A surgeon’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, a surgeon’s job is not the moment she or he steps out of the operation theatre after surgery.  It continues with the post-operative care and the follow ups, with the surgeon finally taking a huge sigh of relief when she or he gives the patient a clean bill of health. 

On most days, a surgeon sticks to a routine which may well be blown into smithereens if an emergency case comes up.  Generally, speaking a regular day starts around 9 a.m. 

The first task for people in my profession involves checking the in-tray which invariably holds medical queries from most importantly case sheets of operable case.  The days of my week are divided between clinical evaluations, surgery and follow-ups, with each day bringing its won surprises. Perhaps it’s 40 plus overweight lady who needs to have her gall bladder removed because of stones or may be an  80 year old gentleman with inguinal hernia. 

The choice of surgical procedures as well as the unaesthetic agents to be used and the medical fitness of the patient prior to surgery cannot and are not taken care of by the surgeon alone.  A team of highly dedicated individuals lends their feedback to the choice which is eventually made with very little room for mistakes. 

Once the surgery is finished, my nursing staff takes over when the patient reaches the recovery room.  A well trained and highly competent nursing staff can make a surgeon’s job easy. 

The beauty of general surgery is that you never know what will be coming through your door next.  Practicing this particular branch of surgery is about dealing with uncertainty.  My emergency cases may include road traffic accidents, acute appendicitis or a ruptured appendix.  So while my patients rely on me, I rely on my training, skill and experience.  It does not always go as planned.  My schedule can be exhausting and time consuming and I often run late.  By the end of a typical day, I am tried and hungry but on a kind of high, I have helped people and that is an instant reward in itself. 

By Dr. Shoaib Ghangat

The writer is a practicing consultant general surgeon.