Today was my last day at Wakefield. Today, I saw a lipoma removal, a mass removal, a gallbladder removal, a hernia repair, and an attempt at getting a sewing needle out of someone’s foot. During the first few surgeries, the anesthesiologist explained to me some of their responsibilities during surgeries. They first have to find out if the patient is allergic to any anesthesia and know not to use it for the surgery. Then, while nurses and surgical techs position the patient for surgery, they place a breathing tube strategically to make for the best airflow. Most of the time, the breathing tube has to go directly to the lungs so that they can have total control of the person’s breathing. The picture below is where anesthesiologists keep their supplies and do nonsurgical work.
The very last case of the day was removing a sewing needle from someone’s foot. A woman accidentally stepped on one and it went deep into her foot. Most of it came out but a small part broke off and is still very deep in her heel. The podiatrist tried for a long time to get it out, but the needle piece was too deep. He used an x-ray machine to see the needle piece, and though he knew the location, it was still too far in her foot. Unfortunately, the needle will not eventually travel up to the surface but will likely stay there forever. He also said it will likely not cause her pain or even feel it but because they just performed surgery, the area will be tender for a while.