Q) Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) of varicose veins is best suited for patients:
A. With needle phobia B. With thrombophlebitis C. With excessive tortuosity of the vein D. With primary varicose veins
Ans d
EVLA is thermal ablation of varicose veins in which laser fiber is inserted in the lumen and ablation is done from inside. It is a good modality for primary and recurrent varicose veins and work in both long and short segments.
This treatment is not effective in cases where there is needle phobia or the veins are having excessive tortuousity or thrombophlebitis. This procedure is done under ultrasound guidance and wire is passed from the superficial to the deep veins.
Tumescent means swollen or distended, typically due to the infiltration of fluid.
It refers to the injection of a large volume of dilute local anesthetic solution (usually lidocaine with epinephrine and saline) into subcutaneous tissue.
This causes the tissue to swell or become turgid (tumescent).
In procedures like endovenous thermal ablation:
Tumescent solution:
Compresses the vein to improve contact with the ablation device.
Separates the vein from surrounding structures (like nerves or skin).
Acts as a thermal insulator (heat sink) to prevent collateral damage.
Tumescent local anesthesia also helps
A. Needle phobia – EVLA requires multiple needle sticks (tumescent anesthesia), making this option inappropriate.
B. Thrombophlebitis – Active inflammation or thrombosis is a relative contraindication to EVLA.
C. Excess tortuosity – Makes catheter navigation difficult; EVLA is less suitable.
D. Primary varicose veins – Ideal candidates, especially with straight vein anatomy and valvular incompetence.
Q) A young 18 years old unrestrained car driver has an head on collision with a truck and becomes unconscious. He is intubated on the site of accident and resuscitated with IV fluids. He is brought to the emergency in a state of shock,( BP 90/60 and pulse 120/min) but opens eyes on commands. On examination he does not have pallor but neck veins are distended.
There are no signs suggestive of head or spine injury. Xray chest reveals normal cardiac chambers, no free gas and mild pleural effusion on left with no evidence of fracture ribs.
What will be the next step of management
a) Resuscitation and simultaneous CT thorax
b) Resuscitation and simultaneous Echo cardiography
📘 Theme: Breast Surgery – DCIS (NEET SS / MCh / FMAS High Yield)
Clinical Breast Surgery MCQ
According to the RTOG 9804 trial, which of the following criteria defined a favourable (good-risk) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)?
A. Less than 3.5 cm in size with a 2 mm free resection margin
B. Less than 2.5 cm in size with a 2 mm free resection margin
C. Less than 3 cm in size with a 3 mm free resection margin
D. Less than 2.5 cm in size with a 3 mm free resection margin
Answer: D. Less than 2.5 cm in size with a 3 mm free resection margin
Explanation
The RTOG 9804 trial evaluated radiotherapy in patients with good-risk DCIS treated with breast-conserving surgery. Eligible patients had low- or intermediate-grade DCIS measuring ≤2.5 cm with surgical margins of at least 3 mm. These criteria were used to define favourable DCIS.
Why other options are incorrect
A: Tumour size criterion was not 3.5 cm.
B: A 2 mm margin did not meet the RTOG 9804 eligibility requirement.
C: The size cutoff was ≤2.5 cm, not 3 cm.
High-yield teaching points
RTOG 9804 enrolled patients with "good-risk" DCIS.
Eligibility required DCIS ≤2.5 cm and margins ≥3 mm.
The study demonstrated a reduction in ipsilateral breast recurrence with radiotherapy.
RTOG 9804 is frequently cited when discussing omission of radiotherapy in selected low-risk DCIS patients.