randomized clinical trials.

Treatment with calcium supplements for 4 years appears to provide protection against recurrent colorectal adenomas -- the type of polyp that leads to cancer -- for up to 5 years after the supplements are stopped, new research shows. Beyond that point, however, no apparent effect is seen.

Past epidemiological studies on selenium and colorectal cancer have had mixed results. However, a statistically significant reduction of colorectal cancer as secondary endpoint was noted in the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer trial (relative risk - 0.58) as was an overall reduction in colorectal adenomas. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

C) THereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is subdivided into (1) Lynch syndrome I (site-specific colonic cancer) and (2) Lynch syndrome II (colonic cancer in association with other forms of cancer, particularly carcinoma of the endometrium and ovary, but also cancer of the pancreas)

D) F Dominent. APC gene Chr 5. 25% are sporadic new germ line mutations. >100 polyps

E) T 5% colorectal cancer. Increase in endometrial, gastric, overian, upper urinary tract and small intestine malignancy

hMSH2 on chr 2phMLH1 on chr 2q

13.    Cholelithiasisa.    Biliary colic occurs only with stones in the commonbile ductb.    Merrizi&#8217;s syndrome is associated withcholestatic jaundicec.    Charcot&#8217;s triad includes jaundice, rigors andpalpable gallbladderd.    Chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic acid are usedfor dissolution of cholesterol stonese.    For symptomatic cholelithiasis laparoscopiccholecystectomy is the operation of choice

A) Most commonly hartmann’s pouchB) T

Mirizzi's syndrome is a rare cause of acquired jaundice. It is caused by chronic cholecystitis and large gallstones resulting in stenosis of the common bile duct.Multiple and large gallstones can reside chronically in the Hartmann's pouch [1] of the gallbladder, causing inflammation, necrosis, scarring and ultimately fistula formation into the adjacent common bile duct (CBD). As a result, the CBD becomes obstructed by either scar or stone, resulting in jaundice.Mirizzi syndrome has no consistent or unique clinical features that distinguish it from other more common forms of obstructive jaundice. Symptoms of recurrent cholangitis, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may or may not be present. Acute presentations of the syndrome include pancreatitis or cholecystitis. CT scan or ultrasonography usually make the diagnosis. Often, ERCP is used to define the lesion anatomically prior to surgery. The treatment of choice is surgical excision of the gallbladder, and reconstruction of the common hepatic duct and common bile duct.

C) F Pain Pyrexia Jaundice. Courvoisier- Palpable gallbladder & jaundice unlikely due to stone

D) T Rarely used now. Used if unimpaired gallbladder fxn and small or medium sized radiolucent stones and mild symptoms and not amenable to other treatment. Also for prevention of recurrent biliary tract stones post cholecystectomy.

14.    Pancreatitisa.    Foxs sign is discoloration of groinsb.    Alcohol is an aetiological factor for thedevelopment of acute pancreatitisc.    A Ransons criteria of 7-8 is associated withmortality of 50%d.    Steatorrhea is associated with acute pancreatitise.    A chain of lake appearance ispathognomonic of chronic pancreatitis

A) T Cullen’s discolouration around umbilicus. Grey-turners flank discolourationB) T GET SMASHEDC) F

The Ranson criteria and other severity scoring systems, e.g. Glasgow, APACHE II, enable early diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis. This can be defined as the presence of three or more of the following criteria within 48 hours of admission:

age above than 55 years blood glucose above 10 mmol/L - no history of diabetes white cell count above 15 x 10^9 / L LDH above 600 IU/L aspartate transaminase above 200 u/L corrected calcium less than 2.0 mmol/L blood urea above 16 mmol/L - no improvement with intravenous fluids decreasing haematocrit arterial pO2 less than 8 kPa (60 mm Hg) metabolic acidosis serum albumin less than 32 g/L

N.B. the serum amylase value is not one of the criteria.

The mortality per postive criterion:

NUMBER OF POSITIVE CRITERIA o 0-2 <5% mortality o 3-4 20% mortality o 5-6 40% mortality o 7-8 100% mortality

D) F more associated with chronic due to the development of pancreatic insufficiency.

E) This is something to do with strictures seen within the pancreas. Not sure if its pathognomonic.

15.    Vasculara.    The mortality rate of ruptured AAA is 40%

b.    Ultrasound can reliably meaure the size and site ofAAA c.    Ruptured AAA may present as pain in the renal angled.    Surgery is recommended for patients with AAA > 6cmdiametere.    Spinal cord ischemia is an infrequent complication

A) F It way higher than this. Between 80-90% but figure varyB) F US good but only accurate to within .5 cmC) T Can present with all sorts of weird and wonderful and sometimes vague abdominal

pain.D) F 5cm in women. 5.5cm in menE) T

a. Clamping aorta above renal arteries >20-30 minutes, or ligation of lower vessels puts cord at risk

b. AAA repair has 5-20% risk of neurological deficits c. Aneurysmal aortic dissection also causes spinal ischemia – grey matter ischemia, white

matter adequately supplied by longitudinal anastomotic network

16.    Peripheral vascular diseasea.    Normal ankle-brachial ratio is <0.75b.    Thromboendarterectomy is the operation of choicefor aortoiliac occlusive diseasec.    Rest pain is relieved by elevation of the footd.    Impotence is a common phenomenon associated withocclusive disease of the distal aorta and iliacvesselse.    Sympathectomy provides good symptomatic relief ofrest pain

A) Healthy 1. IC 0.5-0.9. Critical <0.5B) Rarely done. PTA or aortobifemC) F raising leg decreases flow to the leg further making the pain worseD)

T Inflow Disease: Aortoilliac Occlusive Disease Also known as Leriche's Syndrome, Bilateral leg diminished pulses throughout Slow wound healing legs, Impotence

E) T In some cases, sympathectomy, which removes neurogenic vasoconstriction, can be very helpful and should be offered to selected patients with severe disease and those who are not candidates for revascularization.

17.    Paediatric surgerya.    Hirschprungs disease is caused by absence ofganglion cells in the Auerbachs plexusb.    High imperforate anus is treated by colostomyfollowed by sacroperineal or abdominosacral pullthrough of the proximal colonc.    Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is commonin female infantsd.    Meckels Diverticulum is best diagnosed by99m Technetium scane.    Idiopathic intussussception occurs in a 6 to 9month old infant

A) T Hirschsprung's disease is the result of a. congenital aganglionosis of Auerbach's. plexus at the muscularis layer of the distal colon

B) T Surgery depends on the type of imperforate anus defect.With a high imperforate anus, a colostomy (to divert the path of stool) is usually done. The infant with a high lesion is therefore given time to grow until definitive repair can be done with a pull-through operation (in which the rectum is "pulled down" and sewn into a newly-made anal opening in the perineum). After surgery, the newly-formed anus needs to be dilated regularly for several months until a soft, mature scar is obtained. The colostomy can then be closed.

C) F boys 5 times more commonly than girlsD) T Regarded as the gold standardE) T 6 to 36 months is an accepted timeframe

18.    Orthopedicsa.    Colles fracture results a fall on an outstretchedhand with the wrist in flexionb.    Fractured ribs invariably cause a pneumothoraxc.    The leg is externally rotated in fracture of neckof femurd.    Fracture of the humeral shaft may cause injury tothe radial nervee.    Fat embolism following multiple fractures isassociated with petichial skin rash

A) F

A Colles' fracture is a fracture of the distal radius bone. It is named after Abraham Colles (1773-1843), an Irish surgeon who first described this in 1814.The fracture is most commonly caused by people falling forward onto a hard surface and breaking their fall with extended, outstretched hands - falling with wrists flexed would lead to a Smith's fracture. It usually occurs about an inch or two proximal to the radio-carpal joint with posterior and lateral displacement of the distal

fragment resulting in the characteristic dinner fork like deformity. Colles fracture is common in people with osteoporosis, second only to vertebral fractures.

B) F There would be a hell of a lot of people going around with air in their chest if this was the case.

C) T On inspection, the injured led lies in a position of external rotation and there is shortening of the leg.  The attachment of the capsule to the distal fragment prevents excessive external rotation of the leg.  On palpation, there is tenderness over the anterior and lateral aspects of the hip joint.  The greater trochanter is elevated on the injured side.  All movements are extremely painful except in the rare case of an impacted type of fracture.

D)T Most humeral fractures near the shoulder occur at the surgical neck. Mid shaft humeral fractures are almost always the result of direct trauma (less often due to a fall), are either transverse or oblique, and are displaced due to muscular action. Radial nerve injury is the main complication.

E) T The post-traumatic fat embolism syndrome is a multisystem disorder characterized by pulmonary and neurologic dysfunction, pyrexia, and a petechial rash

19.    Urologya.    The majority of bladder tumours are squamous cellcarcinomasb.    Renal cell carcinoma is always treated withadjuvant chemotherapyc.    The most common urinary calculi are triplephosphate stonesd.    Testicular tumours commonly metastasize to thegroin lymph nodese.    Fracture of the bony pelvis leads to injury to themembranous urethra

A) F Transitional cellB) F

Only used in high risk.

Stage I Renal Cell Cancer

Treatment of stage I renal cell cancer may include the following:

Surgery (radical nephrectomy, simple nephrectomy, or partial nephrectomy). Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms in patients who cannot have

surgery. Arterial embolization as palliative therapy. A clinical trial of a new treatment.

Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Stage II Renal Cell Cancer

Treatment of stage II renal cell cancer may include the following:

Surgery (radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy). Surgery (nephrectomy), before or after radiation therapy. Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms in patients who cannot have

surgery. Arterial embolization as palliative therapy. A clinical trial of a new treatment.

Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Stage III Renal Cell Cancer

Treatment of stage III renal cell cancer may include the following:

Surgery (radical nephrectomy). Blood vessels of the kidney and some lymph nodes may also be removed.

Arterial embolization followed by surgery (radical nephrectomy). Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of

life. Arterial embolization as palliative therapy. Surgery (nephrectomy) as palliative therapy. Radiation therapy before or after surgery (radical nephrectomy). A clinical trial of biologic therapy following surgery.

This summary section refers to specific treatments under study in clinical trials, but it may not mention every new treatment being studied. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

Stage IV and Recurrent Renal Cell Cancer

Treatment of stage IV and recurrent renal cell cancer may include the following:

Targeted therapy alone or after biologic therapy. Biologic therapy alone or after surgery (nephrectomy) to reduce the size of the tumor. Arterial embolization as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of

life Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of

life. Surgery (nephrectomy) as palliative therapy. Surgery (radical nephrectomy, with or without removal of cancer from other areas where

it has spread). A clinical trial of chemotherapy.

C) Calcium oxalate is the commonest. Also calcium phosphate, triple phosphate, urate and cystine

D) F To para-aortic more commonly. To groin if invade scrotal skin.E) T The membranous urethra is prone to injury from pelvic fracture because the

puboprostatic ligaments fix the apex of the prostate gland to the bony pelvis and thus

cause shearing of the urethra when the pelvis is displaced.

20.    Skin cancerb.    Kaposis Sarcoma is a tumour of vascularendothelial originc.    Xeroderma Pigmentosa is an autosomal recessivediseased.    Sunlight exposure is the principle cause of basalcell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomae.    Superficial spreading melanoma has the worstprognosisf.    Squamous cell carcinoma is not sensitive toradiotherapy

A) T Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer of blood vessels that was considered very rare before the start of the AIDS pandemic. It is now the most frequent cancer to develop in people with AIDS, affecting about 20% overall.

Kaposi sarcoma is associated with:

Infection with human herpes virus 8 (KSHV) in men who have sex with men. It can also occur in heterosexuals. Data is emerging that non-sexual modes of transmission can occur.

Genetic factors Hormonal factors

B) T inherited inability of the skin to repair DNA damage from ultraviolet light.

A sunburn that does not heal following minimal sun exposure Blistering following minimal sun exposure Cutaneous telangiectasia Increasing irregular pigmentation of the skin Crusting of the skin Scaling of the skin Oozing raw skin surface Discomfort when exposed to bright light (photophobia ) Neurologic changes are sometimes noted

B) TC) F

Four Types of Melanoma

1. Superficial spreading melanoma (about 70% of diagnosed cases) the most frequent melanoma types, begins from primary radial growth, preceding the invasion. Better prognosis

2. Nodular melanoma (about 15% of diagnosed cases) bad prognosis because of invasive growth.

3. Lentigo maligna melanoma (about 10% of diagnosed cases)

4. Acral lentiginous melanoma (about 5% of diagnosed cases) most widespread form at black people, located mostly on feet, mycoses, nail beds; disease is similar to pre-cancerous melanoma, but has more aggressive current.

D) T

The treatment for a SCC depends upon its type, its size and location, the number to be treated, and the preference or expertise of the doctor.

Excision The lesion is cut out and the skin is stitched up. This is the most common treatment for invasive SCC.

Cryotherapy Dermatologists sometimes use liquid nitrogen with a special technique. This may be suitable for small or flat lesions of in situ SCC or thickened solar keratoses.

Shave, curettage, & cautery (and other similar techniques) Many skin cancers can be successfully treated by shaving off or scraping out the lesion then cauterising the base. The wound usually heals rapidly without the need for stitches.

More complex surgery Patients with larger lesions or one in a difficult site may be referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who may create a flap or graft to repair the defect after excision. Mohs micrographic surgery may be necessary.

Radiotherapy - Radiation treatment can be used for some skin cancers, usually on the face. may be added after surgery of a high-risk SCC. It can add measurably to the cure rate. It is probably used less often than it should be. Occasionally, radiation is used as the sole treatment in inoperable tumors, or in those that have already spread.

5-Fluorouracil cream This cytotoxic cream applied for several weeks often clears in situ SCC. It causes a vigorous skin reaction that may ulcerate. Sometimes the lesion recurs months or years later, when it may be treated the same way or by another method.

Imiquimod Imiquimod is an immune response modifier in a cream base. Applied five times weekly for six to sixteen weeks, it will clear most patches of in situ SCC but is not yet registered for this purpose.

Photodynamic therapy Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to treatment with a photosensitiser (a porphyrin chemical) that is applied to the affected area prior to exposing it to a strong source of visible light. The treated area develops a "burn" and then heals over a couple of weeks or so.

EXAM 5: Unknown year, UCC.Why 1. Regarding Gastric Surgery

a. Early postprandial dumping is due to hypoglycemia

b. Recurrent ulcers after treatment of duodenal ulcer

are secondary to excessive acid production

c. Patients may develop a diamorphic blood picture

d. Blind loop syndrome is common in antecolic

anastomosis

A – False

Late postprandial dumping is due to hypoglycaemia. Early postprandial dumping is due

to shift of osmotic fluid into the jejunum which can occur following a billroth type

procedure.

B – True

C – True

Iron deficiency occurs due to loss of hypochloric acid and B12 deficiency secondary to

loss of intrinsic factor production. The net result is a combination of a microcytic

anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia.

D – False

A polya gastrectomy is more likely to cause a blind loop syndrome due to the use of a

roux en Y procedure. The duodenal stump is oversewn (leaving a blind loop). A Billroth

procedure is simply a partial gastrectomy and re-anastomosis.

2. Gastrointestinal polyposis syndrome

a. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is

autosomal dominant

b. Colorectal cancers develop before 40 years of age

in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

c. Polyps in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome are hyperplastic

d. Turcotts syndrome is gastrointestinal polyps with

CNS tumors

e. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer accounts

for <5% of cases

A – True

Lynch syndrome, previously called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is

characterized by an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of colorectal cancer and is

the most common form of hereditary colon cancer, comprising approximately 5% of all

colorectal cancers.

B – True

The mean age of diagnosis of colorectal cancer in FAP is 40 years of age. FAP is caused

by inheritance of a germ line mutation in the APC gene. FAP is characterized by the

appearance of hundreds to thousands of adenomas of the colon during adolescence

(average age at polyp formation is approximately 15 y) and a nearly 100% risk of colon

cancer

C – False

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by

intestinal hamartomatous polyps in association with mucocutaneous melanocytic macules

D – True

A rare, hereditary syndrome, characterized by brain tumors (glioblastoma, astrocytoma,

or spongioblastoma) associated with colonic adenomatous polyposis. The polypi vary in

number from hundreds to thousands and in size; occasionally they are found in the

stomach and small intestine. In the fourth and fifth decades of life they are liable to

become malignant. Other features include Cafe-au-lait spots, cutaneous port wine stain,

diarrhoea, as well as focal nodular hyperplasia. Inheritance is autosomal recessive. The

symptoms are most often in the second decade of life. Turcots syndrome has been

divided in three groups depending on the number and character of the colonic polyps

E – True

3. Salivary glands

a. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign

tumour of the submandibular gland

b. Mikulic’s Syndrome refers to the bilateral

enlargement of lacrimal and salivary glands

c. Sialothiasis is almost exclusively a problem of the

submandibular gland

d. Incisional biopsy is performed in all salivary

gland tumours

e. Lingual nerve can be damaged in surgery on

submandibular gland

A – True

Occurs most frequently in the parotid gland. Propensity for recurrence if not removed

with surrounding cuff of tissue. It accounts for 90% of parotid tumours in adults. Other

benign tumours include Warthins tumour and haemangiomas. Warthins tumour is almost

exclusive to the parotid gland; it causes a smooth swelling in the tail of the gland that

feels cystic. The malignant tumours of the salivary glands are adenoid cystic carcinoma,

acinic cell carcinoma and muco-epidermoid tumours.

B – True

This is a variant of Sjogrens Syndrome.

C – True

80% of salivary calculi arise in the submandibular gland due to the mucoid nature of its

saliva, which can become inspissated. Calculi can form in the parotid gland also. The

flow of saliva from the affected gland becomes obstructed which results in painful

swelling of the gland during salivation. The swelling usually resolves over an hour or

thereabouts. Confirm by X-ray, as most are radio opaque. Calculi arises distal in the duct

can be easily removed under local anaesthesia through the mouth. Stones arsing more

proximal in the duct can often require submandibular gland excision.

D – False

Risk of neuropraxia, axontemesis or neurotemesis.

E – True

The submandibular gland can be excised for calculus disease or chronic infection. The

gland is approached externally and care must be taken not to damage the marginal

mandibular branch of the facial nerve or the lingual nerve.

4. Hernias

a. Direct inguinal hernias pass through internal ring

b. A femoral hernia is the most common hernia in

females

c. Testicular atrophy may occur after inguinal hernia

repair

d. Inguinal hernias in children are treated by

hernioraphy

e. Littres hernia contains Meckel’s diverticulum

A – False

A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of all or part of a viscus through a defect in the wall

of the cavity in which it is normally contained. Inguinal hernias can be split into direct

and indirect. Indirect are more common in children especially premature male infants due

to persistence of the processus vaginalis. Due to the persistence of the communication

between the abdominal cavity and scrotum, visceral herniation can occur through the

internal ring and external ring of the inguinal canal into the scrotum. In the differentiation

of an inguinal – scrotal mass you cannot get above an indirect hernia. Direct hernias

conversely are more common in elderly men. A visceral protrusion occurs through the

region known as Hesselbachs triangle. This is medial to the inferior epigastric vessels.

B – False

Femoral hernias are more common in females however the commonest hernia in females

still remains inguinal.

C – True

A recognised intraoperative complication is injury to the spermatic vessels resulting in

atrophy or acute necrosis of the testes.

D – True

E - True

5. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

a. Surgery is recommended for patients with AAA size >

6 cms

b. 90% arise below renal arteries

c. Ischemia of colon is common

d. Mortality rate of ruptured AAA is 25%

e. Blue toe syndrome occurs in association with AAA

A – True

An aneurysm is a permanent localised abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel. AAA occur

in 5% of people over 65 years old. M: F ratio = 6:1. The majority are caused by

atherosclerotic disease. 5% are inflammatory aneurysms. The risk factors are

atherosclerosis, hypertension, smoking, male gender, advanced age and connective tissue

disorders. Most are asymptomatic and are picked up during routine physical exam. The

classic triad of a ruptured AAA is abdominal pain, pulsatile abdominal mass and

hypotension. Aneurysms grow by approximately 3mm / year. The risk factors for rupture

are large diameter, increasing size, recent expansion, hypertension, symptomatic and

COPD. At 5cm the risk of rupture is 4%. At 5-7cm the risk of rupture is 7% per year and

greater than 7cm, the risk of rupture is approximately 20% / year. Surgeons intervene

from 5.5cm and greater.

B – True

90% are infrarenal in origin.20% of patients with an AAA also have a peripheral

aneurysm.

C – True

Colonic ischaemia can occur post repair of an AAA as the inferior mesenteric artery is

often sacrificed. If the collaterals are insufficient the patient will have colonic ischaemia.

The signs of colonic ischaemia are heme positive stool or bright red blood per rectum,

diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The study of choice is colonoscopy. The ischaemia

typically manifests in the first week. The treatment of necrotic sigmoid colon from

colonic ischaemia is resection of the necrotic colon, hartmanns pouch or mucous fistula

and end colostomy.

D – False

If two patients present to hospital with a ruptured AAA, one will go out the back door

and the other the front door! 50% mortality. Elective repair has a 4% mortality rate.

E – True

As an AAA has a mural thrombus associated with it, fragments of the plaque can

embolise distally and cause a so-called thrash foot.

6. Vascular

a. Carotid atheromatous disease is the commonest cause

Of strokes in the western world

b. Varicose veins are treated by femoral-popliteal

bypass graft

c. Rest pain is relieved by elevation of the foot

d. Normal ABI is greater than 0.90

e. Cervical rib may present with wasting of thenar

muscles

A – False

The commonest cause of CVA in the world is cerebral infarction, which can be

secondary to a thrombus or an embolism.

B – False

Varicose veins can be treated conservatively or surgically. Surgical means include high

saphenous ligation, avulsion of varicosities and vein stripping.

C – False

Rest pain is suggestive of critical limb ischaemia secondary to chronic arterial

insufficiency of the lower limb. The pain when present at night is relieved by hanging the

affected leg over the edge of the bed, or else by sleeping while sitting in a chair. Rest pain

when present for two weeks requiring analgesia is an indication for operative

intervention.

D – False

Normal ABPI is 1, intermittent claudication = .9 to .6, rest pain = .6 to .3

E – False

A cervical rib may impact the lower roots of the brachial plexus, C8 and T1. This causes

in addition to unequal radial pulses, a palpable rib in the neck and potential distal emboli,

wasting of the hypothenar eminence.

7. Orthopedics

a. Smith’s fracture results in volar angulation

of the radius

b. A fractured neck of femur results in lateral

rotation of the lower limbs

c. The radial nerve is injured in fracture of neck and

humerus

d. Bennett’s fracture involves distal end of

radius

e. Supracondylar fracture may cause vascular

complications

A – True

This is an uncommon fracture that results from falling on the dorsum of the hand. It is

known as a reverse colles fracture – distal radial fracture with volar angulation as against

dorsal angulation, which is colles fracture.

B – True

Fractures of the proximal femur occur in elderly females from minor trauma. Most have

type 2 osteoporosis. The history is that the patient tripped over the carpet or tripped over

the pavement. Now they have pain in the hip. Shortening, adduction and external rotation

occurs. The movements are painful and weight bearing is usually impossible. Beware of

hypothermia.

C – True

Yes the radial nerve courses through the spiral groove at the posterior aspect of the

humerus. Net result is wrist drop.

D – False

Bennett’s fracture is a fracture dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal with

disruption of the carpometacarpal joint.

E – True

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus can result in forearm compartment syndrome.

This is increased pressure in an osteofacial compartment that can lead to ischaemic

necrosis. The final sequelae of forearm compartment syndrome is Volkmanns

contracture. This is contracture of the forearm flexors from replacement of dead muscle

with fibrous tissue.

8. Fluid and electrolyte balance

a. Insulin and glucose infusion may be used to treat

hyperkalemia >6.5 mg/L

b. Short gut syndrome doesn’t predispose to

carcinoma

c. Patients on IV fluids require 1mmol/kg body

potassium per day

d. Hyponatremia should be corrected by large volumes

of hypertonic saline

e. Adult burns victims require 2L fluid in 24 hours

A – True

An elevated serum potassium of 6.5mg/L is an emergency. Hyperkalaemia and its effects

can easily be observed on the ECG. Tall tented T waves, widened PR interval, widened

QRS, flattening of the P waves, sine waves appearance and V Fib. To prevent this we

need to decrease the potassium level. Firstly stabilise the cardiac membrane by giving

10ml of 10% calcium gluconate repeating as necessary. Calcium resonium is given. 20u

of ActRapid in 50ml of 50% glucose is given to force the potassium into the cells.

Salbutamol 2.5mg can also be considered. Once the patient is stabilised treat the cause of

the hyperkalaemia such as acute renal failure, crush injury, injudicious fluid replacement

etc.

B – True

All short bowel syndrome refers to is malnutrition secondary to less than 100cm of viable

small bowel.

C – True

A simple fluid regime is 3L per day. 1L of .9%NaCl. This contains your daily sodium

requirement. Two litres of 5% dextrose. Add 20mmol of KCL to each bag and infuse it at

125ml / hour.

D – False

Rapid correction of hyponatraemia by high doses of hypertonic saline is asking for

trouble. The net movement of water from the intracellular compartment to the

extracellular compartment results in CPM or central pontine myelinolysis.

E – False

The fluid requirements for a burns victim is calculated using the parkland formula. 4 x %

burns x weight (kg). This is the quantity of fluid that has to be replaced using .9%NaCl

over a 24-hour period. Half of this is given in the first 8 hours the remainder over 16

hours.

9. Regarding sinuses and fistulas

a. High output fistulas are characterized by loss of

intestinal fluid in excess of 200 mL/24 hours

b. Pilonidal sinus is premalignant

c. An example of congenital fistula is thyroglossal

cyst

d. Inefficient or nondependent drainage is one of the

factors leading to persistence of an abscess

e. A chronic subareolar abscess leads to a mamillary

fistula

A – False

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epithelial lined surfaces. A high output

fistula is characterised by > 500ml/day. The predisposing factors and factors that

maintain the patency of a fistula are: High ouput, intestinal destruction, short segment

fistula, foreign body, radiation, infection, epithelization, neoplasm and distal obstruction.

B – False

A sinus is a blind ending tract lined by granulation tissue that opens onto an overlying

epithelial lined surface. This chronic infection is caused by penetration of hairs into the

skin and subcutaneous tissues. Infection leads to pilonidal abscesses. The sinus leads to a

cavity filled with hair and granulation tissue. Common sites include posteriorly in the

midline over the sacrococcygeal area and natal cleft. Also can occur between fingers in

hairdressers.

C – False

A thyroglossal cyst is an embryological remnant of the thyroid gland that present as a

cystic midline swelling generally in a patient < 20 years old. It can occur anywhere from

the foramen caecum of the tongue to the thyroid gland. It moves on swallowing and

tongue protrusion. It is harmless but generally is excised due to its propensity to become

infected.

D – True

An abscess is a localised collection of fluid / pus within a tissue. Abscesses wall

themselves off with granulation tissue. The treatment of an abscess is to incise and drain.

‘If there is pus let it out’. On of the factors, which lead to the persistence of an abscess –

chronic abscess is failure to remove the inciting stimulus.

E - True

10. Carcinoma of the breast

a. T3 breast lesion is >5 cm in dimension

b. Tamoxifen should be prescribed for life to patients

with breast cancer

c. Axillary lymph node involvement is a weak predictor

of outcome

d. Comedo DCIS is associated with low recurrence rate

e. Breast cancer rarely metastasizes to bone

A – True

This is not a real question. Professor Redmond specifically said that he doesn’t know the

TNM staging off the top of his head.

B – False

Stupid question. Expose a woman to an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma, DVT,

PE – come on!!!

C – False

Axillary lymph node involvement ipsilaterally instantly confers a 50% survival chance.

No lymph nodes = 80% five year survival.

D – False

Comedo DCIS is the most aggressive histologic subtype. It is associated with a risk of

subsequently developing ductal carcinoma in the same breast

E - False

11. Pancreatitis

a. Cholelithiasis is the commonest cause

b. Cullen’s sign is associated with bruising in

flanks

c. Steroids are not associated with acute pancreatitis

d. The treatment of sterile necrotizing pancreatitis

is always surgery

e. A pseudocyst should be drained within 2 weeks of

the acute attack

A - True

Biliary disease account for 40% of cases of acute pancreatitis. The risk of pancreatitis is

inversely proportional to the size of the stone. It’s lodgement at the sphincter of oddi is

postulated to cause a rise in intra-ductal within the pancreas, blocking the drainage of the

pancreatic juices into the duodenum. This rise in pressure may damage the ductal

epithelial lining allowing pancreatic autodigestion. Interestingly biliary microlithiasis is

thought to be responsible for 70% of idiopathic pancreatitis.

The other causes of pancreatitis can be remembered from the mneumonic ‘I Get

Smashed’= Idiopathic, Gallstones, Ethanol, Trauma, Steroids, Mumps (Viral agents),

Autoimmune, Scorpion stings, Hyperlipademia, Hpercalcaemia, ERCP, Drugs

(Thiazides, steroids, asparginase etc).

B – False

Cullen is the aptly called ‘umbilical black eye’. Grey Turners sign is bruising in the

flanks. The aetiology of Grey Turners Sign is retroperitoneal haemorrhage tracking /

dissecting through tissue planes. Cullens sign results from haemoperitoneum. These are

rare signs. Also if present they are diagnostic of a sub category of pancreatitis namely

severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

C – False

‘S’ in the mneumonic. Drug induced pancreatitis is a rare occurrence.

D – False

Surgery is required in infected necrotizing pancreatitis to remove non-viable tissue. In

sterile necrotizing pancreatitis there is always the fear of superimposed infection. Some

departments will use an imipenem / cilastin combination due to its affinity for pancreatic

tissue. This has been shown to reduce the incidence of bacterial infection in some cases.

However secondary fungal infection is still a worrisome complication. If asked in finals,

just remember that the use of antibiotics in pancreatitis is controversial. However if you

are going to administer an antibiotic use an imipenem.

E – False

By definition, peripancreatic fluid collections persisting for more than 4 weeks are

termed acute pseudocysts. Pseudocysts lack an epithelial layer and, thus, are not

considered true cysts. In addition, the term cyst is also a misnomer, as most of these

collections are filled with necrotic debris and not fluid. A more descriptive term for these

collections may be organized necrosis. Most of these can be followed clinically. When

pseudocysts are symptomatic (i.e., associated with pain, bleeding, or infection) or are

larger than 7 cm and are rapidly expanding in an acutely ill patient, intervention is

indicated.

12. Gallstones

a. Ascending cholangitis requires emergency

decompression of the CBD

b. Choledochal cysts are associated with malignancy

c. The five year survival rate of adenocarcinoma of GB

is less than 5%?

d. Magnetic resonance cholangiogram gives accurate

picture of biliary tree

e. Gallstones can be dissolved by ursodeoxycholic acid

A – True

Cholangitis presents with Charcot’ Triad of symptoms (fever, pain and jaundice). If

supparative inflammation is present then Reynolds Pentad (fever, pain, jaundice,

confusion and hypotension). This condition usually results from secondary infection of

stagnant biliary fluid as a consequence of long standing stasis due to cholelithiasis. The

medical management is hydration, analgesia and IV antibiotics. Due to the often-present

high biliary pressures there is defective secretion of antibiotics. Decompression is as a

consequence necessary. This is done endoscopically. Traditionally this was done with

emergency surgery involving common bile duct exploration and T tube placement. Now

reserved for failed endoscopic cases.

B – True

Choledochal Cysts are found in children. They are one of the differentials of prolonged

neonatal jaundice of the conjugated variety. 67% have been discovered by the age of 10

years. Other means of presentation include cholangitis or recurrent bouts of pancreatits.

They are three times more common in females. More common in Asia. The aetiology is

not completely understood. One postulated theory is that there is a malunion of the

pancreatic and common bile duct with a propensity towards relux of pancreatic juices and

enzymes back into the CBD, resulting in weakness of the wall. This may allow the

development of the cyst. The risk of development of cholangiocarcinoma is 2.5 – 15%.

Dreaded complication.

C – True

Gallbladder carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer of the GIT. 90% of cases are

associated with cholelithiasis. They typically present in the persons 60’s. They often arise

in the so-called porcelain gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer is four times more common in

females. Early stage presentation is similar to cholelithiasis or with a degree of biliary

dyskinesia. Most GB adenocarcinomas unfortunately present late with metastasis.

D – True

MRC is an effective non-invasive diagnostic modality for biliary tract pathology.

E – True

In patients with established cholesterol gallstones, treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid at

a dose of 12-15 mg/kg daily may result in gradual gallstone dissolution. This intervention

typically requires 6-18 months and is successful only with small, purely cholesterol

stones. Patients remain at risk for gallstone complications until dissolution is completed.

Dissolution fails in many cases. Moreover, after discontinuation of treatment, most

patients will form new gallstones over the subsequent 5-10 years. Ursodeoxycholic acid

reduces cholesterol saturation of bile, both by reducing liver cholesterol secretion and by

reducing the detergent effect of bile salts in the gallbladder (thereby preserving vesicles

that have a high cholesterol carrying capacity).

13. Meckles diverticulum

a. Is found in 2% of the population

b. Is a “true” diverticulum?

c. Contains ectopic tissue in 50% cases

d. Is a remnant of vitello-intestinal duct?

e. May mimic as acute appendicitis

A – True

Meckels diverticulum obeys the ‘rule of twos’. It is two inches long, located two feet

proximal to the ileocaecal valve, found in two percent of the population and contains two

types of mucosa.

B – True

Why? Because it contains all three layers of the bowel wall. A diverticulum in contrast

which is an outpouching of the bowel typically located in the sigmoid colon contains an

attenuated muscle coat and so is a false diverticulum.

C – True

D – True

E - True

14. Trauma

a. In the initial management of the injured patient,

control of hemorrhage should be the priority

b. Right diaphragmatic rupture is more common than

left

c. Fracture of left lower ribs may be associated with

rupture of the spleen

d. A flail chest is commonly associated with ARDS

e. Liver or splenic injuries always require operative

intervention

A – False

The predicatable order of the primary survey that reinforces the fact that life threatening

injuries kill in a predictable order is: Airway control with cervical spine protection.

Breathing with oxygenation and ventilation. Circulation with haemorrhage control.

Disability or neurologic status. Exposure of patient with temperature control.

B – False

The left diaphragm is lower than the right so intuitively is more susceptible to penetrating

thoracic trauma. Any penetrating injury below the level of the nipples may injure the

diaphragm. Thoracoscopy is indicated to evaluate the diaphragm of interest.

C – True

The spleen lies longitudinally along the 9-11th ribs on the left of the chest.

D – True

It is not the flail chest that causes the problem. These patients almost invariably have an

underlying lung contusion, which in itself can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome.

This is diagnosed by an acute onset of hypoxaemia, pulmonary infiltrates and non

cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (PCWP <19mmHg). Supportive therapy is indicated with

CPAP.

E – False

Firstly the word always is in the question. The liver has a unique ability to establish

spontaneous haemostasis even with extensive injuries. For this reason the majority of

liver injuries in haemodynamically stable patients can be managed non-operatively. A

greater percentage of splenic injuries require operative intervention due to their

propensity to bleed.

15. Thoracic/Neurosurgery

a. A chest drain is usually inserted in the 4th/5th

intercostal space in the mid-axillary line

b. Thorascopic sympathectomy is the treatment of

hyperhydrosis of the hands

c. CT scan of the brain is indicated in depressed

skull fracture

d. A GCS < 8 is an indication for endotracheal

intubation

e. Tension pneumothorax is diagnosed on chest X-ray

A – True

The purpose of the chest drain is either drainage or opposition of the pleural surfaces.

B – True

Serious procedure, which is reserved for cases that are refractory to conservative

treatment such as iontophoresis or BOTOX injections.

C – True

When a depressed skull fracture is present there is a 1 in 3 chance that an extra-axial

haematoma has formed that will need neurosurgical evacuation. Also the depressed skull

fragment will require elevation. If the dura mater has been torn then give prophylactic

antibiotics.

D – True

E – False

Yes a pneumothorax will be seen on CXR with the appearance of the so-called ‘black

lung’ and mediastinal shift. However if the patient has a tension pneumothorax and you

wait for the results of the x ray, quite often the patient will have died in the intervening

time. It is a clinical diagnosis based on the presence of diminished expansion, hyper-

resonance to percussion, absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from affected

side, apex displacement and an obstructive shock appearance (tachycardia hypotension).

Don’t procrastinate chest a venflon catheter and perform a needle aspiration now!!!

16. Endocrine

a. Follicular carcinoma of thyroid primarily spreads

through lymphatics

b. Parathyroid adenoma is the most likely cause of

hyperparathyroidism

c. Hurtle cell carcinoma is a variant of papillary

carcinoma of the thyroid

d. Phaeochromocytoma is associated with MEN IIa

e. Superior laryngeal nerve supplies cricothyroid

muscle

A – False

This form of thyroid carcinoma occurs where endemic goitre is common. The median age

of onset is the fifth decade of life. It spreads haematogenously and so has a worse

prognosis. Lymphatic dissemination is uncommon

B – True

Hyperparathyroidism is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary variants. The most

common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a solitary parathyroid adenoma.

Carcinoma and hyperplasia is rare.

C – False

This comprises 5% of thyroid cancers. The cell of origin is the follicular cells. I 131 is not

taken up. FNAC is not useful, can only be confirmed by tissue histology. Spreads through

lymphatics.

D – True

The multiple endocrine neoplasias are autosomal dominant pre malignant

paraendocrinopathies. MEN type 1 is parathyroid hyperplasia + pituitary adenoma +

pancreatic tumours. MEN type 2a is medullary carcinoma of thyroid +

pheochromocytoma + parathyroid hyperplasia. MEN 2b is like MEN 2a but has

neurocutaneous signs.

E – True

This can be damaged during thyroidectomy. The result is a quieter and deeper voice.

Catastropic is opera singers!

17. Paediatrics

a. Hydrocele in a child <1 year old necessitates

surgery

b. Pyloric stenosis presents within 10-12 weeks of

life

c. Mesenteric adenitis is an uncommon cause of

abdominal pain in children

d. An undescended testes may be found in the hilum of

the spleen

e. Children with pyloric stenosis have hypokalemic,

hyperchloremic acidosis

A – False

A hydrocele is a collection of serous fluid in the processus vaginalis. It is divided into

primary and secondary variants. Primary Hydroceles (Idiopathic) are large and tense. The

underlying testis is normal. It causes scrotal swelling which is tense and transilluminates.

The swelling is on the posterior and lateral aspect of the testis. If it persists beyond the

first year of life then operative intervention is required. Intraoperatively the sac is

identified, ligated and excised. Care is taken not to damage the cord structures. Even

though one year is taken as the cut off for operative intervention, it has been proven that

most primary hydroceles will resolve by 18 months. Secondary Hydroceles are smaller

and the underlying testis is diseased. It is an exudative collection secondary to tumour or

inflammation. Ultrasound of the testis will differentiate between a normal and abnormal

testis. Aspiration of hydroceles is not a treatment modality with any longevity as the fluid

collection recurs.

B – True

The aetiology of this condition is unknown. It is a familial condition. 85% occurs in male

infants. 50% are first born infants. It is rare for the condition to present after 12 weeks of

age; the usual presentation is at 3-4 weeks of age with projectile vomiting that doesn’t

contain any bile (hence obstruction is proximal to the second part of the duodenum). The

infant is ‘always hungry’, with a palpable ‘olive’ mass under the costal margin and

visible peristalsis. Biochemistry shows a hypochloraemic hypokalaemic metabolic

alkalosis. Following correction of the biochemical disturbance the surgical treatment is a

Ramstedt’s Pyloromyotomy. The infant can be fed the next day. Results are excellent

with a very low mortality rate.

C – False

This is a very common cause of abdominal pain in young children following an upper

respiratory tract infection. The diagnosis often co-exists with appendicitis. Mesenteric

adenitis can only be definitively confirmed at laparatomy or laparoscopy. With

mesenteric adenitis the vomiting normally precedes the pain where as in appendicitis the

vomiting follows the pain.

D – True

An ectopic testis is one that has strayed from the normal line of descent. The commonest

position is the superficial inguinal pouch. Although rare ectopic testes and maldescended

testes can occur intra-abdominally.

E - False

18. Evidence based medicine

a. Occult blood testing is a proven screening modality

for colorectal carcinoma

b. Endoscopic ultrasound accurately assess rectal

tumour presentation

c. Laparoscopic appendicectomy has revolutionized the

treatment of acute appendicitis

d. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is not yet a standard

form of treatment for breast carcinoma world-wide

e. Immunotherapy using interferon-alpha is of benefit

in Stage III malignant melanoma

A – True

Evidence from RCTs is currently available for FOB testing. Screening every two years

with home tests reduces mortality by 15-33%. However false positives are high (up to

10%) and there are problems with acceptability.

B – False

Useful technique in carcinoma of oesophagus

C – False

Laparoscopic appendicectomy reduces recovery time and incidence of wound infection

but is associated with increased risk of intra-abdominal abscesses.

D – True

The USA doesn’t primarily rely on the technique.

E – False

Biochemotherapy refers to a combination of cytotoxic therapy and immunotherapy. The

ECOG trial showed that this combination was useful for melanomas >4mm and

surgically resected nodal metastases.

19. The following are associated with malignancy

a. Acanthosis nigricans

b. Thrombophlebitis migrans

c. Ganglions

d. Fourniers Gangrene

e. Keratoacanthoma

A – True

This is the presence of velvety lesions typically found in the axillae and other flexor

surfaces. Can be site in hyperinsulinism, visceral carcinoma and hyperandrogenism.

B – True

Migratory thrombophlebitis (Trousseau sign) and venous thrombosis occur in patients

with pancreatic cancer

C – False

A ganglion cyst is a bump or mass that forms under the skin. Most commonly, ganglions

are seen on the wrist (usually the back side) and fingers, but they can also develop around

joints on the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, ankle and foot. Ganglion cysts form when tissues

surrounding certain joints become inflamed and swell up with lubricating fluid. They can

increase in size when the tissue is irritated and often can "disappear" spontaneously.

These masses or cysts appear to grow sometimes but they are not tumours or cancerous.

D – False

This is a rapidly progressive gangrene of the penis and scrotum without apparent cause.

This condition, now known as Fournier gangrene, is defined as a polymicrobial

necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, perianal, or genital areas

E – True

Pertinent physical findings are limited to the skin. Lesions typically are solitary and begin

as firm, roundish, skin-colored or reddish papules that rapidly progress to dome-shaped

nodules with a smooth shiny surface and a central crateriform ulceration or keratin plug

that may project like a horn (see Images 1-4).

Most KAs occur on sun-exposed areas. The face, neck, and dorsum of the upper

extremities are common sites. Truncal lesions are rare.

Lesions usually are skin-colored to pinkish-red. Unaffected skin retains its normal

appearance. Muir-Torre syndrome: KA may be a component of Muir-Torre syndrome,

which is a cancer-associated genodermatosis with multiple sebaceous neoplasms

(adenomas, epitheliomas, carcinomas), keratoacanthomas, and gastrointestinal

malignancies (most commonly colon), although other carcinomas have been reported

(genitourinary, pulmonary, endometrial).

20. Diverticular disease

a. The most common cause of bleeding per rectum is

diverticular disease

b. The treatment of diverticular disease is oral

steroids

c. Is a premalignant condition

d. Is best treated with a low residue diet

e. Surgery is indicated in more than 50% of patients

with diverticular disease

A – True

Diverticular has been quoted as the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal

bleeding accounting for 60% of cases. 13% of causes are attributable to IBD and non-

infectious gastroenteritis and colitis. 11% of cases are found to be anorectal in origin such

as fissures and haemorrhoids. 9% neoplasia, 6% coagulopathy and 1% A-V

malformations.

B – False

Diverticular generally doesn’t require any medical treatment except an increase in the

fibre within one’s diet. If secondary complications occur such as diverticulitis then

antibiotics may be required. Complications such as haemorrhage, obstruction, fistulae or

abscess will require surgical intervention.

C – False

D – False

Low residue / low fibre diet is the aetiology of diverticular disease. A low fibre diet is

thought to be responsible for the raised intraluminal pressures in the sigmoid colon in

these patients causing the false diverticulae at the sites of weakness. This is generally

where the vasa recta penetrate the bowel wall. Hence the reason for the high incidence of

haemorrhage.

E – False

The quoted figure is between 8 – 25%.

EXAM 6: Unknown year, unknown locationQuestions 1-6 missing

7. Carcinoma of the lung is:

a. Commonest cancer in our community F- skin cancer is the

commonest cancer

b. A tumour with 20% cure rate. ? F- depends on stage and grade,

overall, prognosis is poor: only 50% patients with non-small cell

lung CA without mets will survive 2 years

c. Associated with better prognosis if oat cell in

type F- oat cell (small cell) CA is associated

with a particularly poor prognosis as disease is usually

disseminated at presentation.

d. Characterised by rising incidence in females T

e. Most commonly developed from alveolar epithelium F-bronchial

CA more common than alveolar cell CA

8. Brachial embolism

a. Has more favorable prognosis than popliteal

aneurysm ??? couldn’t find a reference for this

b May be operated upon under local anesthesia ???

c. Is associated with mitral stenosis ?T- mitral valve stenosis

is associated with systemic emboli so I assume this is true?

d. Always leads to gangrene is not removed ?T but not if

collateral blood supply present and sufficient

e. Embolectomy should be associated with fibrinolytic

therapy ?T- thrombolytic/anticoagulant therapy recommended but

not sure what type of therapy is favoured

9. Oophrectomy for breast cancer

a. Has now been abandoned as a form of therapy ?F- may be

considered in pre-menopausal women with oestrogen receptor positive

tumours if GnRH analogues cannot be used, may also form part of

prophylactic surgery for women with a strong family history eg BRCA

b. Is best done by irradiation of ovaries ?couldn’t find a

definite answer for this

c. Has been replaced by chemotherapy ?T-endocrine therapy has

largely taken over with oestrogen receptor blockers (tamoxifen),

aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole) or GnRH analogues being used instead.

d. May reveal ovarian metastases T

e. Should be followed by estrogen therapy if done at

menopause ?F – depends on oestrogen receptor state of tumour and HRT

should ideally be combination oestrogens & progesterones

10. In varicose veins:

a. Communicating veins penetrate the deep fascia T

b. The aim of sclerosant therapy is to thrombose the

veins F- the vein is compressed for several weeks to avoid thrombosis

and encourage the formation of granulation tissue which obliterates the

vein lumen.

c. More commonly involve the left lower limb ?

d. Lateral leg is commoner site ulceration F-venous ulceration

typically occurs just above the medial malleolus (gaiter area).

Ulceration may occur secondary to chronic varicose veins due to long-

standing venous hypertension and insufficiency

e. May be familial T- Heredity is important in determining susceptibility to primary valvular failure, but the specific genetic factors responsible for varicosities have not yet been elucidated. Reflux at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) (where the superficial GSV joins the deep common femoral vein) is twice as likely when a parent had a similar condition. Monozygotic twins are concordant with regard to varicose veins in 75% of cases. The prevalence rate of varicose veins is 43% in female relatives of patients with varicose veins, but only 19% in male relatives.

11. In a contaminated traumatic wound:

a. Local antibiotics are very helpful ?F- may be of use but

systemic antibiotics needed eg benzylpenecillin/flucloxacillin/co

amoxiclav +/- metronidazole

b. Tetanus toxoid provides 100% against tetanus F-tetanus toxoid

vaccination course: 3 vaccines given as part of 5 in 1 immunisations at

2, 4, and 6 months, booster recommended on starting school and again in

early adulthood. A booster vaccine is given at time of injury if no

booster within the last 10 years. Human tetanus immunoglobulin is also

required in the partially or non-immune adult (this neutralises free

tetanus toxin).

c. Gas in tissues is pathognonomic of gas gangrene F- may be due to

subcutaneous emphysema secondary to perforation of an air-containing

viscus

d. Following debridement the wound should be closed

by sutures ?F- if contaminated wound should be left open to heal by

secondary intention so it may be cleaned and debrided and to avoid the

formation of a deep abcess.

e. Tetanus antitoxin if indicated is preferable to

human immune globulin F- this is horse antitetanus serum and may cause a

local hypersensitivity reaction and may not be as effective

13. If a patient is cyanosed following tracheostomy

with a cuffed tube, suspect

a. Laryngeal edema F-this may occur after a cricothyroidotomy

b. Intubation of right bronchus T-tube displaced,but uncommon

c. Mucus blocking tube T

d. Mucus blocking bronchi ?T

e. Displacement of tube T

14. Tracheal shift to the left may be caused by

a. Right pneumothorax T- if tension pneumothorax as these push the

trachea to the opposite side

b. Nodular goiter T

c. Collapse of right lung F-this will pull the trachea to the right

d. Left sided emphysema ?F- may cause sub pleural bullae which may

rupture and cause a pnemothorax

e. Right pneumonectomy F- if any deviation, it will be to the

right.

15. A patient has pain over lower internal end of

radius, extension and abduction of thumb

a. This is due to a fractured lunate ???

b. May be caused by DeQuervain’s disease T- this causes pain over

the styloid process of the radius, thickening of the tendons of abductor

pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. Also known as stenosing

tenovaginitis

c. May be due to Kohler’s disease F- this causes limp, pain in the

tarsal region and navicular tenderness in 3-5 year olds. Dense deformed

bone seen on radiograph, resolves with analgesia and rest,excellent

prognosis.

d. May be treated by steroid injection T – or NSAIDS, or release of

the tendon sheath.

e. Often results from unaccustomed use hand T

16. Patients with secondary thyrotoxicosis ???? I’m ignoring the

word secondary,it makes no sense.

a. Should never be treated with radioiodine T

b. Tend to develop recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy ?

c. Have thyroid antibodies in their blood ?T

d. Usually have a diffusely enlarge goiter ?T

e. Generally are in the 20-40 age group ?T

c,d,e true if they mean grave’s disease.

B true in case of malignancy causing hyperthyroidism

17. Circumcision is indicated in:

a. Ammoniacal dermatitis F

b. Non-retractile prepuce at one year F At 3 years of age 10% of

boys are unable to fully retract the foreskin. By adolescence, 98-99%

can fully retract their foreskin to expose the glans

c. Prophylaxis of carcinoma of penis ?F

d. Phimosis T

e. Paraphimosis T – if non-resolving

Although many families choose to have their male infants circumcised for

cultural, religious, or hygienic reasons, only a few accepted medical

indications are recognized: phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis and

posthitis. Circumcision is also recommended in male infants and toddlers

who develop UTIs and children who require clean, intermittent

catheterization to facilitate this procedure.

18. In carcinoma of larynx

a. Hoarseness is a late symptom F- usually the first symptom

b. Peak incidence is from 20-40 years F Laryngeal cancer most

commonly affects men middle-aged or older who are smokers and who use

alcohol. The peak incidence is in those aged 50-60 years.

c. There is an association with cigarette smoking T

d. There is association with occupation ?

e. Distant metastases occur early F-usually spread is to cervical

nodes

19. Shoulder dislocation

a. Occurs from direct violence ?T

b. Is not associated with any fracture F-may be associated with

fractures of the neck of the humerus

c. Commonly damages the axillary artery ?T

d. If adequately immobilized following reduction

recurrent dislocation is prevented ?F

e. Should be X-rayed before reduction T- rules out co-existing

fractures, may not be needed in cases of recurrent dislocation

21. Ingested foreign bodies are likely to be arrested

a. At crico-pharyngeus F- this is a common site for aspirated

foreign bodies

b. At thoracic inlet T

c. At aortic arch T

d. At diaphragm T

e. In stomach F- once they reach the stomach there is an 80-90%

chance of the object passing on.

Patients can usually localize foreign bodies in the upper esophagus but localize them poorly in the lower two thirds of the structure. The esophagus has 3 areas of narrowing: the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), which consists of the cricopharyngeus muscle; the crossover of the aorta; and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). These areas are where most esophageal foreign bodies become entrapped. Structural abnormalities of the esophagus, including strictures, webs, diverticula, and malignancies, increase the risk of foreign body entrapment, as do motor disturbances such as scleroderma, diffuse esophageal spasm, or achalasia.

Once a foreign body has reached the stomach, it has an 80-90% chance of passage. Objects longer than 6 cm may become entrapped by either the pylorus or the duodenal sweep, and objects larger than 2 cm in diameter also may fail to pass the pylorus. When a foreign body has reached the small bowel, the only structural impediment to passage is the ileocecal valve. Rarely, a foreign body may become entrapped in a Meckel diverticulum.

Most complications of pediatric foreign body ingestion are due to

esophageal impaction, usually at 1 of 3 typical locations. The most

common site of esophageal impaction is at the thoracic inlet. Defined as

the area between the clavicles on chest radiograph, this is the site of

anatomical change from the skeletal muscle to the smooth muscle of the

esophagus. The cricopharyngeus sling at C6 is also at this level and may

"catch" a foreign body. About 70% of blunt foreign bodies that lodge in

the esophagus do so at this location. Another 15% become lodged at the

mid esophagus, in the region where the aortic arch and carina overlap

the esophagus on chest radiograph. The remaining 15% become lodged at

the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the gastroesophageal junction

22. Cancer of oesophagusa. Is associated with duodenal ulcerationb. Presents with chest painc. Is always a squamous cell carcinomad. Has a bad prognosise. Frequently presents with heartburn

FFFTFa. Oesophageal ca risk factors: achalasia, caustic stricture, Barrett’s, alcohol, cigs, celiac dis, fe deficiency anaemia, male.Duodenal ulceration risk factors: H pylori, NSAIDs, steroids, cigs, Zoll-Ellison.Even though cigs are a common risk factor to both, I would still say false.b. Most commonly presents with dysphagia, progressing from solids to liquids. May also present with regurgitation, aspiration, or odynophagia.c. Can be Primary (adca, sq ca, leiomyosarcoma) or Secondary (direct invasion from lung or stomach).d. 70% not operable at dx. 5% 5yr survival.e. see b.

23. Carcinoma of the stomacha. Has a good prognosisb. Often presents with anorexiac. May be associated with previous gastric surgeryd. Has rarely spread to lymph glands at time ofprognosise. Is always diagnosed by barium meal

TFTFFa. Very subjective question! When confined to mucosa/submucosa without lymph nodes or distant mets, 5yr survival of 95-100%.b. May be subtle in early stages and present with dyspepsia, flatulence or indigestion. In more advanced case, can present with wt loss, anaemia, dysphagia, vomiting, epigastric or back pain.c. When the gastric mucosa is exposed to bile, there is an increased risk and this can occur after a gastroenterostomy.Other aetiologies include: Diet (malnutrition, high in nitrates nitrites and nitrosamines. Vitamins C/E thought to be protective), H pylori, Gastric Polyps, Chronic Gastric Ulcer Disease, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, gastric dysplasia, blood group A.d. Vast majority are late stage at diagnosis.e. Nope. OGD with biopsy is the way to go.

24. Infantile pyloric stenosisa. Presents with vomiting from birthb. Frequently results in acidosisc. Is readily diagnosed clinicallyd. Is usually cured by surgerye. Is associated with subsequent duodenal ulceration

FFTTF

a. Usually at 3-8 wksb. Hypochloraemic, Hypokalaemic metabolic ALKALOSIS.c. Yes.. visible peristalsis and a palpable “olive” (hypertrophied pyloris), Clinical diagnosis is possible in 70%. The rest are diagnosed on ultrasound.

d. Ramstedt’s Pyloromyotomy: The serosa of the pyloris is cut with a scalpal and the muscle of the pyloris is cut down to the mucosa.e. I can’t find an answer to this one anywhere so I’ll say false.

25. The gastric antruma. Secretes acidb. Is responsible for secretion of gastrinc. Is responsible for production of intrinsic factor d. Is important in the mechanism of gastric emptyinge. Is denervated by truncal vagotomy

FTFTTa. Parietal cells are located in the bodyb. G-cells which secrete gastrin are in the antrum. There is a decrease in gastrin production with a truncal vagotomy, which contributes to the decreased parietal cell acid secretion.c. see a.d. The mechanical roles of the antrum are the grinding of food and the propulsion of small amounts of chyme towards the duodenum when the pyloric sphincter is relaxed.e. Truncal vagotomy, unlike highly selective vagotomy, involves the vagal innervation of the antrum (as well as the rest of the stomach). The main problem with truncal is that the pyloris is denervated and doesn’t relax thereafter.. and a drainage procedure must be carried out, like a Bilroth.

26. Meckel’s diverticuluma. Arises from the foregutb. May cause massive gastrointestinal bleedingc. Is associated with carcinoma of the small boweld. May cause intussusceptione. Is an acquired lesion

TTFTFa. It is a remnant of the vitello-intestinal duct and lies on the anti-mesenteric border of the ileum.b. Heterotopic gastric epithelium sectretes HCl. This may cause peptic ulceration and is the commonest cause of melaena in children.c. Can’t find any literature saying that it is.d. Other causes of intussusception include: hyperplasia of Peyer’s patches, polyp. carcinoma, lymphoma.e. It is congenital

27. Crohn’s diseasea. Is predominantly a mucosal diseaseb. Always requires surgeryc. Is associated with the development of fistulaed. Often involves the perianal region

e. Rarely recurs following adequate surgical management

FFTTFa. Transmuralb. Avoid if possiblec. Other causes of fistulae: Foreign body, Radiation, Inflammation, Epithelialisation, Neoplasm, Distal obstruction (FRIEND). Fistula is an abnormal communication between two epithelialised surfaces.e. Surgery is non curative

28. The terminal ileum is responsible for the absorption of:a. Vitamin B12b. Vitamin Cc. Bile acidsd. Fate. Iron

TFTFFB12 and Bile acids. However, terminal ileal resection will deplete the bile acid stores and lead to impaired lipid absorption. This is secondary though and I don’t think that makes this answer true.

29. Ulcerative colitis:a. Occurs predominantly in those over 50b. Usually involves rectumc. May be precipitated by stressd. May result in colonic cancere. Always responds to steroids

FTFTFa. Max incidence is 20-40 yr olds.b. Rectum and sigmoid are principally affected.c. I don’t think so.d. 5-10% of patients with colitis for 20 yrs will develop malignant change.e. Surgery is required when medical treatment fails.

30. Diverticular diseasea. Involves predominantly the sigmoid colonb. Is pre-cancerousc. May result in massive bleeding per rectumd. Responds to low residue diete. Is more common in elderly

TFTFTa. Sigmoid is most common site. It becomes pregressively less common as you move proximally.c. Diverticulosis bleeds, and it can be massive.d. I think fibre is a residue. High fibre, low fat is the advice.e. 60% of 60yr old Americans. Only 10-20% of those become symptomatic.

31. Large bowel cancersa. Is the most common cause of large bowel obstructionb. Is the most common cause of vesico-intestinalfistulac. Most commonly occurs is recto-sigmoidd. Rarely develops from colonic polyps e. Has a bad prognosis

F?TFFa. Diverticulitis is more commonb. It is a cause of fistula but I don’t know if it’s the most common.c. Sigmoid is the most common site.d. Villous polps are the worst.e. Duke’s A has a 90% 5yr survival.

32. Chronic perianal disease may be secondary to:a. colonic diverticular diseaseb. Gastrointestinal tuberculosisc. Polyposis colid. Carcinoma of recto-sigmoide. Crohn’s disease

FTFFT

33. In obstructive jaundicea. Serum alkaline phosphatase is normalb. Oral cholecystogram is of valuec. The gallbladder is palpabled. There is splenomegalye. Vitamin K absorption is impaired

FFTFT

a. Obstructive: increase Alk Phos and GGTb. CCK causes gallbladder contraction.. not a good idea.c. Courvoisiere’s Law: Jaundice and a palpable gallbladder.. unlikely to be due to stones. However, pancreatic ca can obstruct and cause a palpable GB. This qs is true if you interpret it as “can be palpable”. Usually isn’t though.d.e. Decreased bile salts reaching the intestine -> impaired fat absorption.

34. Nephroblastomas:a. is radio-sensitiveb. Requires early surgeryc. Responds to chemotherapy

d. Has a good prognosis over the age of tene. Usually metastasizes to bone

T?TFT

a. Surgical resection and chemo is the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy is reserved for residual disease.. which implies that it is sensitive to radiotherapy (even though it’s not used).b. ?c. Actinomycin D and vincristine is used.d. No. The earlier it presents, the better the prognosis.e. Most common metastatic sites are lung, liver and bone.

35. Benign prostatic hyperplasia may result in:a. Acute epididymo-orchitisb. Bladder stonec. Hematuriad. Bladder diverticulume. Testicular atrophy

?TFTF c. Unless there is a stoned. Obstruction -> increased bladder pressure -> Diverticulae. The diverticulae are predisposed to urinary stasis and subsequent UTI or stone formation.