FMGE 2025 - Surgery Practice Questions

Q: A 34-year-old male undergoes an open appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The choice of incision was McBurney's incision. Postoperatively, after a few days, he presents with pain and bulging in the right lower quadrant, which is diagnosed as an indirect inguinal hernia. Which nerve injury during the appendectomy is most likely responsible for this complication?

Ilioinguinal nerve. ***Ilioinguinal nerve*** - The **ilioinguinal nerve** (L1) runs between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles in the inguinal region and passes through the superficial inguinal ring - During **McBurney's incision** (muscle-splitting incision at McBurney's point), the ilioinguinal nerve is at risk of injury as it traverses the layers of the anterior abdominal wall - **Mechanism of hernia formation:** Injury to the ilioinguinal nerve causes denervation and atrophy of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, which weakens the posterior wall of the inguinal canal - This muscular weakness predisposes to **indirect inguinal hernia** formation through the internal inguinal ring - **Classic presentation:** Pain and bulging in the inguinal region post-appendectomy *Pudendal nerve* - Arises from S2-S4 and runs through the **pelvis and perineum** (pudendal canal) - Not at risk during appendectomy as it is far from the surgical field - Injury would cause perineal sensory loss and sphincter dysfunction, not hernia *Genitofemoral nerve* - Runs on the psoas muscle and divides into genital and femoral branches - While the genital branch passes through the inguinal canal, injury typically causes **sensory loss** in the groin and scrotum/labia - Does **not** cause motor weakness or hernia formation *Femoral nerve* - Runs beneath the **inguinal ligament** in the femoral triangle - Not at risk during McBurney's incision - Injury would cause quadriceps weakness and loss of knee extension, not hernia

Q: A 45-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department following a road traffic accident. O/E, he had multiple injuries all over his body and was found to be in class III hemorrhagic shock. The percentage of blood loss would be between:

30-40%. ***30-40%***- **Class III hemorrhagic shock** is defined by an estimated blood loss of **30-40%** (approximately 1500 to 2000 mL in an adult).- Clinically, patients in Class III shock present with **marked tachycardia** (>120 bpm), significant **hypotension**, and altered **mental status** (confusion).*5-15%*- This range corresponds to **Class I hemorrhagic shock**, which involves minimal blood loss (up to 750 mL).- Patients in **Class I** typically present with near-normal vital signs or mild **tachycardia** only, not the severe clinical picture described.*>40%*- This defines **Class IV hemorrhagic shock**, representing extremely severe and **life-threatening** blood loss (over 2000 mL).- Patients in **Class IV** present with profound **hypotension** and absent peripheral pulses; they are often unresponsive.*15-30%*- This range characterizes **Class II hemorrhagic shock**, which involves moderate blood loss (750 to 1500 mL).- Patients exhibit **tachycardia** (100–120 bpm) and decreased **pulse pressure**, but usually maintain adequate blood pressure and good mental status, unlike the patient described.

Q: A 20-year-old male presents to the outpatient department with a swelling on his wrist. He reports fluctuation in size, mild numbness in the hand, and occasional pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Ganglion cyst. ***Ganglion cyst*** - This is the most common benign soft-tissue tumor of the hand and wrist, often arising from a **joint capsule** or **tendon sheath**. The classic presentation includes a smooth, round swelling on the wrist that can fluctuate in size. - Symptoms like mild pain and numbness can occur due to **nerve compression**, which is consistent with the patient's presentation. On examination, they are typically firm and **transilluminate**. *Lipoma* - A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of **adipose tissue** (fat). It typically presents as a soft, mobile, and “doughy” subcutaneous mass, which differs from the usually firm consistency of a ganglion cyst. - Lipomas do not fluctuate in size and are less likely to be found on the dorsal aspect of the wrist compared to ganglion cysts. *Dermoid cyst* - A dermoid cyst is a **congenital** lesion (a type of teratoma) containing dermal structures like hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They are most commonly found in the midline, face, or neck. - Their presence on the wrist is extremely rare, and they do not typically fluctuate in size like a ganglion cyst. *Hematoma* - A hematoma is a localized collection of blood, usually resulting from **trauma**. The patient's history does not mention any injury. - An acute hematoma would be tender and associated with **ecchymosis** (bruising), and it would be expected to resolve over time rather than fluctuate.

Q: A patient with dilated tortuous veins of the leg presented to the OPD and is diagnosed with varicose vein of grade C4a. What is the best preferred treatment?

Endothermal ablation. ***Endothermal ablation***- Guidelines recommend **endothermal ablation** (e.g., **EVLA** or **RFA**) as the first-line definitive treatment for symptomatic varicose veins (C2-C6), especially those causing **C4a skin changes** due to underlying reflux.- This technique is minimally invasive, highly effective at eliminating **saphenous vein reflux**, and leads to faster recovery and reduced recurrence rates compared to surgery.*Compression*- Compression therapy is mandated for all CEAP classifications (C0 to C6) but only serves as **conservative management** to alleviate symptoms and manage edema and skin changes (C4a).- It does not address the underlying **venous valve incompetence** leading to the venous hypertension and is therefore not the definitive preferred treatment.*Non endothermal non tumescent ablation*- These techniques, such as **mechanochemical ablation** (MOCA) or **cyanoacrylate glue**, are effective and avoid the need for general anesthesia or tumescent local anesthesia, making them suitable alternatives.- However, endothermal modalities are often preferred as first-line due to extensive long-term data supporting their effectiveness and durability in treating major **truncal reflux**.*Open surgery*- **High ligation and stripping** used to be the gold standard but is now generally reserved for complex cases where ablation is not technically feasible, such as large tributary veins or extreme **tortuosity**.- Open surgery involves greater morbidity, longer hospital stays, and potentially higher risks of **injury to nerves** (e.g., saphenous nerve) compared to endothermal methods.

Q: In a follow-up case of prostate cancer, what do we need to check?

PSA. ***PSA***- **Prostate-Specific Antigen** is the primary biomarker used for routine surveillance and follow-up after definitive treatment (like prostatectomy or radiation) for prostate cancer. - A sustained rise in PSA levels, known as **biochemical recurrence**, is the earliest sign that prostate cancer may have returned locally or metastasized. *Alkaline phosphatase* - **Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)** levels are primarily followed when there is suspicion of **bony metastasis**, as high ALP reflects increased osteoblastic activity. - It is used to stage and evaluate advanced disease or monitor response to treatment for bone mets, but it is not the primary marker for general recurrence detection. *Testosterone* - **Testosterone** levels are monitored primarily in patients receiving **androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)** to ensure that castrate levels of androgens are being maintained. - Changes in circulating testosterone do not reliably indicate cancer recurrence or progression in patients not undergoing hormonal manipulation. *Acid phosphatase* - **Acid phosphatase (ACP)**, specifically prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), is a historical tumor marker that has been superseded by PSA in nearly all aspects of follow-up. - Elevated ACP is usually associated with **advanced or metastatic disease** but lacks the sensitivity of PSA for detecting early biochemical recurrence.

Q: On examination, a person has distended neck veins, absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, and a shift of the trachea. What is the management?

Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS. ***Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS***- The constellation of absent breath sounds, **hyperresonance**, distended neck veins, and tracheal deviation indicates **tension pneumothorax**, which requires immediate definitive management before imaging can be done via a **needle decompression**.- This emergent procedure involves inserting a large-bore needle (e.g., 14-gauge) into the **second intercostal space (ICS)** in the midclavicular line to immediately relieve the pleural pressure and convert it to a simple pneumothorax.*Bedside CXR in casualty followed by chest tube insertion*- Obtaining a **CXR** is contraindicated as it significantly delays the urgent, life-saving decompression required for a clinically diagnosed **tension pneumothorax**.- While **chest tube insertion** is the definitive management, initial stabilization via needle decompression must precede this step in unstable patients with tension pneumothorax.*Pericardiocentesis*- This procedure is indicated for **cardiac tamponade**, which presents with features such as Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, elevated JVP), not the hyperresonance and absent breath sounds seen here.- Cardiac tamponade is a fluid accumulation issue impacting cardiac function, distinct from the life-threatening air accumulation and massive pressure shift seen in **tension pneumothorax**.*Pleurodesis with doxycycline*- **Pleurodesis** is an elective, definitive procedure used to prevent the recurrence of pleural effusions or pneumothorax by fusing the pleural layers, not an immediate emergency intervention.- This is typically reserved for stable patients with recurrent pneumothorax or chronic conditions like refractory **malignant pleural effusion**.

Q: A patient presents with severe respiratory distress, hyperresonance and absent breath sounds on one side of the chest, distended neck veins, and tracheal shift away from the affected side. What is the best immediate management for this life-threatening condition?

Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS. ***Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS*** - This is the immediate, life-saving intervention for a **tension pneumothorax**, a clinical diagnosis based on the triad of respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, and unilateral chest signs. - Needle decompression rapidly converts the **tension pneumothorax** into a simple pneumothorax by relieving intrapleural pressure, and is a temporizing measure followed by definitive chest tube insertion. *Bedside CXR in casualty followed by chest tube insertion* - Delaying treatment for a chest X-ray in a clinically evident and unstable **tension pneumothorax** is dangerous and can lead to cardiovascular collapse and death. - The diagnosis is **clinical**, and immediate decompression should precede any imaging. *Pericardiocentesis* - This procedure is indicated for **cardiac tamponade**, which presents with muffled heart sounds, not the unilateral hyperresonance and absent breath sounds seen in pneumothorax. - While both conditions can cause obstructive shock with distended neck veins, the pulmonary findings are key to differentiating them. *Pleurodesis with doxycycline* - Pleurodesis is a procedure to prevent the **recurrence** of a pneumothorax or pleural effusion, not a treatment for an acute, life-threatening event. - It is performed electively after the lung has been fully re-expanded with a chest tube.

Q: A 2-month-old male infant presents with a scrotal swelling that has been present since birth. Now, the swelling has become suddenly painful, red, and irreducible. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Strangulated inguinal hernia. **Strangulated inguinal hernia** - The presence of a scrotal swelling since birth strongly suggests an underlying indirect inguinal hernia, common due to a **patent processus vaginalis** in infants. - Sudden onset of severe pain, marked **irreducibility**, and **erythema** (redness) indicates vascular compromise of the contents (often bowel), classifying it as a surgical emergency (strangulation). *Acute epididymo-orchitis* - This condition is exceedingly rare in 2-month-old infants unless associated with underlying **urinary tract anomalies** or sepsis, and typically presents acutely without a long-standing mass. - The pain and swelling would usually involve the testicle/epididymis itself, accompanied by fever, and is less likely to present with the history of a mass existing **since birth**. *Testicular torsion* - Torsion usually presents with an extremely rapid onset of severe testicular pain without a history of a chronic mass, and often occurs due to inadequate fixation (**bell-clapper deformity**). - While painful, torsion involves the testicle and is generally diagnosed by absence of flow on **Doppler ultrasound**, unlike a hernia mass. *Incarcerated inguinal hernia* - An incarcerated hernia is irreducible because the contents are trapped, but the key differentiating factor is the lack of **vascular compromise**. - The presence of severe pain, tenderness, and redness (erythema) indicates progression beyond simple incarceration to **strangulation**, necessitating immediate intervention.

Q: Identify the type of suture?

Simple Interrupted suture. ***Simple Interrupted suture*** - The image displays multiple, separate sutures, each individually placed and tied, which is characteristic of the **simple interrupted** technique. - This is the most common suturing method, providing good **wound apposition** and allowing for selective removal of single sutures if a localized infection develops. *Vertical Mattress* - A **vertical mattress suture** involves a 'far-far, near-near' stitching pattern in a plane perpendicular to the wound, which is not depicted in the image. - This technique is specifically used for everting wound edges and closing wounds under tension, creating a different surface appearance. *Horizontal mattress* - A **horizontal mattress suture** runs parallel to the wound edge on the skin surface, creating a box-like stitch to distribute tension. - It is primarily used for wounds under high tension or for providing **hemostasis**, and its appearance is distinctly different from the simple loops shown. *Subcuticular suture* - A **subcuticular suture** is placed entirely within the dermis, leaving no visible suture material on the skin surface except for the entry and exit points. - This method is used for optimal cosmetic results, whereas the image clearly shows external knots for each individual stitch.

Question 1

A 34-year-old male undergoes an open appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The choice of incision was McBurney's incision. Postoperatively, after a few days, he presents with pain and bulging in the right lower quadrant, which is diagnosed as an indirect inguinal hernia. Which nerve injury during the appendectomy is most likely responsible for this complication?

Accepted Answer

Ilioinguinal nerve

Answer

Pudendal nerve

Answer

Genitofemoral nerve

Answer

Femoral nerve

Question 2

A 45-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department following a road traffic accident. O/E, he had multiple injuries all over his body and was found to be in class III hemorrhagic shock. The percentage of blood loss would be between:

Accepted Answer

30-40%

Answer

>40%

Answer

5-15%

Answer

15-30%

Question 3

A 20-year-old male presents to the outpatient department with a swelling on his wrist. He reports fluctuation in size, mild numbness in the hand, and occasional pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Ganglion cyst

Answer

Dermoid cyst

Answer

Lipoma

Answer

Hematoma

Question 4

A patient with dilated tortuous veins of the leg presented to the OPD and is diagnosed with varicose vein of grade C4a. What is the best preferred treatment?

Accepted Answer

Endothermal ablation

Answer

Non endothermal non tumescent ablation

Answer

Open surgery

Answer

Compression

Question 5

In a follow-up case of prostate cancer, what do we need to check?

Accepted Answer

PSA

Answer

Acid phosphatase

Answer

Alkaline phosphatase

Answer

Testosterone

Question 6

On examination, a person has distended neck veins, absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, and a shift of the trachea. What is the management?

Accepted Answer

Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS

Answer

Pericardiocentesis

Answer

Bedside CXR in casualty followed by chest tube insertion

Answer

Pleurodesis with doxycycline

Question 7

A patient presents with severe respiratory distress, hyperresonance and absent breath sounds on one side of the chest, distended neck veins, and tracheal shift away from the affected side. What is the best immediate management for this life-threatening condition?

Accepted Answer

Wide bore needle in 2nd ICS

Answer

Bedside CXR in casualty followed by chest tube insertion

Answer

Pleurodesis with doxycycline

Answer

Pericardiocentesis

Question 8

A 2-month-old male infant presents with a scrotal swelling that has been present since birth. Now, the swelling has become suddenly painful, red, and irreducible. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Strangulated inguinal hernia

Answer

Incarcerated inguinal hernia

Answer

Acute epididymo-orchitis

Answer

Testicular torsion

Question 9

A patient underwent split-thickness skin grafting for a burn injury on the arm. On post-operative day 6, he develops stiffness of the arm during physiotherapy. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Passive extension of the joint under direct visualization of the graft

Answer

Continue physiotherapy without intervention

Answer

Surgical excision of contracture

Answer

Remove the graft and regraft the area

Question 10

Identify the type of suture?

Accepted Answer

Simple Interrupted suture

Answer

Horizontal mattress

Answer

Vertical Mattress

Answer

Subcuticular suture

FMGE 2025 — Surgery