Philosophical Surgery

• Dr Rishi Kanna

In the art of surgical practice, the doctor learns that certain things happen frequently, which are beyond scientific explanation. Over a period of time, like life experiences, these are learnt passively that enables surgeons to expect and handle problems with poise.

1. People with bigger problems have less dissatisfaction while those with smaller disabilities have more complaints.
2. The face of the patient’s spouse is a better reflector of a patient’s recovery than blood tests and vitals.
3. A patient with one complication is likely to get more complications.
4. VIPs, relatives and patients with recommendations develop at least one adverse event during treatment.
5. People with spiritual, social and religious beliefs should not be argued with scientific rationale.
6. The most important surgical instrument will fall down during the surgical procedure.
7. When you want to get surgery done quickly, the patient will receive nature’s call before shifting.
8. During a critical step, one of the following will not work: suction, cautery, bipolar, assistant, scrub nurse or anesthetist.
9. The only patient posted for surgery on a day would have eaten a banana or developed fever/diarrohoea, low Na/K/Hb, family coming from home or awaiting astrologer’s advice.
10. The patient who had the most turbulent course post operatively will remain your most grateful patient.
11. The patient who asked the most doubts/questions/sought most opinions, will develop at least one complication.
12. A patient referred to you from an equally good surgeon could be a googly. Beware.
13. The moment you leave on a holiday, you will receive a message about a patient with an unplanned readmission.

“Surgerymev jayathe”