Sample Written Exam – Thoracic Surgery

Question 1
List THREE potentially permanent complications of cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
MODEL ANSWER (0.5 marks each; any 3 of)
• Hearing loss
• Peripheral neuropathy (hands/feet)
• Nephropathy
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Question 2
List THREE indications for invasive mediastinal nodal staging in a patient with proven lung cancer
and PET-negative mediastinal imaging.

MODEL ANSWER (0.5 marks each; any 3 of)

• Enlarged mediastinal nodes (> 1 cm)
• Central tumour
• N1 nodal involvement on imaging
• Primary tumour > 2 cm

Question 3
List THREE contraindications to cervical mediastinoscopy.

MODEL ANSWER (0.5 marks each)

• Contraindication to general anesthesia (GA)
• Extreme kyphosis
• Tracheostomy (especially post laryngectomy)

Question 4
List THREE complications of a mid-esophageal traction diverticulum that are indications for
resection.

MODEL ANSWER (0.5 marks each; any 3 of)

• Bleeding
• Perforation
• Fistulization
• Infection
Question 5
List THREE medical (non-operative) treatment options for diffuse esophageal spasm (DES).

MODEL ANSWER (0.5 marks each)

• Nitroglycerin
• Calcium channel blockers
• Botox