AIIMS Patna NO - 2020
Medical Surgical Nursing
Easy

The name of the surgery in which there is removal of duodenum, head of pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts is called:

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

  • Pancreatoduodenectomy is the specific medical term for the surgical procedure that involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, and the common bile duct.
  • This operation is also widely known as the Whipple procedure.
  • It is a major and complex surgery primarily indicated for the treatment of malignant tumors located in the head of the pancreas or the periampullary region.
  • The procedure involves not only removal (resection) but also a complex reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract to allow for digestion after surgery.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine.
  • Option B: Lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a discrete lump or mass, most commonly a cancerous or benign tumor from the breast.
  • Option C: Discectomy is a neurosurgical or orthopedic procedure involving the removal of a damaged portion of an intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root.

Related Visual

  • No visual required for this question type.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surgical Terminology: Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Nurses play a critical role in the post-operative care of patients undergoing a Whipple procedure, monitoring for major complications like pancreatic fistulas, hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying.
  • Post-operative patient education is vital and includes dietary management (low-fat, small, frequent meals), pancreatic enzyme replacement, and signs/symptoms of complications to report.
  • What if? - If the patient develops a high fever, abdominal pain, and cloudy fluid from their surgical drain post-operatively, the nurse should suspect a pancreatic fistula (a leak from the pancreatic-enteric anastomosis) and immediately notify the surgical team, as this is a life-threatening complication.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, carefully read the question to identify the key anatomical structures being removed: duodenum, head of pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
  • Next, analyze the term 'Pancreatoduodenectomy'. Break it down: 'Pancreato-' refers to the pancreas, and 'duodenectomy' refers to the surgical removal of the duodenum. This combination directly matches the organs described in the question.
  • Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. 'Appendectomy' relates to the appendix, 'Lumpectomy' to a lump (usually breast), and 'Discectomy' to a spinal disc. None of these involve the specific upper abdominal organs mentioned.
  • Based on this analysis, conclude that Pancreatoduodenectomy is the only term that accurately describes the extensive surgery detailed in the question.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Surgical Terminology: Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)
  • Stem keywords: surgery, removal of duodenum, head of pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts
  • Lead-in keywords: name of the surgery
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QjHrlmImwkaqThM0n4UjWw

Reference Book

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 715-717

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 145-147

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