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100+ Free FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Practice Questions

Pass your Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship Examination in Paediatric Surgery — Section 1 exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Exam

Computer-based examination testing knowledge across all areas of paediatric surgery for senior UK trainees.

Sample FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A premature neonate presents with abdominal distension and bilious aspirates. A radiograph shows pneumatosis intestinalis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Necrotising enterocolitis
B.Hirschsprung disease
C.Meconium ileus
D.Duodenal atresia
Explanation: Pneumatosis intestinalis in a premature neonate is pathognomonic for necrotising enterocolitis.
2Which genetic syndrome is most classically associated with duodenal atresia?
A.Down syndrome
B.Turner syndrome
C.Marfan syndrome
D.Patau syndrome
Explanation: Around 30% of patients with duodenal atresia have Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
3What is the classic radiographic sign of duodenal atresia?
A.Double bubble sign
B.Apple peel sign
C.Target sign
D.Whirlpool sign
Explanation: The double bubble sign represents gas in the stomach and dilated proximal duodenum.
4A 1-day-old term infant has not passed meconium and has a distended abdomen. Contrast enema shows a transition zone. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Hirschsprung disease
B.Meconium plug syndrome
C.Jejunal atresia
D.Malrotation
Explanation: A transition zone on contrast enema in a term infant with delayed meconium passage suggests Hirschsprung disease.
5What is the diagnostic gold standard for Hirschsprung disease?
A.Rectal suction biopsy
B.Contrast enema
C.Abdominal x-ray
D.Anorectal manometry
Explanation: Rectal biopsy demonstrating the absence of ganglion cells is the gold standard.
6Which maternal factor is most strongly associated with gastroschisis?
A.Young maternal age
B.Advanced maternal age
C.Maternal diabetes
D.Folic acid deficiency
Explanation: Gastroschisis is strongly associated with young maternal age (under 20 years).
7An infant is born with bowel protruding through an abdominal wall defect to the right of the umbilicus, with no covering sac. What is the diagnosis?
A.Gastroschisis
B.Exomphalos
C.Umbilical hernia
D.Prune belly syndrome
Explanation: Gastroschisis is a paraumbilical defect (usually right-sided) with no sac.
8Which anomaly is most commonly associated with exomphalos?
A.Cardiac anomalies
B.Intestinal atresia
C.Neural tube defects
D.Limb abnormalities
Explanation: Exomphalos is frequently associated with chromosomal and structural anomalies, particularly cardiac defects.
9A newborn has continuous drooling and chokes on the first feed. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.Oesophageal atresia
B.Tracheomalacia
C.Pyloric stenosis
D.Duodenal atresia
Explanation: Inability to swallow saliva and choking on feeds is classic for oesophageal atresia.
10What is the most common type of oesophageal atresia?
A.Type C (proximal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula)
B.Type A (pure atresia)
C.Type E (H-type fistula)
D.Type B (proximal fistula)
Explanation: Type C accounts for about 85% of cases.

About the FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Exam

The FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 is a computer-based assessment of paediatric surgical knowledge.

Assessment

2 papers of 120 SBA questions

Time Limit

4h 30m

Passing Score

Standard setting

Exam Fee

GBP 580 Section 1 (Pearson VUE)

FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Exam Content Outline

25%

Neonatal Surgery and Congenital Anomalies

Esophageal atresia, CDH, gastroschisis, omphalocele, and necrotising enterocolitis.

20%

Paediatric General and Abdominal Surgery

Appendicitis, intussusception, pyloric stenosis, Hirschsprung disease, and malrotation.

20%

Paediatric Urology

PUV, hydronephrosis, VUR, hypospadias, undescended testes, and testicular torsion.

15%

Paediatric Surgical Oncology and Trauma

Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and paediatric trauma management.

10%

Paediatric Thoracic and Airway Surgery

CPAM, sequestrations, pectus deformities, and airway obstruction.

10%

Basic Sciences and Critical Care

Fluid management, parenteral nutrition, sepsis, ethics, and consent in children.

How to Pass the FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Standard setting
  • Assessment: 2 papers of 120 SBA questions
  • Time limit: 4h 30m
  • Exam fee: GBP 580 Section 1

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on neonatal surgery.
2Practice timed SBA questions.
3Review basic sciences and ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format?

240 SBA questions.

Where is it held?

Pearson VUE centres.

How much does it cost?

GBP 580 for Section 1.

How long is it?

4h 30m in total.