Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Lyrical incisions

Many surgeons, anesthetists and nurses like music to be played in the operation theater. It helps them relax and sooth their nerves. It improves the cognitive function of the listeners and creates a sense of well being. Their moods get better.It helps personnel approach surgeries in a thoughtful and relaxing manner.
However, there are contrasting views regarding the role of music in the operation theater. Some people might be sensitive to noise and not like the type of music being played.
What if :

  • Some people liked classical music and hated heavy metal?
  • The music caused distraction?
  • Sudden changes in tempo led to sudden unwanted movements?
  • The music affected communication between anesthetists, surgeons and nurses?
It would be a good idea if all the operating theater personnel discussed the type of music to be played while operating. It would save a lot of heartburn among all concerned.
Here is a typical scene from the popular American sitcom 'Scrubs'.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Laparoscopy vs Arthroscopy

Laparoscopy and arthroscopy both involve the use of small instruments to look into cavities and perform surgeries. Laparoscopy uses Carbon dioxide to insufflate the abdomen so that the abdominal organs are examined better. Arthroscopy usually involves the use of sterile saline which is pumped into joints at the required pressure using a pump.
Laparoscopy is usually done by trained surgeons or gynecologists while arthroscopy is done by trained orthopaedic surgeons. Joints such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle are most frequently examined and operated with arthroscopic techniques.
Arthritis is an informal way of referring to joint pain or disease and involves many related conditions.
With advances in fiber optics during the 1970s, arthroscopy advanced significantly. The first interventions are credited to the Japanese surgeon Masaki Watanabe. The first arthroscopies were reportedly done with a cystoscope and a thoracolaparoscope.  
The seed for this article came from a walkathon being organised at our hospital on May 21, 2017. Details are given below.
  

Monday, May 1, 2017

The gall of living without a gallbladder

Gallbladder removal or laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations being performed in the world. Usually, the operation is advised for patients with gallstones who develop symptoms of inflammation of the gallbladder. There are several advantages to laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder such as lesser pain, faster recovery and smaller scar.
Many patients ask their surgeons whether removing the gallbladder causes any adverse effects. Many animals do not have gallbladders. Gallbladder is the storage organ for bile which helps in digestion. In people without gallbladders, bile is directly delivered to the intestines. Theoretically, patients may not digest food well but it is found that the body adjusts and most patients are able to consume a normal diet.
Celebrities who have undergone gallbladder surgeries include the Dalai Lama, Eric Clapton and Jack Black.