Paediatric surgery: oesophageal atresia work-up: 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 · Paediatric surgery: oesophageal atresia work-up

Sample item

A newborn with oesophageal atresia is being prepared for repair. Which investigation is essential before operation because it influences the surgical approach?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Echocardiography to define cardiac anomalies and the aortic arch side

Oesophageal atresia often occurs within VACTERL association, and congenital heart disease changes the anaesthetic risk. Echocardiography also shows the side of the aortic arch, since a right arch usually prompts a left-sided approach. Renal ultrasound and spinal imaging are part of the screen.

Option by option

  • A. Echocardiography to define cardiac anomalies and the aortic arch side (correct)

    Correct. Cardiac anomalies are common and the arch side determines the operative approach.

  • B. Bone scintigraphy

    Bone scintigraphy has no role before repair.

  • C. Electroencephalography

    EEG has no role in the preoperative work-up.

  • D. Renal angiography

    Renal angiography is not a screening test, and ultrasound is used for renal anomalies.

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 A, Echocardiography to define cardiac anomalies and the aortic arch side. Oesophageal atresia often occurs within VACTERL association, and congenital heart disease changes the anaesthetic risk.

Why is "Bone scintigraphy" not the answer?

Bone scintigraphy has no role before repair.

Why is "Electroencephalography" not the answer?

EEG has no role in the preoperative work-up.

Why is "Renal angiography" not the answer?

Renal angiography is not a screening test, and ultrasound is used for renal anomalies.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric surgery: oesophageal atresia work-up in General Surgery. Echocardiography also shows the side of the aortic arch, since a right arch usually prompts a left-sided approach. Renal ultrasound and spinal imaging are part of the screen.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Paediatric surgery: oesophageal atresia work-up?

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.