My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points Chapter 1429 - 570: Infant Hypertension and the Hazards of Consanguineous Marriage
Previously on My Medical Skills Give Me Experience Points...
"Did the patient experience vascular issues from birth? This crucial detail was not disclosed by the family. If we had proceeded with surgery without this knowledge, the potential risks would have escalated dramatically."
Several department heads exchanged alarmed glances upon hearing this.
It is standard procedure to thoroughly review a patient's medical history and any pre-existing conditions before undergoing surgery. The fact that such vital information was withheld by the family, and not actively sought by the medical team, highlighted a significant oversight.
This situation also pointed to a lapse in the chain of responsibility.
One could even argue that it represented a loophole in the established protocols.
The Cardiothoracic Surgery department harbored the assumption that the patient, having already been admitted and assessed by both the Emergency Department and the Cardiovascular Department, would have had their complete medical history clarified. Consequently, they did not delve any further into the matter.
"All of you here are esteemed experts in the field of cardiology. Could you elucidate the probable reasons behind the patient's systemic arterial vascular malformation?"
Zhou Can's primary interest lay in uncovering the underlying cause.
Before a patient can undergo heart surgery, it is imperative to definitively establish the cause of any arterial malformation.
This meticulous approach is a doctor's solemn duty, aimed at mitigating perioperative risks to the greatest extent possible and significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.
"Pinpointing the exact cause presents a considerable challenge. Comprehensive tests and an in-depth review of the patient's childhood medical records, along with any familial history of similar conditions among parents and grandparents, are necessary to potentially identify the source. However, the world is full of peculiar ailments where the precise etiology remains elusive."
"What seems relatively certain, though, is its connection to the patient's prolonged history of hypertension."
"Indeed, I concur that it is likely linked to a long-standing diagnosis of hypertension."
Each expert present offered their distinct viewpoint.
The collective gathered comprised the majority of Cardiothoracic Surgery's leading specialists, each distinguished by their profound knowledge, expansive understanding, and extensive clinical experience.
"Could the hypertension have been present from birth?"
Zhou Can found this potential revelation quite unsettling.
During a previous casual conversation with the family, Mrs. Zhang had obliquely mentioned that Zhang Qilian had suffered from vascular ailments since his youth, which proved exceedingly difficult to treat within the country. To seek a cure, he had even traveled to Japan for medical studies.
His journey was twofold: to advance his medical knowledge and to receive treatment for his condition.
"The patient's current condition is perilous. We must act swiftly to clear the obstructions and accelerate the surgical procedure. Would it not be prudent to invite the family to join our consultation?"
Xue Yan put forth the suggestion.
She invariably experienced heightened anxiety when faced with critically ill patients requiring urgent intervention within her department.
It is precisely this unwavering sense of responsibility that has enabled the department to effectively manage mortality rates, bringing the current figures in Cardiothoracic Surgery to their lowest historical point.
While Zhou Can's contributions have been immeasurable, Xue Yan's profound dedication to her duties deserves significant commendation.
"I believe it's an excellent idea to have the family present; it will streamline the process of directly inquiring about the patient's medical history for everyone involved."
Without delay, the patient's family was escorted into the consultation room.
In typical medical consultations, it is not uncommon to include the family in discussions, particularly in complex cases or when the patient or their family holds a distinguished position.
Naturally, the family members, lacking professional medical expertise, primarily served to listen and respond to the doctors' queries.
Mrs. Zhang's eyes were visibly swollen and red, her countenance etched with exhaustion.
Zhang Qilian's sudden deterioration had placed her under immense strain, inflicting severe emotional distress.
Her profound affection for Zhang Qilian was unmistakably evident.
Traditional Eastern cultures often value women for their supportive roles within the household. In Japan, a common societal structure involves the husband being the primary income earner while the wife manages the home front exclusively.
Unmarried adult women, however, tend to be more actively engaged in the professional workforce.
Under typical circumstances, upon the husband's return home, the lady of the house would greet him with a kneeling posture.
This particular form of kneeling involves resting on one's knees.
In Japan, kneeling is a widely accepted and practiced form of etiquette. Bowing, a gesture requiring little explanation, truly elevates the principle of "better to be overly courteous than not courteous enough" to an exceptional standard.
Regardless of the specific customs, these nuances underscore the deference and respect women often show toward their husbands.
That Zhang Qilian was fortunate enough to marry such a beautiful and devoted Japanese woman was, by all accounts, a blessing of extraordinary fortune, spanning multiple lifetimes.
"Greetings, doctors. I place my husband's well-being entirely in your hands!"
She offered a bow to everyone present.
Her etiquette adhered strictly to standard Japanese courtesy.
"Mrs. Zhang, there's no need for formalities; please take a seat! We've requested your presence for this discussion because your husband's condition is critical, and certain aspects remain unclear to us. To expedite matters, we require specific details directly from you."
Xue Yan gestured for her to sit at the head of the consultation table.
Typically, this seat accommodates two individuals and is most often reserved for nurses or family members.
"Please, ask any questions you have. I will answer as thoroughly as I can regarding anything I'm aware of."
She sat down, a hint of shyness about her.
"Earlier, during our discussion, Dr. Zhou mentioned that your husband has a history of vascular disease since childhood, which presents a considerable risk for heart surgery. Do you know the specific reason for this?"
"I know a little. This matter concerns Qilian's privacy, so I would appreciate it if you could keep it confidential."
After stating this, she stood and bowed her head to everyone present.
"Maintaining patient confidentiality is our professional obligation; you have no need to worry,"
Xue Yan assured her.
"When Qilian was very young, he told me that he had developed hypertension before he even reached three months old. At that time, the medical facilities in his hometown were not very developed, and the doctors remarked that this condition was exceptionally rare. Considering an infant's limited tolerance, the doctors exercised extreme caution with any medication. They also informed Qilian's parents that since the child was still very young, with highly flexible blood vessels, if his blood pressure didn't continuously escalate, it wouldn't pose a significant problem."