Surgical Anatomy
What is the largest organ in the human body?
The skin
What is the first step before every surgical procedure?
Hand washing / surgical scrub. It removes microorganisms and prevents infection.
What is the classic symptom of appendicitis
Periumbilical pain → RLQ pain (migration)
What electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen after massive blood transfusion?
Hypocalcemia. Citrate in stored blood chelates calcium.
What was the first organ successfully transplanted in humans?
Kidney. Performed in 1954 between identical twins by Dr. Joseph Murray.
Where is the appendix located?
Right lower quadrant
Whats a Laparoscopy
minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to view and operate inside the abdomen and pelvis through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments.
What does Murphy’s sign indicate?
Acute cholecystitis. Inspiratory arrest when palpating RUQ due to inflamed gallbladder contacting examiner’s hand.
What is the most common cause of wound infection after abdominal surgery?
Staphylococcus aureus. Infection causes redness, warmth, and purulent drainage.
Where does the word "Surgery" come from?
Greek "cheirourgia" mening "hand work"
Which artery is most commonly palpated to check the pulse at the wrist?
Radial artery
In suturing, what is the advantage of an interrupted stitch compared to a continuous one?
If one stitch fails, the entire wound doesn’t open. Provides greater wound security and tension control.
What is the common surgical treatment for gallstones causing pain or infection?
Cholecystectomy. Surgical removal of the gallbladder (often laparoscopic).
What causes postoperative pneumonia?
Poor lung expansion or aspiration. Common in elderly or immobilized patients.
What was the first anesthetic used publicly?
Ether
What is the name of the tough outermost layer covering the brain and spinal cord?
Dura mater. It’s the most external of the meninges (dura, arachnoid, pia).
What do surgeons use to stop bleeding from small vessels?
Hemostat / Kelly clamp
What is the emergency surgical condition where the intestine twists on itself?
Volvulus. Causes obstruction and ischemia of the bowel.
Describe the difference between evisceration and dehiscence.
Dehiscence: wound separation of fascial layers.
Evisceration: bowel or viscera protrude through the wound.
What does “STAT” mean on a surgical order?
Immediately. From the Latin statim.
Name the anatomic borders of the Calot’s triangle.
Cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and inferior surface of the liver. (Important for identifying cystic artery during cholecystectomy.)
What color is the sterile surgical gown usually?
Blue or green. Helps reduce glare and eye strain under operating lights.
A patient presents with severe chest pain radiating to the back and widened mediastinum on CXR. What’s the likely diagnosis and initial management step?
Aortic dissection. Immediate BP control with IV β-blocker (e.g., labetalol) and emergent surgical consultation.
A patient develops calf pain and swelling a few days after surgery. What is the likely complication?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Caused by immobility
What is the oldest known surgical procedure, found in ancient skulls?
Trepanation. Which was drilling holes in the skull to relieve pressure or “release spirits.”