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Esophagus MCQs
Q1. A 70-year-old male presents with Zenker's diverticulum and requires open surgery. What is the usual incision for surgery?
Correct Answer: Left Cervical
Zenker's diverticulum is a pulsion (false) diverticulum at Killian’s dehiscence (between cricopharyngeus & inferior constrictor).
- Caused by UES dysfunction and incoordination
- Most common esophageal diverticulum
- Endoscopic stapling or myotomy
- Open surgery: Esophagomyotomy + diverticulectomy via left cervical incision
- Salivary fistula (4–24%)
- Recurrence (2.5–20%)
Q2. In Transhiatal vs Transthoracic esophagectomy, the most common complication associated with THE is:
Correct Answer: Injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) carries a higher risk of RLN injury due to cervical dissection.
- Pulmonary complications are more common in transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE).
- Anastomotic leak rate is slightly lower in THE (7.6%) than TTE (9.4%).
- Less operative blood loss
- Reduced pulmonary complications
- Stapled anastomosis lowers leak rate (~3%)
Q3. Which is the most disabling complication after three-field esophagectomy?
Correct Answer: Bronchorrhoea
Three-field esophagectomy involves cervical, mediastinal, and abdominal lymphadenectomy.
- Most disabling complication is severe bronchorrhoea due to airway injury or tracheobronchial irritation.
- Can lead to poor pulmonary hygiene and prolonged ICU stay.
Q4. What is the most common complication after esophagectomy?
Correct Answer: Pulmonary collapse and consolidation
- Pulmonary complications (atelectasis, pneumonia) occur in up to 32.8% of cases.
- Followed by arrhythmias and RLN injuries.
- Common due to prolonged anesthesia, thoracic manipulation, and reduced lung expansion post-op.
Q5. What is the most important investigation for preoperative evaluation of extensive corrosive stricture?
Correct Answer: Endoscopic ultrasound
- Endoscopy with EUS helps evaluate depth of wall involvement and extent of stricture.
- Barium only shows luminal narrowing but not wall damage.
- EUS is crucial for planning resection vs. bypass.