NEET MDS Lessons
General Surgery
Types of Head Injury
1. Extradural Hematoma (EDH)
Overview
- Demographics: Most common in young male patients.
- Association: Always associated with skull fractures.
- Injured Vessel: Middle meningeal artery.
- Common Site of Injury: Temporal bone at the pterion (the thinnest part of the skull), which overlies the middle meningeal artery.
- Location of Hematoma: Between the bone and the dura mater.
Other Common Sites
- Frontal fossa
- Posterior fossa
- May occur following disruption of major dural venous sinus.
Classical Presentation
- Initial Injury: Followed by a lucid interval where the patient may only complain of a headache.
- Deterioration: After minutes to hours, rapid
deterioration occurs, leading to:
- Contralateral hemiparesis
- Reduced consciousness level
- Ipsilateral pupillary dilatation (due to herniation)
Imaging
- CT Scan: Shows a lentiform (lens-shaped or biconvex) hyperdense lesion between the brain and skull.
Treatment
- Surgical Intervention: Immediate surgical evacuation via craniotomy.
- Mortality Rate: Overall mortality is 18% for all cases of EDH, but only 2% for isolated EDH.
2. Acute Subdural Hematoma (ASDH)
Overview
- Location: Accumulates in the space between the dura and arachnoid.
- Injury Mechanism: Associated with cortical vessel disruption and brain laceration.
- Primary Brain Injury: Often associated with primary brain injury.
Presentation
- Consciousness: Impaired consciousness from the time of impact.
Imaging
- CT Scan: Appears hyperdense, with hematoma spreading diffusely and having a concavo-convex appearance.
Treatment
- Surgical Intervention: Evacuation via craniotomy.
- Mortality Rate: Approximately 40%.
3. Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH)
Overview
- Demographics: Most common in patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
- History: Often follows a minor head injury weeks to months prior.
- Pathology: Due to the tear of bridging veins leading to ASDH, which is clinically silent. As the hematoma breaks down, it increases in volume, causing mass effect on the underlying brain.
Clinical Features
- Symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Cognitive decline
- Focal neurological deficits (FND)
- Seizures
- Important to exclude endocrine, hypoxic, and metabolic causes in this group.
Imaging
- CT Scan Appearance:
- Acute blood (0–10 days): Hyperdense
- Subacute blood (10 days to 2 weeks): Isodense
- Chronic (> 2 weeks): Hypodense
Treatment
- Surgical Intervention: Bur hole evacuation rather than craniotomy.
- Anesthesia: Elderly patients can often undergo surgery under local anesthesia, despite comorbidities.
4. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
Overview
- Causes: Most commonly due to aneurysms for spontaneous SAH, but trauma is the most common cause overall.
- Management: Conservative treatment is often employed for trauma cases.
5. Cerebral Contusions
Overview
- Definition: Bruising of the brain tissue due to trauma.
- Mechanism: Often occurs at the site of impact (coup) and the opposite side (contrecoup).
- Symptoms: Can range from mild confusion to severe neurological deficits depending on the extent of the injury.
Imaging
- CT Scan: May show areas of low attenuation (hypodense) or high attenuation (hyperdense) depending on the age of the contusion.
Treatment
- Management: Depends on the severity and associated injuries; may require surgical intervention if there is significant mass effect.
Excision of Lesions Involving the Jaw Bone
When excising lesions involving the jaw bone, various terminologies are used to describe the specific techniques and outcomes of the procedures.
1. Enucleation
- Enucleation refers to the separation of a lesion from the bone while preserving bone continuity. This is achieved by removing the lesion along an apparent tissue or cleavage plane, which is often defined by an encapsulating or circumscribing connective tissue envelope derived from the lesion or surrounding bone.
- Key Characteristics:
- The lesion is contained within a defined envelope.
- Bone continuity is maintained post-excision.
2. Curettage
- Curettage involves the removal of a lesion from the bone by scraping, particularly when the lesion is friable or lacks an intact encapsulating tissue envelope. This technique may result in the removal of some surrounding bone.
- Key Characteristics:
- Indicates the inability to separate the lesion along a distinct tissue plane.
- May involve an inexact or immeasurable thickness of surrounding bone.
- If a measurable margin of bone is removed, it is termed "resection without continuity defect."
3. Marsupialization
- Marsupialization is a surgical procedure that involves the exteriorization of a lesion by removing overlying tissue to expose its internal surface. This is done by excising a portion of the lesion bordering the oral cavity or another body cavity.
- Key Characteristics:
- Multicompartmented lesions are rendered unicompartmental.
- The lesion is clinically cystic, and the excised tissue may include bone and/or overlying mucosa.
4. Resection Without Continuity Defect
- This term describes the excision of a lesion along with a measurable perimeter of investing bone, without interrupting bone continuity. The anatomical relationship allows for the removal of the lesion while preserving the integrity of the bone.
- Key Characteristics:
- Bone continuity is maintained.
- Adjacent soft tissue may be included in the resection.
5. Resection With Continuity Defect
- This involves the excision of a lesion that results in a defect in the continuity of the bone. This is often associated with more extensive resections.
- Key Characteristics:
- Bone continuity is interrupted.
- May require reconstruction or other interventions to restore function.
6. Disarticulation
- Disarticulation is a special form of resection that involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and results in a continuity defect.
- Key Characteristics:
- Involves the removal of the joint and associated structures.
- Results in loss of continuity in the jaw structure.
7. Recontouring
- Recontouring refers to the surgical reduction of the size and/or shape of the surface of a bony lesion or bone part. The goal is to reshape the bone to conform to the adjacent normal bone surface or to achieve an aesthetic result.
- Key Characteristics:
- May involve lesions such as bone hyperplasia, torus, or exostosis.
- Can be performed with or without complete eradication of the lesion (e.g., fibrous dysplasia).
SHOCK
Shock is defined as a pathological state causing inadequate oxygen delivery to the peripheral tissues and resulting in lactic acidosis, cellular hypoxia and disruption of normal metabolic condition.
CLASSIFICATION
Shock is generally classified into three major categories:
1. Hypovolemic shock
2. Cardiogenic shock
3. Distributive shock
Distributive shock is further subdivided into three subgroups:
a. Septic shock
b. Neurogenic shock
c. Anaphylactic shock
Hypovolemic shock is present when marked reduction in oxygen delivery results from diminished cardiac output secondary to inadequate vascular volume. In general, it results from loss of fluid from circulation, either directly or indirectly.
e.g. ? Hemorrhage
• Loss of plasma due to burns
• Loss of water and electrolytes in diarrhea
• Third space loss (Internal fluid shift into inflammatory exudates in
the peritoneum, such as in pancreatitis.)
Cardiogenic shock is present when there is severe reduction in oxygen delivery secondary to impaired cardiac function. Usually it is due to myocardial infarction or pericardial tamponade.
Septic Shock (vasogenic shock) develops as a result of the systemic effect of infection. It is the result of a septicemia with endotoxin and exotoxin release by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Despite normal or increased cardiac output and oxygen delivery, cellular oxygen consumption is less than normal due to impaired extraction as a result of impaired metabolism.
Neurogenic shock results primarily from the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system which may be due to pain or loss of sympathetic tone, as in spinal cord injuries.
PATHO PHYSIOLOGY OF SHOCK
Shock stimulates a physiologic response. This circulatory response to hypotension is to conserve perfusion to the vital organs (heart and brain) at the expense of other tissues. Progressive vasoconstriction of skin, splanchnic and renal vessels leads to renal cortical necrosis and acute renal failure. If not corrected in time, shock leads to organ failure and sets up a vicious circle with hypoxia and acidosis.
CLINICAL FEATURES
The clinical presentation varies according to the cause. But in general patients with hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion presents with:
• Tachycardia
• Feeble pulse
• Narrow pulse pressure
• Cold extremities (except septic shock)
• Sweating, anxiety
• Breathlessness / Hyperventilation
• Confusion leading to unconscious state
PATHO PHYSIOLOGY OF SHOCK
Shock stimulates a physiologic response. This circulatory response to hypotension is to conserve perfusion to the vital organs (heart and brain) at the expense of other tissues. Progressive vasoconstriction of skin, splanchnic and renal vessels leads to renal cortical necrosis and acute renal failure. If not corrected in time, shock leads to organ failure and sets up a vicious circle with hypoxia and acidosis.
CLINICAL FEATURES
The clinical presentation varies according to the cause. But in general patients with hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion presents with:
• Tachycardia
• Feeble pulse
• Narrow pulse pressure
• Cold extremities (except septic shock)
• Sweating, anxiety
• Breathlessness / Hyperventilation
• Confusion leading to unconscious state
Suture Materials
Sutures are essential in surgical procedures for wound closure and tissue approximation. Various types of sutures are available, each with unique properties, advantages, and applications. Below is a summary of some commonly used suture materials, including chromic catgut, polypropylene, polyglycolic acid, and polyamide (nylon).
1. Chromic Catgut
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Description:
- Chromic catgut is a natural absorbable suture made from collagen derived from the submucosa of sheep intestines or the serosa of beef cattle intestines. It is over 99% pure collagen.
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Absorption Process:
- The absorption of chromic catgut occurs through enzymatic digestion by proteolytic enzymes, which are derived from lysozymes contained within polymorphonuclear leukocytes (polymorphs) and macrophages.
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Absorption Rate:
- The absorption rate depends on the size of the suture and whether it is plain or chromicized. Typically, absorption is completed within 60-120 days.
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Applications:
- Commonly used in soft tissue approximation and ligation, particularly in areas where a temporary support is needed.
2. Polypropylene (Proline)
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Description:
- Polypropylene is a synthetic monofilament suture made from a purified and dyed polymer.
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Properties:
- It has an extremely high tensile strength, which it retains indefinitely after implantation. Polypropylene is non-biodegradable, meaning it does not break down in the body.
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Applications:
- Ideal for use in situations where long-term support is required, such as in vascular surgery, hernia repairs, and other procedures where permanent sutures are beneficial.
3. Polyglycolic Acid
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Description:
- Polyglycolic acid is a synthetic absorbable suture formed by linking glycolic acid monomers to create a polymer.
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Properties:
- It is known for its predictable absorption rate and is commonly used in various surgical applications.
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Applications:
- Frequently used in soft tissue approximation, including in gastrointestinal and gynecological surgeries, where absorbable sutures are preferred.
4. Polyamide (Nylon)
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Description:
- Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, is a synthetic non-absorbable suture that is chemically extruded and generally available in monofilament form.
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Properties:
- Nylon sutures have a low coefficient of friction, making passage through tissue easy. They also elicit minimal tissue reaction.
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Applications:
- Used in a variety of surgical procedures, including skin closure, where a strong, durable suture is required.
Cardiovascular Effects of Sevoflurane, Halothane, and Isoflurane
- Sevoflurane:
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Maintains cardiac index and heart rate effectively.
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Exhibits less hypotensive and negative inotropic effects compared to halothane.
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Cardiac output is greater than that observed with halothane.
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Recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia is smooth and comparable to isoflurane, with a shorter time to standing than halothane.
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- Halothane:
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Causes significant decreases in mean arterial pressure, ejection fraction, and cardiac index.
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Heart rate remains at baseline levels, but overall cardiovascular function is depressed.
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Recovery from halothane is less favorable compared to sevoflurane and isoflurane.
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- Isoflurane:
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Preserves cardiac index and ejection fraction better than halothane.
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Increases heart rate while having less suppression of mean arterial pressure compared to halothane.
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Cardiac output during isoflurane anesthesia is similar to that of sevoflurane, indicating a favorable cardiovascular profile.
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1 Cellulitis: a non-suppurative inflammation of subcutaneous tissue, extending along connective tissue planes and across intercellular spaces.
Spreading inflammation in the tissue planes is called cellulitis. There is wide spread swelling, redness and pain without definite localization.
Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.. If general condition of the patient is undermined, as in diabetes, cellulitis spreads rapidly and leads to Septicemia (infection in the blood).Redness, itching and stiffness is present in the site of inoculation (where the bacteria enter the skin), local Gangrene (death of the tissue) may occur. The appearance of skin creases or wrinkles, indicates resolution (healing).
Treatment
1. Rest , Appropriate antibiotics.
Cellulitis of the neck: Is a complication of wounds tonsillitis or mastoiditis Ludwig’s angina is the term applied to sub-maxillary cellulitis. The two dangers of cervical cellulitis are:
1. Oedema of glottis - with possible asphyxia (respiratory obstructon )
2. Mediastinitis - In ludwig’s angina the floor of the mouth become oedematous. The tongue can be seen displaced, turned upwards by swelling and oedema. The patient is unable to close the mouth owing to oedema of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. This can also CCC when the tongue is bitten by a wasp.
Ludwig’s angina: Ludwig - characterized by a brawny (non pitting) swelling of the sub-mandibular region, corn with inflammatory oedema of the mouth. It is the combined cervical and intrabuccal signs that constitute the characteristic feature of the lesion. The cause of the condition is virulent, usually streptococcal infection of the cellular tissue surrounding the sub-mandibular salivary gland.
Clinical features
The swollen tongue is pushed towards the palate and forwards through the open mouth, while the cellulitis extends down the neck.
The most dangerous plane, is deep to the deep fascia.
Ludwig’s angina is an infection of closed fascial space and if .untreated, the inflammatory exudate often passes via, the tunnel occupied by stylohyhoid to the submucosa of glottis, in which event the patient is in immediate danger of death from oedema of the glottis.
Treatment
1. antibiotics on Early Diagnosis
2. In cases where the swelling, both cervical and intrabuccal, does not subside rapidly with such treatment, a curved incision, beneath the jaw is made and this decompresses the closed fascial space. The incision is deepened and after displacing the superficial lobe of the sub-mandibular salivary gland, the mylohyoid muscle are divided. This decompresses the closed fascjal space referred to. The wound is lightly sutured and drained. The operation can be conducted with greatest safety under local anaesthesia.
Bacteraemia and Septicemia
Bacteraemia and septicaemia means the organisms are present in the blood. Clinical features are those of severe infection and shock: , Pyrexia is intermittent , Rigors , Jaundice is due to liver damage, Acute renal failure may occur , Peripheral circulatory failure, lntravascular coagulation indicates a fatal outcome
causative focus found and treated surgically .g., Appendicetomy in perforated appendix
2. Blood culture taken
3. Broad spectrum antibiotic is given
4. Blood transfusion is given.
5. Injection hydrocortisone is given.
Pyaemia
Pyaemia is due to infected emboli circulating in blood stream. Pyaemia is characterized by: -
1. Rigors
2. Intermittent fever
3. Formation of abscess in vital organs like heart or brain.
Treatment
1. Is to prevent emboli reaching the blood stream
2. Broad spectrum antibiotic is given.
3. Abscess are incised and drained
If not treated portal pyaemia with multiple abscesses in liver occur, which is a dangerous condition.
Acute Abscess : An abscess a collection of pus.
Bacteria which cause pus formation is called pyogenic organisms. Bacteria reach the infected area by:
1. Direct route: eg. Penetrating wound
Local extension: From adjacent focus of infection
2 Lymphatics
4. Blood stream
Pyogenic membrane surrounds the abscess and is infiltration with (leukocytes and bacteria.
Pus: Pus contains dead leukocytes and bacteria. It reaches the surface of the body or is discharged into a hollow viscous.
Symptoms: patient feels ill., Throbbing pain is characteristic of suppuration. Pain becomes more severe in the dependent position. E.g. infected finger,
Classical signs
Temperature is elevated , Rigors, inflammation
Fluctuation: Present in the later stages, and reveals the presence of pus. Prevention
1. An abscess can sometimes be aborted by antibiotics in the early stage.,. Rest, Elevation of the affected part.
Treatment
Is incision and drainage of abscess
Hilton’s method of opening an abscess:
It is used where important anatomical structures like the blood vessels and nerves are preesnt, as in the neck, axilla and groin. The skin and superficial fascia is incised. A sinus forceps is thrust into the abscess cavity. The blades are opened and the pus is drained. A gloved finger is introduced and loculi are broken. A ribbon gauze is lightly packed and antibiotics are given. This is done under surface anaesthesia i.e., ethyl chloride spray.
Antibioma
If antibiotic is given the pus in the abscess frequently becomes sterile and a large brawny edematous swelling remains which takes many weeks to resolve.
Treatment: explore the mass with a wide-bore aspirating needle
Most antibiornas are due to late, inadequate, and ineffective antibiotics.
CANCRUM ORIS
Is an infective gangrene of cheek and lip.
may occur as a complication of kala azar, enteric fever and children with poor oral hygiene.
The lesion starts as an acute inflammatory patch on oral mucosa which is seen ulcerated.
The affected part of the cheek or the lip gradually becomes gangrenous.
Focal vascular thrombosis and sepesis occur.
When slough separates, a part of the cheek or lip sloughs out to form a buccal fistula with ugly deformity. The adjacent jaw may be infected too.
Various organisms are found - specially Fusiform bacillus and_Borrellia vincenti.
The foetid odour, gangrenous patch of cheek or lip, purulent discharge from the mouth, fever and toxaemia are the characteristic features. The patient is unable to open the mouth properly.
Treatment
1. Antibiotics, multivitamins and repeated mouth washes
2 Neostibamine in kala-azar. Sequestrectomy in chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible.
4. Plastic reconstruction of the lip or cheek for unsightly deformity undertaken.
CARBUNCLE
Is an infective gangrene of the subcutaneous tissue. It is due to staphylococcal aureus infection. It is uncommon before the age of 40. Males are the usual sufferers. Diabetes may be present. It often occurs on the nape of the neck.
Clinical features
Subcutaneous tissue becomes painful and indurated. Ove skin is red. Unless treated promptly, extension will occur and late softening. The skin gives way and thick pus and slough are discharged.
Usually, there is one central large slough, surrounded by smaller areas of necrosis. Infection extends widely and fresh openings appear
Treatment
1. Many carbuncles are aborted, if penicillin is used adequately in the early stage.
2. Local treatment consists of hygroscopic dressings being given ie. magsulph-glycerin dressing Later the carbuncle is excised with a cruciate incision.
3. If the gap is large and when the granulation tissue comes to the surface, skin grafting is done.
Neuromuscular Blockers in Cardiac Anesthesia
In patient on β-blockers, the choice of neuromuscular blockers (NMBs) is critical due to their potential cardiovascular effects. Here’s a detailed analysis of the implications of using fentanyl and various NMBs, particularly focusing on vecuronium and its effects.
Key Points on Fentanyl and β-Blockers
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Fentanyl:
- Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that can cause bradycardia due to its vagolytic activity. While it has minimal hemodynamic effects, the bradycardia it induces can be problematic, especially in patients already on β-blockers, which reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
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β-Blockers:
- These medications reduce heart rate and blood pressure, which can compound the bradycardic effects of fentanyl. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to the choice of additional medications that may further depress cardiac function.
Vecuronium
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Effects:
- Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that has minimal cardiovascular side effects when used alone. However, it can potentiate decreases in heart rate and cardiac index when administered after fentanyl.
- The absence of positive chronotropic effects (unlike pancuronium) means that vecuronium does not counteract the bradycardia induced by fentanyl, leading to a higher risk of significant bradycardia and hypotension.
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Vagal Tone:
- Vecuronium may enhance vagal tone, further predisposing patients to bradycardia. This is particularly concerning in patients on β-blockers, as the combination can lead to compounded cardiac depression.
Comparison with Other Neuromuscular Blockers
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Pancuronium:
- Vagolytic Action: Pancuronium has vagolytic properties that can help attenuate bradycardia and support blood pressure. It is often preferred in cardiac anesthesia for its more favorable hemodynamic profile compared to vecuronium.
- Tachycardia: While it can induce tachycardia, this effect may be mitigated in patients on β-blockers, which can blunt the tachycardic response.
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Atracurium:
- Histamine Release: Atracurium can release histamine, leading to hemodynamic changes such as increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. These effects can be minimized by slow administration of small doses.
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Rocuronium:
- Minimal Hemodynamic Effects: Rocuronium is generally associated with a lack of significant cardiovascular side effects, although occasional increases in heart rate have been noted.
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Cis-Atracurium:
- Cardiovascular Stability: Cis-atracurium does not have cardiovascular effects and does not release histamine, making it a safer option in terms of hemodynamic stability.