Chapter 14 General Surgery Flashcard

Front

Which anatomical area is associated with a direct hernia?

Back

Hesselbach’s triangle

Answer explanation

A direct hernia occurs through Hesselbach’s triangle, which is defined by the inguinal ligament, the inferior epigastric vessels, and the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle. This area is crucial for understanding hernia formation.

Front

What is the primary cause of a direct hernia?

Back

Acquired factors such as heavy lifting

Answer explanation

The primary cause of a direct hernia is often due to acquired factors such as heavy lifting, which increase abdominal pressure and can lead to the development of a hernia. Congenital defects are more associated with indirect hernias.

Front

Which surgical stitch is used to invert the appendiceal stump during an open appendectomy?

Back

Purse-string stitch

Answer explanation

The purse-string stitch is specifically designed to invert the appendiceal stump during an open appendectomy, effectively closing the stump and preventing leakage.

Front

The Babcock instrument is primarily used for manipulating which of the following? Bone, Skin, Bowel, appendix, or other tubular structures, Blood vessels

Back

Bowel, appendix, or other tubular structures

Answer explanation

The Babcock instrument is specifically designed for grasping and manipulating tubular structures such as the bowel and appendix, making 'Bowel, appendix, or other tubular structures' the correct choice.

Front

Which of the following is NOT removed during the Whipple procedure?

• Part of the stomach
• Duodenum
• Entire pancreas
• Gallbladder

Back

Entire pancreas

Answer explanation

The Whipple procedure removes the duodenum, part of the stomach, and the gallbladder, but it does not remove the entire pancreas. Instead, a portion of the pancreas is preserved.

Front

What is the main advantage of using a median or midline incision in abdominal surgery?

Back

Rapid access to the abdomen

Answer explanation

The main advantage of a median or midline incision is rapid access to the abdomen, allowing surgeons to quickly reach the necessary organs or structures for intervention.

Front

Which incision is most likely to herniate due to lack of muscle strength to suture?

Back

Median or midline incision

Answer explanation

The median or midline incision is most likely to herniate due to its location along the linea alba, where there is less muscle strength to support sutures compared to other incisions, making it more prone to complications.

Front

Which structure is NOT typically manipulated with a Babcock instrument? Options: Appendix, Bowel, Skin, Other tubular structures

Back

Skin

Answer explanation

The Babcock instrument is primarily used for manipulating structures like the bowel and other tubular structures. Skin is not typically manipulated with this instrument, making it the correct answer.

Front

Which of the following is a direct acquired cause of a direct hernia?

• Heavy lifting
• Birth defect
• Viral infection
• Poor nutrition

Back

Heavy lifting

Answer explanation

Heavy lifting is a direct acquired cause of a direct hernia as it increases abdominal pressure, leading to the potential for tissue to protrude through weak spots in the abdominal wall.

Front

During an open appendectomy, what is the purpose of inverting the appendiceal stump with a purse-string stitch?

Back

To reduce the risk of stump leakage

Answer explanation

Inverting the appendiceal stump with a purse-string stitch helps to reduce the risk of stump leakage by ensuring that the cut end of the appendix is securely closed, preventing any intestinal contents from leaking into the abdominal cavity.