Chapter 31: Seemingly Strict, Yet Caring

Opportunity is right in front of you, and it takes boldness and thick skin to seize it.

"Dr. Xu, may I perform the laparotomy?"

"No!"

Dr. Xu didn't think twice before decisively refusing.

Dr. Lu's smile curled up at the corner of his mouth, looking at Zhou Can with a touch of mockery for his ignorance of his own limits.

"Zhou Can, don't rush. When the time is right, Dr. Xu will give you the opportunity to train," Ye Tingting winked at him, comforting him with her words.

"Sure!"

Zhou Can responded with a grateful smile.

This was a Level 2 surgery. Although a laparotomy is not as dangerous as a thoracotomy, the risks were still significant. Being rejected by Dr. Xu was within his expectations.

Opportunities must always be bravely seized.

Success or failure was beyond his control.

At least he would have no regrets for trying.

"Stand there, watch carefully!"

After refusing his request, Dr. Xu gave him a chance to watch and learn from the best angle.

Zhou Can was secretly delighted, Dr. Xu clearly intended to cultivate him.

"When selecting the location for the surgical incision, be sure to avoid important blood vessels and nerves. The position of the appendix doesn't differ much between males and females, but the anatomical location of the appendix itself can vary greatly, which requires combining the patient's imaging to determine the location of the incision. Normally, the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen, between the navel and the iliac, on the outer one-third of the line connecting the two, known as McBurney's point."

While explaining, Dr. Xu demonstrated.

"Here, her McBurney's point is here, make the incision along McBurney's point during the operation."

This practical experience is very important.

It's summarized by the predecessors after countless surgeries.

It can ensure the surgery goes without mistakes to the greatest extent.

Zhou Can memorized it all, putting aside his previous impulsive thoughts. He calmed down and studied seriously.

After finishing the explanation, Dr. Xu began to make the incision.

The scalpel was like alive in his hand.

Making the cut, pulling back.

His gaze sharp, his actions precise, steady, and quick.

Skin, subcutaneous fat, anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis, rectus abdominis, posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis - layers of human tissue were magically opened one by one.

Zhou Can was so focused that his eyes nearly popped out.

His skill was not inferior to Director Liu.

He had never thought that the lowest-ranking Emergency Department could hide such a master. And Dr. Xu was still just a Resident Doctor.

He hadn't even made it to vice-chief.

With such high-level surgical skills, being a Resident Doctor in the Emergency Department seemed a waste of talent.

As the tissue layers were cut open, blood began to ooze out rapidly.

Dr. Lu, the assistant, immediately took the electrocautery device to help stop the bleeding.

But Dr. Lu's skills were not commendable.

The speed was alright, but accidental injuries or incomplete hemostasis occurred from time to time.

His work was particularly sloppy.

No wonder he was kicked out of the key departments.

If he cannot correct his sloppy work habits, he can only perform Level 1 or 2 surgeries. Even Level 2 surgeries might be difficult for him to lead, and he might only serve as an assistant.

Even with this level of hemostasis, Zhou Can was much better.

Despite his disdain, Zhou Can, being just a training doctor, obviously had no right to criticize a senior Resident Doctor.

Dr. Xu frowned deeply, but did not say much.

Probably nothing could be done.

The Emergency Department was already short-staffed. Even if Dr. Lu's skills were poor and his attitude was careless, they had no choice but to make do.

This was the harsh reality of the Emergency Department.

But with Zhou Can and Jin Mingxi joining as capable members, this situation would soon change.

"Remember, once you cut to this point, only the adipose layer of the peritoneum and the peritoneum layers are left. Be careful during the operation, never rush or try to save time with one sweep. What's most important in surgery? It's not about explosive skills, but safety. Otherwise, no matter how skilled you are, a small mistake can ruin everything."

Dr. Xu's tone was quite special when he said the last sentence.

It seemed to carry deep emotions.

This made Zhou Can speculate about Dr. Xu's story.

Dr. Xu held the scalpel like sculpting a craft, his expression solemn and focused, not too fast nor too slow.

The adipose layer of the peritoneum was perfectly opened.

Then came the peritoneal layer.

As soon as it was cut, pus began to ooze.

Dr. Lu stood at the assistant's position like a corpse, not moving at all.

This situation required immediate removal of the pus.

Zhou Can didn't ask for permission this time.

Nor was there time to ask.

He immediately picked up the suction device to clean the pus.

"I didn't expect the infection to be so severe. She must have been suffering for a long time."

Dr. Xu gave Zhou Can an approving glance.

If it weren't for Zhou Can's quick response, the wound could have been easily contaminated.

"Dr. Lu, go stand over there with Jin Mingxi, responsible for retracting. Xiao Zhou, come here, assist me."

Dr. Xu recognized Zhou Can's superior assistance and adaptability over Dr. Lu's, not sparing any feelings, directly moving Zhou Can to the first assistant's spot.

The appendix removal procedure's retraction isn't particularly tough, and the surgery doesn't take long.

But this arrangement was essentially promoting Zhou Can to first assistant, while the more experienced and senior Dr. Lu was demoted to second assistant.

Even behind a mask, one could sense Dr. Lu's displeased face.

Zhou Can just followed his superiors' arrangement and instructions.

After moving to the first assistant's spot, he held the electrocautery device in one hand and the suction device in the other.

Prepared with absolute attention.

The peritoneum was gradually cut open, eventually matching the size of the surgical entrance.