MS General Surgery FAQs

Paper I covers basic surgical science — anatomy, physiology, pathology, perioperative principles, nutrition, and oncology. Short notes and long essays on applied anatomy and physiology are the dominant formats.

Must-Study Topics — Paper I

Shock — classification, pathophysiology & management

Asked 4× — Hot Septic, haemorrhagic, vasovagal all asked. Core emergency topic.

Metabolic response to injury — Ebb & Flow phases

Asked 4× — Hot Mediators, avoidable factors, ebb–flow model

Surgical anatomy of liver — Couinaud classification

Asked 3× — Hot Segmental anatomy, relevance in liver resections

Pancreatic function tests & CT severity index

Asked 2× — Hot HPB cornerstone. Balthazar CT score for pancreatitis

Enterohepatic circulation

Frequent Core physiology. Asked with bile secretion & gallbladder function

Arterial & lymphatic supply of stomach

Asked 4× — Hot Applied to D2 gastrectomy & lymph node stations

Surgical anatomy of rectum & anal canal

Asked 5× — Hot TME planes, sphincters, anorectal malformations

Necrotising fasciitis & Fournier’s gangrene

Asked 3× — Hot Etiopathogenesis, management — examiner’s pet short note

Tumour markers in malignancy

Asked 4× — Hot Short note essential. All specialties

TPN & enteral nutrition — indications, complications

Asked 5× — Hot Frequently asked. Routes, refeeding syndrome, intestinal failure

Abdominal compartment syndrome — pathophysiology & management

Asked 5× — Frequent ICU/emergency relevance

Surgical audit — definition, steps, significance

Asked 8× — Frequent Ethics & management topic. WHO checklist

ARDS — pathophysiology & management

Frequent Berlin definition, ventilator strategies

Preoperative optimisation — obstructive jaundice & pheochromocytoma

Asked 7× — Hot Core viva topic. Alpha-blockade for phaeochromocytoma

Wound healing & NPWT

Asked 2× — Frequent Phases, factors, NPWT mechanism & uses

Detailed Topic List — Paper I

I. General Surgery — Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology

A. Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB)

Pancreatic function tests and their importance to surgeryAsked 2×
Arterial supply of gallbladder
Bile secretion and functions of gallbladder
Enterohepatic circulationAsked 2×
Surgical anatomy of liverAsked 2×
Couinaud classification of liver anatomy and relevance in liver resections
Surgical anatomy and blood supply of pancreas (especially head)Asked 2×
Gallbladder polyps
CT severity index in acute pancreatitis

B. Gastrointestinal Tract

Arterial supply of stomach
Lymphatic drainage of stomach and surgical significanceAsked 3×
Mechanisms preventing gastro-oesophageal reflux
Helicobacter pylori — history and surgical significance
Stages of management of enterocutaneous fistula; nutritional supplementation
Role of endoscopic ultrasound in GI surgery
Meckel’s diverticulum
Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

C. Anal Canal & Rectum

Sphincters of anal canal and clinical applications
Anatomical basis of fistula-in-ano
Surgical anatomy of rectum and relationship to rectal carcinomaAsked 2×
Surgical anatomy of anal canal
Development of rectum and anal canal; anorectal malformations

D. Spleen, Infections & Parasitology

Principles and complications of splenectomy
Functions of spleen and consequences of splenectomy
Necrotising fasciitis (etiopathogenesis, management, Fournier’s gangrene)Asked 2×
Ascaris lumbricoides — life cycle, clinical features, surgical importanceAsked 2×
Taenia solium — life cycle; prevention
MRSA infections and control
Hospital acquired infections
AIDS & Surgeon; pathology of AIDSAsked 2×
Echinococcus — life cycle, pathophysiology of cyst formation

II. Trauma, Shock & Resuscitation

Different patterns of shock and fluid resuscitation
Pathophysiology of haemorrhagic shock
Pathophysiology of septic shock and managementAsked 2×
Classification of shock; vasovagal, hypovolaemic shock
Goal-directed fluid therapy in perioperative period
ATLS — principles and important componentsAsked 2×
Damage Control Surgery in general surgical emergencyAsked 2×
Pathophysiology of head injury
Secondary brain injury in trauma
Management of blunt chest trauma
Zones of neck and penetrating injury management

III. Perioperative Care & Critical Illness

Discuss mediators of metabolic response to injuryAsked 2×
Avoidable factors compounding response to injury
Ebb & Flow model in metabolic response to injury
SIRS — short note
Preoperative preparation of obstructive jaundice & pheochromocytomaAsked 2×
ARDS — pathophysiology and management
Postoperative respiratory failure
Performance status — ECOG / Karnofsky scoringAsked 2×
Types of ventilatory support in critically ill patients
Blood transfusion reactions; massive blood transfusion
Pathophysiology of DIC and managementAsked 2×
Metabolic acidosis — mechanisms and correctionAsked 2×
Classify surgical wounds; surgical site infections
Types of haemorrhage and management of secondary haemorrhageAsked 2×

IV. Oncology & Surgical Pathology

Cancer genetics; inherited cancer syndromes (MEN I, Sipple)Asked 2×
Tumour markers in malignancyAsked 4×
TNM classification
PET-CT scan — principles and role in cancerAsked 4×
Principles of cancer prevention and early detection
Cutaneous malignant melanoma
Principles of combined chemotherapy in cancer
Renal cell carcinoma — pathophysiology, features, management

V. Surgical Anatomy (Applied)

Anatomy of scalp; neurovenous plane in parotid; facial nerve diagramAsked 2×
Surgical anatomy of salivary glands; submandibular glandAsked 2×
Anatomical basis of cleft lip and palate
Surgical anatomy of posterior triangle of neck
Lymph node levels in neck; central LN dissection in thyroid cancerAsked 2×
Subphrenic spaces and clinical significanceAsked 2×
Development and surgical anatomy of diaphragm
Venous drainage of lower limb and applied significance
Cervical ribAsked 2×
Anatomy of inguinal canal; laparoscopic anatomy of inguinal herniaAsked 2×
Loss of domain in ventral hernias — management optionsAsked 3×
Risk factors and prophylaxis against venous thrombosis
Pathophysiology of Buerger’s disease

VI. Nutrition

Indications and complications of parenteral nutrition (TPN)Asked 3×
Routes of enteral nutrition; advantages over TPNAsked 2×
Nutritional assessment of surgical patient; MUST toolAsked 2×
Indications of nutritional support in perioperative period
TPN intestinal failure

VII. Perioperative Management, Ethics & Safety

Surgical audit — planning, conduct, significanceAsked 8×
Universal precautions & post-exposure prophylaxis for HIVAsked 2×
WHO surgical safety checklistAsked 2×
Hand washing technique and role in infection control
Antibiotic prophylaxis in surgeryAsked 3×
Thromboprophylaxis in surgical patient
Bowel preparation methodsAsked 2×
Principles of laparoscopic surgery; common operative problemsAsked 2×
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)Asked 3×
Abdominal compartment syndrome — pathophysiology & managementAsked 6×
Evidence-based surgery — levels of evidence
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy — principles & indications
Principles of laparoscopic & robotic surgeryAsked 2×
Wound healing — mechanism, factors, NPWTAsked 2×
Pressure sores — staging & modern managementAsked 2×
Surgical simulation — concept and applications
MRI — strengths, weaknesses, evolving usesAsked 2×
Transplant rejection types & immunosuppressive therapyAsked 4×
Growth factors and application in surgery
Scaffold in tissue engineering

Paper II covers applied clinical surgery — trauma management, endocrine and breast surgery, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions, vascular surgery, paediatric surgery, and oncology principles. Mix of case-based and essay questions.

Must-Study Topics — Paper II

Polytrauma — primary & secondary survey algorithm

Asked 2× — Hot ATLS-based approach

Pheochromocytoma — perioperative management

Asked 7× — Hot Alpha-block → beta-block, intraop BP management

Thyroid — nodule, MNG, cancers, nodal dissection

Asked 3× — Hot Papillary, medullary, Graves’ disease

Breast cancer — early, LABC, axillary management

Asked 3× — Hot SLNB, ALND, oncoplastic principles

Flail chest — causes, presentation, management

Asked 6× — Hot Paradoxical respiration, ventilator support

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Asked 5× — Hot Intra-abdominal hypertension, decompressive laparotomy

Acute pancreatitis — causes, severity, management

Asked 5× — Hot Atlanta classification, Balthazar score, necrosectomy

Bile duct injuries — classification & management

Hot Strasberg/Bismuth, Indian guidelines

Varicose veins — minimally invasive management

Asked 7× — Frequent EVLT, CEAP classification, complications

Colorectal syndromes — FAP, Peutz–Jeghers

Frequent Genetic surveillance, surgical options

Incisional hernia — etiology & management

Asked 6× — Frequent Open vs laparoscopic, mesh choice

Primary hyperparathyroidism

Asked 4× — Frequent Causes, clinical features, focused parathyroidectomy

Detailed Topic List — Paper II

I. Trauma, Critical Care & General Principles

Triage and its role in trauma management
Algorithm of approach to polytrauma; primary and secondary surveyAsked 2×
Pre-hospital care in trauma; early care of the injured patientAsked 2×
Current status of volume replacement during trauma resuscitation
Causes of shock; management of septic shockAsked 2×
Flail chest / stove-in-chest — causes, managementAsked 6×
Tension pneumothorax — features, haemodynamic effects, treatment
Indications for emergency room thoracotomy
Blunt abdominal trauma & splenic injury managementAsked 2×
Abdominal compartment syndrome — etiopathogenesis & managementAsked 6×
Neck trauma zones and significanceAsked 2×
Burns — types, classification, management of 50% burnsAsked 3×
Necrotising soft tissue infections; Fournier’s gangreneAsked 2×
Antibiotic prophylaxis in clean and clean-contaminated surgeryAsked 3×
SSI prevention in colonic surgery
Various types of modern dressings in wound management
Stages of a bed sore and prevention
Post-operative fever and ileus managementAsked 2×

II. Endocrine & Breast Surgery

Clinical features and management of solitary thyroid nodule; MNGAsked 3×
Pathophysiology of Graves’ disease; management of hyperthyroidism
Thyroid cancer — papillary, medullary; nodal spread; anatomy of cervical nodesAsked 2×
Radioiodine therapy for benign and malignant thyroid disease
Causes, features, management of primary hyperparathyroidismAsked 4×
Preoperative evaluation and perioperative management of pheochromocytomaAsked 3×
Anatomy of adrenal glands
Diagnostic approach to suspected malignant breast lump
Management of early breast cancer
Locally advanced breast cancer; triple-negative breast cancerAsked 2×
Role of breast imaging in breast cancer
Evaluation and management of nipple dischargeAsked 3×
Surgical anatomy of axilla; significance of ALND
Role of SLNB in breast cancer; axillary reverse mappingAsked 2×
Oncoplastic breast surgery — principles & indicationsAsked 4×
Indications and surgical options for breast reconstructionAsked 2×
Fibroadenoma; hereditary breast cancer; BRCA counselling

III. Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary & Pancreas

Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula; malignant TEF managementAsked 2×
POEM vs laparoscopic cardiomyotomy in achalasia cardia
Complications and surgical management of peptic ulcer disease
Acute upper GI bleeding — bleeding duodenal ulcer management
Post-gastrectomy syndromes and management
Japanese classification of lymph node stations for gastric carcinoma
Adhesive small bowel obstruction — diagnosis, management, prevention
Intussusception in adults
Causes of neonatal obstruction and management
Colorectal trauma management
FAP syndrome — surgical optionsAsked 3×
Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
Bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgeryAsked 2×
Enterocutaneous fistulae — description, classification, broad managementAsked 3×
Various types of stomas and management of ileostomy
Appendicitis — diagnosis; non-operative management (evidence-based)Asked 2×
Causes, classifications, management of high fistula-in-anoAsked 2×
Pilonidal sinusAsked 5×
Diagnostic imaging in liver surgery; methods of haemostasis in liver surgery
Hydatid cyst — pathology, scolicidal agents
Hepato-renal syndrome and preparation of jaundiced patient for surgery
CBD stones management; pre-operative biliary drainageAsked 3×
Iatrogenic bile duct injuries — classification, outline managementAsked 4×
Acute pancreatitis — causes, severity stratification, classificationAsked 3×
Chronic pancreatitis — classification and surgical managementAsked 2×
Cystic tumours of pancreas — classification
Etiopathogenesis and management of pancreatic pseudocystAsked 3×
Principles of investigation and management of malignant pancreatic tumours

IV. Vascular, Urology & Miscellaneous

Acute limb ischaemia — features, treatment
Aortoiliac occlusive disease — management option
Principles of management of infrarenal aortic aneurysmAsked 2×
Buerger’s disease
Complications of varicose veins; minimally invasive managementAsked 7×
DVT — pathophysiology, features, prevention in pelvic surgeryAsked 4×
Minimally invasive approaches for renal stonesAsked 3×
Undescended testis managementAsked 2×
Testicular germ cell tumours — classification and managementAsked 2×
Carcinoma prostate — clinical presentation and management
Premalignant conditions of penis; carcinoma penis
Congenital diaphragmatic herniaAsked 2×
Complications of groin hernia; strangulated groin hernia managementAsked 2×
Etiology and management of incisional hernia
Umbilical hernia in cirrhosis and ascites

V. Oncology, Technology & Nutrition

Tumour markers and role in oncologyAsked 4×
Cell cycle phases; where cancer therapies act
Principles and role of targeted therapy in cancers
Monoclonal antibodies and surgical significance
PET scan — procedure, role in malignancies
Cutaneous malignant melanoma classification & SLNB
Extremity soft tissue sarcoma
Types of transplant rejection and immunosuppressantsAsked 4×
Role of laparoscopic surgery in abdominal cancers
ERAS in gastrointestinal surgeryAsked 3×
Sutures — properties of polypropylene, silk, polyglactin
TPN and complications
Indications and access for enteral nutrition
Nutritional management of short bowel syndrome
Calculation of calorie and protein requirements post-operatively
Obesity surgery — sleeve gastrectomy vs gastric bypassAsked 4×
Surgical ethics and legal issues concerning organ donation
Surgical audit (approach, planning, conduct)Asked 8×

Paper III is the operative surgery paper. Questions ask for steps, complications, and surgical decision-making across all surgical systems. The format is predominantly long essays. Priority: thyroidectomy, oesophagectomy, pheochromocytoma prep, perforated PU, TME, radical nephrectomy, parotidectomy, neck dissection.

Super High-Yield Operative Topics — Paper III

Total thyroidectomy — steps, pre- & post-op complications

Hot Asked virtually every paper

Pheochromocytoma — preoperative preparation & operative steps

Asked 7× — Hot High frequency — must know

Perforated peptic ulcer — surgical management

Asked 3× — Hot Most common GI viva/essay

Carcinoma oesophagus — transhiatal oesophagectomy (THE)

Asked 3× — Hot Steps, complications, outcomes

TME — total mesorectal excision

Asked 5× — Hot Indications, technique, outcomes

Radical nephrectomy; RCC with IVC thrombus

Asked 4× — Hot Examiner favourite

Superficial parotidectomy — steps & complications

Asked 5× — Hot Repeated every few years

Neck dissection — radical vs modified, incisions, complications

Hot 2–3 papers repeat this

Modified radical mastectomy — steps, complications

Asked 3× — Hot MRM + BCS indications

Radical cholecystectomy for GBC — incidental GBC management

Asked 3× — Hot High yield

Pancreatic pseudocyst — surgical options

Asked 3× — Hot Very frequent viva topic

Hydatid cyst liver — operative steps

Asked 3× — Frequent Scolicidal agents, PAIR vs surgery

Detailed Topic List — Paper III

1. Abdomen & General Surgery

Abdominal compartment syndrome — definition, diagnosis, managementAsked 6×
Bail-out laparotomy in acute abdomen — principles & components
Laparostomy — indications and management
Management of acute appendicitisAsked 2×
Surgical options in appendicular perforation
Diagnosis and management of RIF pain in 8-year-old girl
Below-knee amputation — steps and late complicationsAsked 3×
Splenectomy — elective vs emergency, steps, complications

2. Oesophagus

Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma 30 cm from incisors
Siewert type I GE junction tumour — procedureAsked 2×
Surgical options for carcinoma oesophagus; steps of THEAsked 3×
Indications of VATS and steps of thoracolaparoscopic oesophagectomy in prone position
Procedures for achalasia cardia; steps of Heller’s myotomy
Surgical options for enteral feeding in complete dysphagia

3. Stomach & Duodenum

Surgical management of perforated peptic ulcerAsked 5×
Surgery for carcinoma stomach in pyloric region & complicationsAsked 2×
Palliative procedures for advanced carcinoma stomachAsked 2×
Types of gastrectomy; steps of total gastrectomy
Lymphatic drainage of stomach; D2 gastrectomyAsked 3×
Surgical management of GERD
Types of pyloroplasty; techniques and outcomes
Surgical approach to duodenal perforation peritonitisAsked 2×

4. Small Intestine, Colon & Rectum

Acute mesenteric ischaemia — surgical managementAsked 2×
Sigmoid volvulus — management
Ileal perforation — approach and treatment
Extended right hemicolectomy in carcinoma hepatic flexure
Total mesorectal excision (TME) — indications, technique, outcomeAsked 5×
Low anterior resection — steps
Total proctocolectomy + ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
Toxic megacolon in UC — management
Hemicolectomy for ileocaecal TB vs malignancy — differences
Minimally invasive modalities for rectal cancer
Ileostomies — types; continent ileostomy
SMA syndrome — management

5. Anorectal / Perianal

Fistula-in-ano — classification; LIFT procedure; high intersphincteric fistulaAsked 4×
Haemorrhoids — Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomyAsked 2×
Pilonidal sinus — rhomboid flap and surgical proceduresAsked 5×
Perianal fistula — operative procedures

6. Hepatobiliary & Pancreas

Cholecystectomy; intraoperative CBD injury management
Difficult cholecystectomy — problems and solutions
Radical cholecystectomy for GBC (incidental and staged)Asked 3×
Critical view of safety in LC — steps and utility
Subtotal cholecystectomy — types, technique, outcome
Biliary stricture — early vs late repair
Laparoscopic bile duct exploration — steps
Choledochal cyst — types and surgery
Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy — steps
Hydatid cyst liver — surgeryAsked 3×
Liver trauma — operative management, DCSAsked 2×
Liver resections — types
Hepatic metastasis from CRC — surgical options
Pancreatic pseudocyst — surgical optionsAsked 3×
Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy — complications & management
Pylorus-preserving PD — steps and complications
Chronic pancreatitis — surgical managementAsked 2×

7. Endocrine & Breast

Total thyroidectomy — steps, complicationsAsked 9×
Toxic MNG — preoperative prep and surgery
Medullary carcinoma thyroid — management
Pheochromocytoma — preoperative preparation & operative stepsAsked 8×
Modified radical mastectomy — steps, complicationsAsked 3×
Breast conservation surgery — indications, steps, follow-upAsked 3×
Oncoplastic breast surgery — classification, techniquesAsked 4×
Immediate vs delayed reconstruction; skin-sparing mastectomy
Locally advanced breast cancerAsked 2×
Phyllodes tumourAsked 2×

8. Head & Neck

Neck dissections — classification, incisions, radical/modified, complicationsAsked 5×
Thyroglossal cyst — Sistrunk procedureAsked 2×
Superficial parotidectomy — steps and complicationsAsked 5×
Submandibular gland surgery — steps and complications
Cleft lip surgery
Carcinoma lip — surgical options
Carcinoma lateral tongue — treatment
BCC cheek — managementAsked 2×

9–12. Urology, Hernia, Vascular & Miscellaneous

Radical nephrectomy — steps; RCC with IVC thrombusAsked 4×
PUJ obstruction — surgical procedures (pyeloplasty)Asked 2×
Radical cystectomy for bladder carcinoma
Hypospadias — types, distal surgical options
Undescended testis — operative procedures (orchidopexy)Asked 2×
Hydrocele surgeryAsked 3×
Urethroplasty
Inguinal hernia — Lichtenstein repair, TAPP repair — steps & complicationsAsked 5×
Strangulated/obstructed inguinal hernia — management
Femoral hernia — procedures (Lockwood, McEvedy, Lotheisen)
Triangle of pain and nerves in TEP
Component separation techniques — open vs minimally invasiveAsked 3×
TAR (transversus abdominis release) — steps
Peripheral vascular disease — revascularisation procedures; lumbar sympathectomyAsked 3×
Varicose veins — surgical options, laser, minimally invasiveAsked 7×
Acute embolic occlusion — operative procedure for limb salvage
Flail chest — managementAsked 6×
Thoracotomy in blunt trauma — indications, stepsAsked 2×
Tracheostomy — steps, complications
Cervical rib excision — anatomy, steps, complicationsAsked 2×
Bariatric procedures — classification; laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; RYGBAsked 4×

Paper IV focuses on recent advances, technology, and evolving concepts across all surgical specialties. High weight on robotic surgery, advanced oncology, newer techniques in hernia and colorectal surgery, and critical care advances. Questions test awareness of current evidence and contemporary practice.

Must-Study Topics — Paper IV

Robotic surgery — advantages, limitations, vs laparoscopy

Asked 7× — Hot Most frequently asked tech topic across all papers

Bariatric surgery — sleeve gastrectomy, mini-bypass, complications

Asked 8× — Hot Examiner’s favourite across papers

Achalasia cardia — Heller’s myotomy, POEM, newer modalities

Asked 5× — Hot Very frequent

Rectal cancer surgery — TME, TaTME, ULAS, IORT, ERAS, coning

Asked 5× — Hot Repeated topic

HIPEC — current role in peritoneal surface malignancy

Asked 6× — Hot PIPAC also asked

Colorectal liver metastases — surgery, ablation, chemotherapy sequencing

Asked 5× — Hot Repeated favourite

Bile duct injury in LC — prevention, Indian guidelines, radiology

Asked 4× — Hot Repeated favourite

ICG & image-guided surgery — navigation-aided surgery

Asked 4× — Frequent ICG fluorescence in biliary, perfusion, SLNB

Sentinel lymph node biopsy — current status

Asked 4× — Hot Breast, melanoma, GI cancers

Thyroidectomy — steps, complications, solitary nodule management

Asked 3× — Hot Super frequent across papers

Staplers in surgery — types, uses, recent advances

Asked 4× — Hot EEA, GIA, TA, powered staplers

Augmented reality, 3D printing, simulation training

Asked 3× — New Examiner’s hot topics

Loss of domain in ventral hernias; TAR, eTEP, component separation

Asked 3× — Frequent Complex abdominal wall

GERD — diagnosis, surgical management, newer techniques

Asked 3× — Frequent Repeated hot topic

Detailed Topic List — Paper IV

I. Minimal Access Surgery & Technology

Robotic surgery — types, uses, vs laparoscopy, advantages & disadvantages
Staplers in surgery — circular, GIA, TA, EEA; powered staplers
SILS (single-port laparoscopic surgery) — current status, advantages, disadvantages
Image-guided surgery; navigation-aided surgery — clinical implications
Role of ICG fluorescence imaging in surgical patients
LASER — types and applications in surgery
Energy devices — what is new? Harmonic scalpel; RF ablation
Augmented reality and surgeons; computer-aided surgery
3D printing in surgery
Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery — indications, contraindications, complications

II. Surgical Oncology & Recent Advances

Sentinel node biopsy — current status in breast & other cancers
HIPEC — current role; peritoneal surface malignancies
PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy)
Perioperative chemotherapy; biological/targeted therapy in cancer
Immunotherapy in management of cancers
Adenoma–carcinoma sequence; adjuvant regimens for carcinoma rectum
Role of adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer
Liquid biopsies in cancer
Newer methods in colorectal cancer screening
PET-CT scan in surgical practiceAsked 4×
DNA-based markers; targeted therapy in carcinoma breast

III. Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic (Recent Advances)

Approach to liver metastasis in colorectal cancer; neoadjuvant chemo in synchronous metastasis
Bilio-vascular injuries in cholecystectomy; Indian guidelines
Revised definitions in acute pancreatitis (Atlanta); prognostication
Preoperative portal vein embolization in hepatic resections
Advances in determining resectability in pancreatic cancer (NCCN criteria)
Current concepts in incidental gallbladder cancer
Rendezvous technique for CBD stonesAsked 3×
Recent advances in hepatocellular carcinoma
TIPSS
Insulinoma — diagnosis and management

IV. Breast Surgery (Recent Advances)

Recent trends in management of axilla in early breast cancer (N0 axilla)
Targeted axillary dissection after neoadjuvant therapy
Oncoplastic breast surgery — principles, surgical options for reconstructionAsked 4×
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer; newer agents
Advances in hormonal treatment of carcinoma breast
Advances in lobular carcinoma in situ & molecular classification
Genetic counselling in breast cancer

V. Gastrointestinal (Recent Advances)

Rectal cancer surgery — TME, TaTME, ULAR, IORT, ERAS, coning, medial-to-lateral approachAsked 3×
Extra-levator APR; anterior resection syndrome
Treatment of achalasia cardia; POEM — current status
Newer methods in management of GERD
Recent concepts in appendicitisAsked 2×
Repair of fistula-in-ano — enumerate techniques; mucosal advancement flap
Novel radiotherapy techniques for anal cancer; STARR procedure
Acute mesenteric ischaemia — operative managementAsked 2×
Recent advances in short bowel syndrome
Posterior component separation; eTEP repair; loss of domain correctionAsked 3×
Various types of meshes; composite mesh; prosthetic meshes
Desarda’s repair

VI. Critical Care, Trauma & Fluid Management

Balanced crystalloids vs NS; colloids vs crystalloids
Hypertonic resuscitation and damage control resuscitation in trauma
Advances in fluid management in trauma
NICE recommendations for post-op IV fluid therapy
Damage control surgery vs early total careAsked 2×
Retroperitoneal haematoma classification and management
Abdominal compartment syndromeAsked 6×
Surviving Sepsis Campaign — major recommendations
Necrotising fasciitis — managementAsked 2×
Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia

VII. Vascular, Endocrine & Bariatric (Recent)

Endovenous laser therapy in varicose veins; CEAP classificationAsked 7×
Contemporary management of critical limb ischaemia
Acute SMA thrombosis management
Buerger’s disease — unilateral limb management
Focused parathyroidectomy
Advances in differentiated thyroid cancer management
Management of a 2 cm solitary thyroid nodule in a 50-year-old womanAsked 3×
Sleeve gastrectomy — steps; compare with RYGBAsked 4×
Mini gastric bypass (OAGB) — indications and steps

Topics repeated across 3 or more MS surgery papers in the last 10 years. This is the single most important revision list — if a topic appears here, it must be exam-ready.

#	Topic	System
1	Total thyroidectomy — steps & complicationsAsked 9×	Endocrine
2	Pheochromocytoma — prep & surgeryAsked 8×	Endocrine
3	Robotic surgery — advantages, limitations, vs lapAsked 7×	Technology
4	Perforated peptic ulcer — modern managementAsked 5×	Stomach
5	Modified radical mastectomy — steps, complicationsAsked 3×	Breast
6	Radical nephrectomy — steps; RCC with IVC thrombusAsked 4×	Urology
7	Superficial parotidectomy — steps & complicationsAsked 5×	Head & Neck
8	Neck dissections — classification, incisions, complicationsAsked 5×	Head & Neck
9	TME — indications, technique, outcomesAsked 7×	Colorectal
10	Transhiatal oesophagectomy — steps & complicationsAsked 3×	Oesophagus
11	Bile duct injury in LC — prevention, Indian guidelinesAsked 4×	HPB
12	Pancreatic pseudocyst — surgical optionsAsked 3×	HPB
13	Radical cholecystectomy — incidental GBCAsked 3×	HPB
14	Hydatid cyst liver — surgeryAsked 3×	HPB
15	Inguinal hernia — Lichtenstein, TAPP steps & complicationsAsked 5×	Hernia
16	Incisional hernia — component separation, TAR, loss of domainAsked 6×	Hernia
17	Sentinel lymph node biopsy — current statusAsked 4×	Breast/Onco
18	Breast conservation surgery — indications, stepsAsked 3×	Breast
19	Colorectal liver metastases — surgery, ablation, sequencingAsked 5×	HPB
20	Achalasia cardia — Heller’s myotomy, POEMAsked 5×	Oesophagus
21	Varicose veins — surgery, endovenous, CEAPAsked 7×	Vascular
22	Axilla management in early breast cancerAsked 5×	Breast
23	Tumour markers in malignancyAsked 4×	Oncology
24	Acute pancreatitis — revised Atlanta, prognostication, necrosectomyAsked 5×	HPB
25	Surgical audit — planning, conduct, significanceAsked 8×	Ethics
26	Staplers in surgery — circular, usesAsked 4×	Technology
27	Flail chest — managementAsked 6×	Trauma
28	HIPEC — current roleAsked 6×	Oncology
29	ICG / navigation-aided surgeryAsked 4×	Technology
30	Energy devices — harmonic, laser, RF ablationAsked 4×	Technology
31	Strangulated inguinal hernia — managementAsked 5×	Hernia
32	Abdominal compartment syndromeAsked 7×	Critical Care
33	Necrotising fasciitisAsked 3×	Infections
34	Balanced crystalloids vs saline; NICE guidanceAsked 2×	Critical Care
35	Pilonidal sinus — surgical proceduresAsked 5×	Anorectal
36	Fistula-in-ano — classification, LIFT, mucosal flapAsked 4×	Anorectal
37	Oncoplastic breast surgery — principles, classificationAsked 4×	Breast
38	Sepsis — SSC guidelines, VAP, CLABSIAsked 3×	Critical Care
39	Bariatric surgery — sleeve, bypass, complicationsAsked 8×	Bariatric
40	Targeted therapy in cancerAsked 3×	Oncology
41	Haemorrhoids — pathogenesis, Milligan-Morgan, staplersAsked 4×	Anorectal
42	Below-knee amputation — steps & complicationsAsked 3×	Vascular
43	Splenectomy — elective vs emergencyAsked 4×	General
44	Diabetic foot — diagnostic work-up & newer managementAsked 3×	Vascular
45	Abdominal tuberculosis — unusual sites & surgical managementAsked 3×	GI
46	Lobular carcinoma in situ & molecular classification of breast cancerAsked 2×	Breast
47	Prosthetic meshes — types, composite meshesAsked 3×	Hernia
48	Augmented reality; 3D printing; simulation trainingAsked 3×	Technology
49	Computer-aided / navigation-aided surgeryAsked 3×	Technology
50	Damage control surgery vs early total careAsked 3×	Trauma

MS General Surgery — Frequently Asked Questions