Doctor Series 1: Soren Tiu

Chapter 1

The operation was performed through a  median sternotomy, using an oscillating saw. Cardiopulmonary bypass was installed via cannulation of the distal ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the right atrium was used with systemic normothermia because patent mammary artery bypass was present. Myocardial protection was achieved with intermittent antegrade blood cardioplegia. The tissues was disinfected using povidone–iodine solution. In the presence of large abscess cavities, fistulas or tissue defects, a pericardial patch repair was performed then the prosthetic valve was inserted. Concomitant procedures were performed and infected intravascular catheters were removed before surgery.

"Wrap it up, Daryl." sabi ko saaking assistant surgeon saka binigay ang hawak na forcep at clamp sa katabi kong nurse.

"Okay, prof." sagot nito.

"Good job, everyone." sabi ko sa lahat habang tinatanggal ang suot na surgical gown, mask, head cover at gloves

"We successfully inserted the prosthetic valve and there is no major or minor issues in the surgery." sabi ko sa magulang ng pasyente. "In conclusion, the surgery was successful, sir." patuloy ko.

"They will move the patient to the ICU in few minutes." nagpasalamat ito ng marami saakin kaya tinapik ko ang kanyang balikat at nagpaalam upang magtungo sa PICU para tignan bata kong pasyente na may Congenital heart defect.

"What is Yael's weight today?" tanong ko sa nurse habang nagdi-disinfect ng kamay.

"Its three kilograms, Dr. Tiu." sagot nito kaya tumango ako.

"I can close him up now. Let's get ready." sabi ko kay Benjamin na bagong dating at tumango naman ito.

Four days ago, the patient had TGA or transportation of the great arteries. His heart swelling was too severe. I couldn't close him up after the surgery four days ago, it was a delayed sternal closure. But seeing his heart today, I might be able to close him up so I'll do it.

"Dr. Tiu, Yael has a slight fever." sabi ng nurse kaya natigilan ako.

"Since when?" tanong ko.

"When I checked him earlier, it was 36 degree celcius. I checked again just now and it's 38.3 degree celcius. His nose is a bit runny too." sabi nito kaya agad akong nagtungo sa pasyente.

"Stethoscope, please." sabi ko at agad naman itong binigay ni Benjamin na nasa aking gilid.

"His lungs doesn't sound good. We can't operate on him like this" sabi ko at napahilot saaking batok.

"What's wrong with the baby?" napalingon ako kay Pantaleon na bagong dating.

"He has Tetralogy of Fallot. It's Congenital heart defect. He has a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hyperthrophy and overriding aorta, all together." sabi ko habang nakatingin saaking batang pasyente.

"We were scheduled to operate this afternoon. His oxygen saturation is a little low, though. He's showing symptoms of pneumonia and he need surgery as soon as possible." patuloy ko.

"Yael's parents are here, Dr. Tiu." sabi ng nurse kaya napalingon ako at agad lumapit sakanila para sabihin ang sitwasyon ng kanilang anak.

"I have a bad news." panimula ko.

"We need to postpone the surgery by a day or two. Your child has a fever and his lungs doesn't sounds good. I plan to reschedule after the X-ray of his lungs. He still finding it hard to breathe and he might be in more pain if we rush into surgery." sabi ko.