At sixteen years old, and having a laparoscopic appendectomy performed
That’s the correct statement
I turned sixteen a few days ago, and I’m starting to think about how the transition from childhood to adulthood is like standing on one leg in each world. I feel like there’s a difference between being instructed and learning to instruct myself. I have learned a lot from the unexpected challenges of this year, and as I look ahead to the new beginnings of my life, I am filled with excitement
To explore the possibility of studying medicine, I began by observing fascinating cases and shadowing a paediatric surgeon. The laparoscopic appendectomy I witnessed today was awe-inspiring experience. After that, I sat in the car and exclaimed to my mother, “That was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen.”. The entire experience was surreal, as if I had just entered a world I’d never been acquainted with
I took a picture of the operating room 15 minutes before the surgery
Despite its futuristic appearance, laparoscopic surgery has been performed for over a century. The first laparoscopic procedure on dogs was performed by Georg Kelling in 1901, and Hans Christian Jacobaeus followed suit in 1910 with the first human laporoscopic surgery. I asked the surgeon I was shadowing how long appendoscopies had been performed on children, and he was surprised to learn that only in the past decade this technique has been used
Another interesting aspect of the procedure was anesthesiology. I was given the opportunity to observe closely as another student shadowed the patient’s breathing tube and ensured venous access, after practicing on a plastic tube with an insert. Additionally, I was taught about what constitutes a healthy vein, such as one that is uniform, does not move when touched above the skin, and is sizable. For the first time, I comprehended the process of vein breakage and the potential for needle penetration (which can rupture the vein by entering it twice) as well as horizontally after entering, resulting in the top layer of the skin being torn
Besides, I inquired the anaesthesiologist about the type of analgesic used during the procedure, its purpose, and potential consequences if someone has allergies. It’s evident that I still have a lot to learn. I was educated on the two primary categories of anaesthesia: general and local anal sedation. General anaesthesia was utilized to maintain complete unconsciousness and painlessness throughout the entire procedure. Observing the meticulousness of every step was a testament to the level of skill and care required to ensure patient safety
The appendix/worm is depicted in the following picture. The original picture was colored, but I changed it to black and white for a more natural feel
The term “worm” is sometimes used to describe the appendix, as it does not grow inside, owing to its structural design. In rare cases where parasitic worms are present, their ability to prevent damage to the appendix leads to inflammation and rupture. Despite being removed, the appendix does not regenerate and one can live without it
Prior to the operation, a young girl who had been on antibiotics was our patient. As a general rule, I comprehended that appendicitis symptoms progress with the swelling and inflammation of the appenix. The symptoms range from mild abdominal pain to loss of appetite, nausea, mild fever, and a clear lower right abdomen pain. Despite the patient’s repeated claims of experiencing pain above the bone, her appendix issue was likely caused by inflammation from an earlier infection or illness, which differed from the usual progression
If a person experiences severe appendix infection due to the spread of bacteria in their abdomen, which causes extreme pain, high fever, and rapid heart rate, they may require surgery
Furthermore, our surgeon disclosed a peculiar historical fact regarding the ‘American appendectomy. ’. In the United States, appendices were commonly removed through prophylactication in the 1950s due to the belief that they were an unimportant organ. In spite of this, recent research has revealed that the appendix is crucial to the gut’s function, serving as a breeding ground for advantageous microorganisms that can regrow the intestinal tract following infections or dysbiosis. Science and medicine both undergo changes, indicating that our perception of knowledge is constantly evolving
Another image captured during the surgical procedure
The operating room’s atmosphere was reminiscent of the movies, which left me feeling impressed by the facility. The laparoscopic procedure was conducted in a dimly lit room, unlike the surgeries I had previously attended. The only lighting used was provided by the screens that displayed the laposcopic camera feed and the overhead lights. The lead surgeon had to operate the camera up to 360 degrees occasionally, which was crucial due to the assisting surgeon’s role in maintaining proper placement. The camera’s proper placement was emphasized by our surgeon. The level of precision required to perform a minimally invasive surgery was impressive, as I must say
The pathology check was also a surprising revelation. Following the removal of the appendix, commonly referred to as “the worm” it was sent for further examination to eliminate any potential malignancy. The surgeon stated that he had only witnessed three instances of cancer in the appendix during his career. It was a heartening experience to realize that routine actions can lead to concealed outcomes
Witnessing The appendix’s dramatic color change immediately after losing its blood supply was a fascinating moment that highlighted The importance of blood circulation in all parts of The body
Although it was a thrilling experience, I must confess that I did feel slightly dizzy at one point. The moment came when I realized that while medicine is about knowledge, it’s also about being present, staying strong, and remaining alert. Our surgeon clarified that the job does not always have a fixed schedule, and the patient’s daily routine remains consistent with doctor-patient plans. The emergency surgery that occurred on a Sunday afternoon at midday left me feeling uncomfortable as I had no idea I was in the wrong place when I arrived. The hospital was almost completely empty and the area was being thoroughly cleaned
…
Following the operation, I spent the remaining afternoon at my grandmother’s house, surrounded by love and family, baking my birthday cake and feeling wonderfully cozy. The contrast between the sterile, high-stakes setting of the operating room and the warmth of home made me appreciate both environments
Thank you to the surgeons who provided me with comprehensive explanations and answered my endless questions. Although some of them were probably foolish, they allowed my curiosity to run wild, and for that reason, I am grateful. I simply want to convey my message that I will return with a little more knowledge, comprehension, and perhaps even sophistication
The first Episode of Welcome, Season 16, is highly anticipated and I am eager to see what the year has in store