5th Edition
Author :
Peter C. Neligan
,Chapter 1: Plastic Surgery and Innovation in Medicine
1. Which of the following best describes the role of plastic surgery in modern
medicine?
A) Focuses primarily on cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance
B) Primarily involved in treating non-surgical conditions
C) Involves both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures to restore function and
appearance
D) Limited to reconstructive surgery only for traumatic injuries
Answer: C) Involves both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures to restore function and
appearance
Rationale: Plastic surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that encompasses both
reconstructive procedures (such as restoring function and appearance after trauma, congenital
deformities, or disease) and aesthetic procedures (which focus on improving or enhancing
physical appearance). This combination allows plastic surgeons to address a wide range of
medical and cosmetic concerns.
2. The development of plastic surgery can be traced back to which historical period?
A) Ancient Greece
B) Early 20th century
C) World War I and II
D) 18th century England
Answer: C) World War I and II
Rationale: The modern field of plastic surgery developed significantly during and after the
World Wars, particularly World War I, where there was a need for reconstructive surgery to treat
soldiers with facial injuries and disfigurements. Surgeons like Sir Harold Gillies are credited
with pioneering reconstructive techniques during this time.
3. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a successful reconstructive surgery?
A) Aesthetic enhancement
B) Restoration of function and structure
C) Reduction of patient anxiety
D) Minimal postoperative scarring
Answer: B) Restoration of function and structure
Rationale: Reconstructive surgery is focused on restoring both the function and structure of a
body part after trauma, congenital deformities, or disease. Aesthetic enhancement may also be a
secondary consideration, but the primary goal is functional restoration.
4. What is the primary innovation that has advanced the field of plastic surgery in
recent years?
A) Use of robotic-assisted surgery
B) The introduction of 3D printing for prosthetics and surgical planning
, C) Cosmetic facial fillers
D) The widespread use of local anesthesia
Answer: B) The introduction of 3D printing for prosthetics and surgical planning
Rationale: One of the most significant recent innovations in plastic surgery is the use of 3D
printing. This technology allows for custom prosthetics, surgical guides, and preoperative
planning, improving both the precision and outcomes of surgeries.
5. Which of the following is an example of a reconstructive surgery procedure?
A) Rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes
B) Breast augmentation
C) Skin grafting for burn victims
D) Liposuction
Answer: C) Skin grafting for burn victims
Rationale: Skin grafting is a common reconstructive procedure, especially for burn victims, as it
helps restore the damaged skin and improve both function and appearance. Rhinoplasty and
breast augmentation are considered aesthetic procedures, while liposuction is also a cosmetic
surgery.
6. Which of the following is most commonly performed during plastic surgery to
reduce scarring and improve healing?
A) Use of tissue expanders
B) Immediate flap reconstruction
C) Administration of systemic antibiotics
D) Application of silicone gel sheets
Answer: D) Application of silicone gel sheets
Rationale: Silicone gel sheets are commonly used in the postoperative care of patients who have
undergone surgery to reduce scarring and improve healing. These sheets are designed to flatten
and soften scars by helping maintain proper moisture and temperature at the surgical site.
7. The flap technique in reconstructive surgery involves the transfer of:
A) Skin alone
B) Bone, skin, and muscle
C) Skin and underlying tissue
D) Only fat cells
Answer: C) Skin and underlying tissue
Rationale: The flap technique involves transferring skin along with the underlying tissue
(muscle, fat, or bone) to another part of the body. This is commonly used for reconstructing areas
with significant tissue loss, such as following trauma or tumor removal.
8. What is a common complication of plastic surgery that plastic surgeons aim to
minimize?
A) Severe bleeding
, B) Infection and delayed wound healing
C) Anesthesia-related complications
D) Nerve damage
Answer: B) Infection and delayed wound healing
Rationale: Infection and delayed wound healing are common complications in plastic surgery,
particularly in procedures involving large incisions or flaps. Surgeons take precautions like using
sterile techniques and administering antibiotics to minimize these risks.
9. The advent of microsurgery in plastic surgery has primarily improved:
A) Cosmetic enhancements
B) Aesthetic procedures like facelifts
C) The ability to reattach small tissue structures like nerves and blood vessels
D) The speed of surgery
Answer: C) The ability to reattach small tissue structures like nerves and blood vessels
Rationale: Microsurgery, which uses high-powered magnification and precision tools, allows
plastic surgeons to perform complex procedures such as reattaching small blood vessels and
nerves. This innovation has greatly expanded the possibilities for reconstructive surgery.
10. Which of the following is considered a key ethical consideration in the field of plastic
surgery?
A) Cost-effectiveness of the procedures
B) Patient autonomy and informed consent
C) Maximizing aesthetic results
D) Limiting the number of surgeries performed annually
Answer: B) Patient autonomy and informed consent
Rationale: Ethical considerations in plastic surgery include ensuring that patients fully
understand the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of procedures through informed consent.
Patient autonomy is central to respecting their rights in making decisions about their care.
11. In plastic surgery, which of the following is an advantage of using autologous tissue
for reconstructive purposes?
A) Lower risk of infection compared to synthetic grafts
B) No need for the patient to undergo a separate surgery
C) Quicker healing times
D) Reduced chance of rejection and complications
Answer: D) Reduced chance of rejection and complications
Rationale: Autologous tissue refers to tissue taken from the patient's own body. This
significantly reduces the risk of rejection and complications compared to using synthetic or
donor tissue, which may provoke an immune response.
12. Which of the following innovations in plastic surgery allows for the precise shaping
of tissue during a procedure?