Free Practice Questions for FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1

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Exam Review

Key Facts: FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 Exam

240 SBA questions.

Taken at Pearson VUE.

Requires broad knowledge of all subspecialties.

Essential for UK paediatric surgical trainees.

Pass mark set via standard setting.

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 review concepts for the FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1 exam. 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.

Exam sponsor: Pearson VUE. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

2 papers of 120 SBA questions

Time Limit

4h 30m

Passing Score

Standard setting

Exam / Certification Fees

GBP 580 Section 1

Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

JCIE syllabus

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.

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.

Preparing for 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 / certification fees: GBP 580 Section 1 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FRCS Paediatric Surgery Section 1: Suggested Study Strategy

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.