Gastrointestinal surgery: Gastrografin in small bowel obstruction: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Surgery · Gastrointestinal surgery: Gastrografin in small bowel obstruction

Sample item

A 60-year-old with previous laparotomy has adhesive small bowel obstruction with no peritonism and stable vitals after 48 hours of nasogastric decompression. Water-soluble contrast follow-through shows contrast in the colon at 24 hours. What does this indicate?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Likely resolution with non-operative management

Arrival of water-soluble contrast in the colon within 24 hours predicts resolution without surgery. It may itself be therapeutic through osmotic effect. Failure to reach the colon predicts need for operation.

Option by option

  • A. Closed loop obstruction

    Closed loop obstruction would not allow free passage and often shows ischaemic features.

  • B. Need for urgent laparotomy

    Operation is indicated with peritonism, ischaemia or failed contrast passage.

  • C. Complete obstruction

    Contrast passing distally argues against complete obstruction.

  • D. Likely resolution with non-operative management (correct)

    Correct. Colonic contrast at 24 hours favours resolution.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is D, Likely resolution with non-operative management. Arrival of water-soluble contrast in the colon within 24 hours predicts resolution without surgery.

Why is "Closed loop obstruction" not the answer?

Closed loop obstruction would not allow free passage and often shows ischaemic features.

Why is "Need for urgent laparotomy" not the answer?

Operation is indicated with peritonism, ischaemia or failed contrast passage.

Why is "Complete obstruction" not the answer?

Contrast passing distally argues against complete obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal surgery: Gastrografin in small bowel obstruction in General Surgery. It may itself be therapeutic through osmotic effect. Failure to reach the colon predicts need for operation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Gastrointestinal surgery: Gastrografin in small bowel obstruction?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.