My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points Chapter 1339 - 529: Some Patients Can’t Be Transferred—Treating the Foot by Treating the Chest? (Part 2)

~7 minute read · 1,737 words
Previously on My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points...
Director Xue Yan and Zhou Can decide to offer a path back to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department for former colleagues who had left. However, their positions will differ from before, as leadership roles are restricted due to past betrayals. Zhou Can also reviews a complex lung cancer case requiring precise surgical skill.

Her active involvement can easily foster this continuous trend of job-hopping among medical staff, making them feel emboldened to switch positions whenever a favorable prospect appears. Should things not work out, they know they can always return.

With Zhou Can playing a role, the situation becomes notably different.

This approach effectively communicates to those individuals that their return to Tuya Hospital is solely a result of Zhou Can's intervention and his lingering affection for past professional bonds, which paved the way for their re-employment.

Such actions not only garner their respect but also cultivate considerable goodwill for Zhou Can.

His fellow colleagues will subsequently recognize Zhou Can as a man of integrity, a quality that will significantly boost his prospects for future advancement into prominent leadership roles.

"I am more than willing to assist; it presents no difficulty whatsoever. I am on the verge of submitting a critical report to the hospital administration, and I can certainly highlight the dire circumstances faced by those who have switched jobs. When you submit your application later, you will encounter considerably less opposition."

Zhou Can readily agreed to the request.

"Excellent, then it is settled."

She visibly felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Accepting these former colleagues back into the fold preempts any further unfortunate incidents, such as someone contemplating a desperate act. It feels like a heavy burden has been lifted from her shoulders.

In Zhou Can's own words, his intervention will bring about a sense of peace.

"The complexity of this patient's surgery is exceptionally high; both hospitals we consulted stated they could not perform it. After a thorough review, I too perceive the procedure as exceedingly difficult with significant inherent risks. What are your thoughts?"

Xue Yan, observing Zhou Can meticulously examining the patient's medical data, posed the question directly.

Indeed, there are quite a number of intricate cases requiring attention, necessitating the efficient use of every moment.

"We can certainly undertake it. All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. While this operation is undeniably demanding, as long as we remain adaptable during the procedure and respond appropriately to the patient's specific condition, I am confident we can completely excise this lung tumor. If we turn him away once more, he may descend into complete despair, relinquishing all hope of medical intervention and resigning himself to his fate at home."

Zhou Can possesses a profound understanding of the internal struggles patients endure.

Given their lack of medical knowledge, the mere diagnosis of cancer is already a source of profound despair.

When faced with the inability to receive treatment at a city-level hospital and subsequently failing to secure it at a provincial institution, the majority of elderly patients tend to surrender at this juncture.

Unwilling to impose further financial burdens upon their families, they prefer to spend their remaining days in the comfort of their homes.

Blessed with a compassionate spirit, Zhou Can rarely rejects such patients.

Even when incapable of resolving the case himself, he diligently seeks out expert consultations from other departments to facilitate collaborative surgical efforts.

"In that case, I shall proceed with scheduling his surgery. The essential examinations have largely been concluded, and the patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly. Can we arrange for the operation to take place tomorrow?"

After carefully reviewing the patient's information, she inscribes 'arrange surgery' in the upper right corner of the file.

"Certainly, I should be available around seven o'clock tomorrow evening."

Zhou Can intuitively grasps her unspoken request; her inquiry about his availability implies his willingness to perform the operation.

With Zhou Can's rapidly advancing surgical expertise, his current proficiency in performing operations now eclipses that of Director Xue Yan across all aspects. He has unequivocally become an invaluable asset to the Cardiothoracic Surgery department.

For surgical procedures of extreme difficulty, Zhou Can is typically the designated surgeon.

The scheduling of a major surgical intervention often necessitates preparatory steps extending two to three days prior. This includes pre-operative assessments, consultations with anesthesiologists, discussions with family members, and instructions for patients to fast, among other measures.

Should the surgical site involve the head, perineal region, or even the thigh, preliminary shaving of hair becomes a requirement.

This task is conventionally undertaken by the nursing staff or the interns assigned to the care of the respective beds.

Certain patients exhibit a significant amount of body hair, which necessitates shaving the chest hair in preparation for thoracic surgery.

This is particularly common among middle-aged male patients, as their body hair growth often reaches its peak during this life stage.

"There are a total of eleven challenging cases requiring resolution. Please examine this one."

She then hands over another newly admitted patient's file.

Zhou Can's visit to Deputy Director Lu at the Provincial People's Hospital yesterday, bypassing the usual Cardiothoracic Surgery support channels, has resulted in a somewhat substantial backlog of complex cases.

It is crucial to emphasize that the Cardiothoracic Surgery department still possesses considerable strength and capability.

Even after the Third Hospital successfully recruited over twenty highly skilled medical professionals, a substantial number of key personnel remain. Director Xue Yan and his colleagues continually refine their skills, successfully addressing numerous difficult cases without Zhou Can's direct involvement.

Zhou Can demonstrates exceptional aptitude in both diagnosis and surgical procedures, yet he is not without limitations.

Other senior physicians in the department are capable of managing certain complex cases that he himself cannot resolve.

Nevertheless, in his overall capacity, he stands out remarkably within the Cardiothoracic Surgery division.

"Leg pain accompanied by gangrene?"

It has been a considerable while since Zhou Can last treated a patient presenting with gangrene.

To his surprise, he encounters such a case once more.

The cases that Director Xue Yan and his colleagues deem challenging must undoubtedly be of considerable complexity.

The patient presented was an elderly gentleman, aged sixty-five.

Gangrene in older individuals frequently stems from diabetes; a common ailment among them.

A significant number of elderly patients forgo hospital visits for diabetes checks. Even when diagnosed, they might sporadically take their prescribed medication. Fearful of exorbitant medical expenses, any minor improvement often tempts them to cease treatment discreetly.

"Our entire department convened to discuss this case, even bringing in specialists from General Surgery and Endocrinology for consultation. Yet, the root cause remains elusive. You possess a remarkable talent for diagnosing such complex conditions. Kindly examine the patient. This individual is a retired official, and numerous high-ranking dignitaries have already contacted Dean Zhu since the patient's admission. Dean Zhu has personally directed us to dedicate all necessary resources from the Cardiothoracic Surgery department to this case, sparing no expense and utilizing any hospital facilities required."

Retired officials are often viewed as highly valued patients by physicians.

Exclusive medications and advanced treatments, typically beyond the reach of ordinary individuals, can be readily employed for them. When attending to retired officials, medical professionals can pursue optimal treatment outcomes with unwavering commitment.

For the medical staff, this presents an exceptional opportunity for practical learning and skill enhancement.

Furthermore, the patronage of retired officials can substantially boost departmental revenue, and their successful treatment might even foster beneficial connections.

In essence, treating retired officials offers a multitude of advantages.

However, the expectations for their care are exceptionally high. Typically, only the most skilled medical personnel are entrusted with their cases.

Any misstep or error can lead to considerable complications.

Should an unfortunate incident occur, the entire institution could face severe repercussions.

Even post-retirement, their influence should not be underestimated.

Some retired officials wield considerable power, and it's common for all visiting dignitaries during their hospital stay to be individuals of significant standing.

After reviewing the patient's biochemical test results, Zhou Can declared with surprise, "There's no history of diabetes! No wonder you mentioned this patient's condition is quite perplexing!"

"The patient maintained a luxurious lifestyle with access to high-quality healthcare, placing a strong emphasis on health and well-being. Leg pain has been a long-standing issue, a chronic ailment. Despite multiple hospitalizations, the problem has persisted without resolution,"

Xue Yan remarked, standing beside him.

It's understandable that with a likely substantial retirement fund, he could live comfortably, free from worries, and naturally focus on maintaining his health for longevity.

Zhou Can continued his thorough examination of the patient's medical records and diagnostic reports.

The patient reported experiencing numbness, a sensation of coldness, and persistent pain in his right lower limb.

This particular ailment had been afflicting him for nearly two decades.

Initially, the leg pain arose from excessive walking. Twenty years prior, he held a junior position, diligently serving a senior leader in pursuit of career advancement. He was known as the most dedicated individual in his department.

Accompanying the senior leader on rural research expeditions and fulfilling various tasks left him utterly exhausted on a daily basis.

It was around this time that his right leg began exhibiting pain, numbness, and other related symptoms.

Resting at home provided some relief.

He sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who prescribed a herbal decoction for him to soak his feet in.

This was essentially a form of medicinal foot bath.

During his ascent in his career, he did not prioritize hospitalization, even when enduring intense pain.

Moreover, the medical technology available two decades ago was not as advanced, and hospital evaluations were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of his condition.

He mostly received painkillers, medications to improve blood circulation, and treatments that were often half-hearted.

His dedicated efforts ultimately led to recognition and subsequent promotions within five years. Following this, his career experienced a period of rapid growth and success.

With his career flourishing came improved living conditions and less demand for strenuous daily errands.

However, the chronic issue in his right leg remained.

It would often flare up painfully, and hospitalizations invariably resulted in unsatisfactory treatment outcomes.

Upon learning of Tuya Hospital's esteemed reputation for healthcare, he intentionally sought treatment there. He initially underwent a basic examination at the General Surgery department, as, in addition to the pain, his toes had already developed gangrene, turning black.

Having consulted two other hospitals, both had indicated that limb preservation was unlikely.

This strongly suggested that amputation was a probable outcome.

This prospect deeply frightened the retired official.