Gastrointestinal

Question 1

What structure is divided to allow mobilisation of the oesophagus?

Answer 1

Azygos vein.

It arches anteriorly to insert into the SVC on the right hand side.

Question 2

From which embryological structure does Meckels diverticulum arise from?

Answer 2

Vitello-intestinal duct

Question 3

Infection of what organism may result in a clinical picture resembling achalasia of the oesophagus?

Answer 3

Trypanosoma Cruzi

Infection with Trypanosoma Cruzi may result in destruction of the ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus, resulting in a clinical picture similar to achalasia.

Question 4

During splenectomy, what structure should be divided?

Answer 4

short gastric vessels.

During a splenectomy the short gastric vessels which lie within the gastrosplenic ligament will need to be divided. The splenic flexure of the colon may need to be mobilised. However, it will almost never need to be divided, as this is watershed area that would necessitate a formal colonic resection in the event of division.