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Free Practice Questions for Egyptian Board General Surgery

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Key Facts: Egyptian Board General Surgery Exam

Law 12/2022

Governing Statute

3 Parts

Examination Stages

Angoff/Hofstee

Standard Setting

March & Aug

Part 1 Sitting Windows

April & Sept

Part 2 Sitting Windows

The Egyptian Board in General Surgery certification is administered by the Egyptian Health Council (EHC / المجلس الصحي المصري) under Law No. 12 of 2022 and Prime Ministerial Decree No. 3798 of 2023. The examination framework consists of Part One (written basic surgical sciences, held March/August), Part Two (written clinical surgical decision-making, held April/September), and Part Three (clinical OSCE, operative viva, and case discussions, held December/January). Written pass marks are determined using psychometric standard-setting (Angoff, Modified Angoff, or Hofstee methods), while Part Three uses the Borderline Regression Method. Note that Part Three is a hands-on clinical and oral examination; this 100-question practice bank is an English-language study aid focused on the cognitive decisions, surgical anatomy, pathology, and perioperative safety tested across Parts 1 and 2.

Sample Egyptian Board General Surgery Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Egyptian Board General Surgery exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon seeks to identify the boundaries of the hepatocystic triangle (Calot's triangle) to achieve the Critical View of Safety. Which anatomical structure forms the superior boundary of this anatomical triangle?
A.Inferior visceral surface of liver segment V
B.Common bile duct crossing the duodenum
C.Right branch of the proper hepatic artery
D.Anterior peritoneal leaf of hepatoduodenal ligament
Explanation: Calot's triangle (hepatocystic triangle) is classically bounded superiorly by the inferior visceral surface of the liver (segment V), inferiorly by the cystic duct, and medially by the common hepatic duct. Identifying these boundaries and clearing fatty tissue from the triangle is essential to achieve the Critical View of Safety and prevent iatrogenic bile duct injury.
2A 45-year-old female undergoes total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. During mobilization of the right thyroid lobe, the surgeon dissects near the ligament of Berry. Which nerve is at greatest risk of injury in close intimate relationship with this suspensory ligament?
A.External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
B.Recurrent laryngeal nerve
C.Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
D.Cervical sympathetic trunk
Explanation: The recurrent laryngeal nerve passes in close proximity to or directly through the fibers of the lateral thyroid suspensory ligament (ligament of Berry) before entering the larynx beneath the inferior constrictor muscle. Traction or careless application of energy devices at Berry's ligament is the most frequent cause of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy.
3A 52-year-old male presents with a direct inguinal hernia. During open surgical repair, the surgeon identifies the floor of Hesselbach's triangle. What structure forms the superolateral boundary of this anatomical space?
A.Lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle
B.Shelving edge of the inguinal ligament
C.Inferior epigastric vessels
D.Pectineal ligament of Cooper
Explanation: Hesselbach's triangle is bounded superolaterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, medially by the lateral margin of the rectus abdominis muscle (linea semilunaris), and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament (Poupart's ligament). Direct inguinal hernias protrude forward through the fascia transversalis in the floor of this triangle, medial to the inferior epigastric vessels.
4During an oncologic left hemicolectomy, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is ligated at its origin from the aorta. Which arterial collateral pathway provides the primary critical interconnection between the superior mesenteric artery and the left colic circulation?
A.Superior rectal artery anastomosis with middle rectal
B.Gastroduodenal arcade through the pancreaticoduodenal branches
C.Deep circumflex iliac artery ascending retroperitoneal branch
D.Arc of Riolan connecting middle colic to ascending left colic artery
Explanation: The Arc of Riolan (meandering mesenteric artery) is a central mesenteric collateral vessel that runs in the root of the mesentery directly connecting the middle colic artery (branch of the SMA) to the left colic artery (branch of the IMA). Together with the marginal artery of Drummond, it preserves splenic flexure and left colon perfusion after high ligation of the IMA.
5A vascular surgeon evaluates a 30-year-old male with left flank pain and gross hematuria. Imaging demonstrates compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and an overlying arterial trunk. Which artery is responsible for this anterior compression in nutcracker syndrome?
A.Superior mesenteric artery
B.Celiac arterial trunk
C.Inferior mesenteric artery
D.Left common iliac artery
Explanation: The left renal vein has a long retroperitoneal course that crosses transversely across the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta directly beneath the origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Compression of the left renal vein within the acute angle formed between the aorta and the SMA results in nutcracker syndrome, leading to left renal venous hypertension, flank pain, and hematuria.
6During an emergency splenectomy for trauma, the surgeon mobilizes the splenic hilar attachments. Which peritoneal ligament directly carries the splenic artery and vein as well as the anatomical tail of the pancreas?
A.Gastrosplenic ligament
B.Splenorenal (lienorenal) ligament
C.Phrenicocolic ligament
D.Splenocolic ligament
Explanation: The splenorenal (lienorenal) ligament extends between the anterior surface of the left kidney and the splenic hilum. It conveys the splenic artery, splenic vein, and the tail of the pancreas; careful dissection and division of this ligament are vital to prevent iatrogenic pancreatic ductal injury or postoperative pancreatic fistula.
7During proctologic surgery for a complex perianal condition, the surgeon reviews anal canal muscular anatomy. What is the embryological and histological origin of the internal anal sphincter?
A.Skeletal muscle derived from the puborectalis sling
B.Fibrous condensation of the pelvic endopelvic fascia
C.Thickened continuation of the inner circular smooth muscle of the rectum
D.Downward extension of the outer longitudinal rectal muscular coat
Explanation: The internal anal sphincter is a thickened, involuntary expansion of the circular smooth muscle coat of the rectum. It surrounds the upper two-thirds of the anal canal down to the intersphincteric groove, providing approximately 70-80% of resting anal canal tone under sympathetic autonomic control.
8A patient is evaluated for thoracic outlet syndrome with upper extremity venous engorgement. In relation to the anterior scalene muscle at the thoracic outlet, which anatomical structure courses anterior to the muscle belly?
A.Subclavian artery
B.Lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8-T1)
C.Vertebral artery origin
D.Subclavian vein
Explanation: At the root of the neck, the anterior scalene muscle inserts onto the scalene tubercle of the first rib. The subclavian vein and phrenic nerve cross anterior to the anterior scalene muscle, whereas the subclavian artery and the trunks of the brachial plexus pass posterior to it within the scalene triangle (between the anterior and middle scalene muscles).
9During surgical repair of a major diaphragmatic injury, the surgeon identifies the normal anatomical diaphragmatic hiatuses. At which vertebral level does the inferior vena cava pass through the diaphragm?
A.T8 vertebral level through the central tendon
B.T10 vertebral level through the right crus
C.T12 vertebral level behind the median arcuate ligament
D.L1 vertebral level through the left crus
Explanation: The inferior vena cava passes through the caval hiatus located within the central tendon of the diaphragm at the T8 vertebral level, accompanied by terminal branches of the right phrenic nerve. The esophageal hiatus is at T10 (transmitting the esophagus and vagal trunks), and the aortic hiatus is at T12 (transmitting the aorta, thoracic duct, and azygos vein).
10According to the Couinaud functional segmentation of the liver, which anatomical plane separates the functional right and left liver lobes?
A.Falciform ligament attachment plane
B.Cantlie's line containing the middle hepatic vein
C.Left umbilical fissure containing the round ligament
D.Transverse hilar fissure containing the portal bifurcation
Explanation: Cantlie's line (the principal portal scissura) runs from the gallbladder fossa anteriorly to the middle of the inferior vena cava posteriorly. It contains the middle hepatic vein and divides the liver into true functional right (segments V-VIII) and left (segments II-IV) lobes, which differs from the anatomical division marked on the surface by the falciform ligament.

About the Egyptian Board General Surgery Exam

The Egyptian Board in General Surgery is the national specialty credential awarded by the Egyptian Health Council under Law No. 12 of 2022, certifying clinical, operative, and cognitive mastery across general surgery.

Exam sponsor: Egyptian Health Council — Egyptian Board. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Egyptian Board in General Surgery (البورد المصري في الجراحة العامة / الزمالة المصرية) is governed by the Egyptian Health Council under Law No. 12 of 2022 and Prime Ministerial Decree No. 3798 of 2023. Certification requires passing three structured evaluation stages: Part One is a written computer-based MCQ paper in applied surgical basic sciences (surgical anatomy, surgical pathology, surgical physiology, shock, wound healing, asepsis, and critical care/trauma fundamentals) held twice annually in March and August; Part Two is an advanced written MCQ examination covering clinical surgical decision-making across gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary, breast, endocrine, vascular, hernia, and oncologic surgery held twice annually in April and September; and Part Three is a comprehensive clinical examination comprising OSCE stations, OSPE data interpretation, operative vivas, and clinical case discussions held in December/January. This practice bank combines Part 1 and Part 2 cognitive curriculum areas.

Time Limit

Varies by examination part

Passing Score

Set by psychometric standard-setting (Angoff/Hofstee method); no fixed percentage published

Exam / Certification Fees

For Egyptian candidates: Part One EGP 1,500 first attempt rising to EGP 8,000 for later retakes; Part Two EGP 1,500 rising to EGP 8,000; Part Three EGP 4,000 rising to EGP 9,000. Non-Egyptian candidate fees range from EGP 6,000 to EGP 16,000 per attempt.

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly published as a continuous official series by the Egyptian Health Council.. The Egyptian Health Council reports annual aggregate counts of doctors completing Egyptian Board qualifications, but individual specialty pass rate percentages are not published. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

12% of bank

Surgical Anatomy & Applied Embryology

Gross and cross-sectional anatomy of the neck, thorax, gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, retroperitoneum, pelvis, and groin relevant to surgical exposures and operative planes.

14% of bank

Surgical Physiology & Perioperative Critical Care

Cellular and organ system physiology, shock classification and resuscitation, fluid/electrolyte/acid-base management, hemostasis and massive transfusion, and surgical ICU care.

14% of bank

Surgical Pathology, Oncology & Wound Biology

Surgical pathology, tumor biology, oncologic resection margins, wound healing phases and dehiscence, surgical microbiology, asepsis, antisepsis, and electrosurgery safety.

10% of bank

Upper Gastrointestinal & Esophagogastric Surgery

GERD, motility disorders, esophageal malignancy, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, bariatric procedures and complications, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

11% of bank

Colorectal, Intestinal & Anorectal Surgery

Acute appendicitis, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer staging and resection, bowel obstruction, and benign anorectal conditions.

11% of bank

Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery

Gallstone disease, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, iatrogenic bile duct injuries, acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, HCC, and hepatic cysts.

10% of bank

Breast & Endocrine Surgery

Triple assessment of breast lumps, breast cancer staging and multimodality management, thyroid nodule evaluation, thyroid carcinoma, hyperparathyroidism, and adrenal tumors.

6% of bank

Abdominal Wall & Hernia Surgery

Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias, mesh repair principles, laparoscopic preperitoneal repair, and component separation techniques.

6% of bank

Trauma, Resuscitation & Emergency Surgery

ATLS primary and secondary survey, chest trauma, blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma, damage control laparotomy, visceral organ injury grading, and emergency operative decisions.

6% of bank

Peripheral Vascular & Pediatric Surgical Emergencies

Abdominal aortic aneurysms, acute limb ischemia, chronic arterial insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, and pediatric intussusception.

Preparing for the Egyptian Board General Surgery Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set by psychometric standard-setting (Angoff/Hofstee method); no fixed percentage published
  • Assessment: The Egyptian Board in General Surgery (البورد المصري في الجراحة العامة / الزمالة المصرية) is governed by the Egyptian Health Council under Law No. 12 of 2022 and Prime Ministerial Decree No. 3798 of 2023. Certification requires passing three structured evaluation stages: Part One is a written computer-based MCQ paper in applied surgical basic sciences (surgical anatomy, surgical pathology, surgical physiology, shock, wound healing, asepsis, and critical care/trauma fundamentals) held twice annually in March and August; Part Two is an advanced written MCQ examination covering clinical surgical decision-making across gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary, breast, endocrine, vascular, hernia, and oncologic surgery held twice annually in April and September; and Part Three is a comprehensive clinical examination comprising OSCE stations, OSPE data interpretation, operative vivas, and clinical case discussions held in December/January. This practice bank combines Part 1 and Part 2 cognitive curriculum areas.
  • Time limit: Varies by examination part
  • Exam / certification fees: For Egyptian candidates: Part One EGP 1,500 first attempt rising to EGP 8,000 for later retakes; Part Two EGP 1,500 rising to EGP 8,000; Part Three EGP 4,000 rising to EGP 9,000. Non-Egyptian candidate fees range from EGP 6,000 to EGP 16,000 per attempt. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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Egyptian Board General Surgery: Suggested Study Strategy

1Integrate basic sciences with clinical practice: Part One questions heavily test the anatomic basis of surgical complications (e.g., nerve injuries in thyroidectomy and hernia repair) and surgical pathophysiology of shock and fluids.
2Master evidence-based clinical guidelines: Study the Tokyo Guidelines for acute cholecystitis and cholangitis, Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis, and ATLS algorithms for trauma resuscitation.
3Review oncologic principles and staging: Familiarize yourself with AJCC/TNM staging and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) management pathways for breast, colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic malignancies.
4Understand perioperative risk stratification and complication prevention: Practice calculating cardiac risk, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis protocols, and managing post-operative anastomotic leaks, surgical site infections, and enterocutaneous fistulas.
5Utilize the EHC LMS General Surgery resources: Review the clinical guidelines and curricular reference frameworks published on the official Egyptian Health Council learning platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Egyptian Board in General Surgery (البورد المصري في الجراحة العامة)?

The Egyptian Board in General Surgery is the national medical specialty qualification administered by the Egyptian Health Council (EHC) under Law No. 12 of 2022, certifying general surgical competence across accredited training institutions in Egypt.

What is the examination structure and timeline for the Egyptian Board?

The examination comprises three standalone stages: Part One is a written MCQ exam in applied surgical basic sciences held in March and August; Part Two is an advanced written MCQ exam in clinical surgery held in April and September; and Part Three is an annual clinical OSCE and operative viva held in December/January.

How are the passing scores determined for the written and clinical examinations?

The Egyptian Health Council uses criterion-referenced psychometric standard-setting methodologies: Angoff, Modified Angoff, or Hofstee methods for the written papers (Parts One and Two), and the Borderline Regression Method for Part Three clinical stations.

Does this question bank simulate the Part Three clinical examination?

No. Part Three is an in-person clinical examination consisting of OSCE stations, data/slide OSPE, operative vivas, and patient case discussions. This 100-item question bank is an English-language cognitive study aid focused on the surgical decision-making, anatomy, pathology, and perioperative care tested in Parts One and Two.

What are the eligibility requirements to register for the Egyptian Board examinations?

Candidates must hold an MBBCh or equivalent medical degree, maintain a valid Egyptian medical practice license, complete the mandatory foundation internship, be enrolled in an EHC-accredited general surgery residency post, and satisfy language (TOEFL 500+) and computer proficiency requirements.

Are these official examination questions released by the Egyptian Health Council?

No. These questions are independent, high-yield practice items authored strictly to reflect the official EHC General Surgery Reference Framework, LMS surgical guidelines, and international evidence-based surgical standards.