SURGERY

Our surgical rounds began with the observation of two gastroscopies at Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein. The first gastroscopy we were able to watch on a computer screen, but the second was performed using an eye scope, so that only the physician could view the procedure. Later, we observed a hiatal hernia removal from the gallery above the theater. The lectures on Monday covered the biology of aging and anemia. Surgical rounds on Tuesday began in the pediatric burn unit of Pelanomi Hospital. Many of the patients suffered burns by hot water or stoves. One specific patient was in the burn ward as a result of a pedestrian-vehicular accident.  Hygiene is particularly important when entering the burn unit, because the patients are so susceptible to infection. Shoe covers are worn and hand sanitizer is used between every patient. We shadowed a doctor that led us around the ward, to ICU and then to the clinic. In the clinic we saw a 9 month  old and a 12 year old patient with umbilical hernias. The doctor informed us that these are very common in the black African population. We also witnessed a visit with a small child with a burn to the bottom of his right foot. The patient was in need of a skin graft. The doctor also had a follow up appointment with a patient with a facial burn. Most of the patients that the doctor saw in the clinic were HIV positive children.
The following day we learned how to properly scrub in for a surgery. I also watched a gal bladder removal from the gallery overlooking the theater. The surgery started endoscopically, but unfortunately due to complications the surgeons had to open the patient's abdomen. The next day we began with ward rounds. The medical students and I followed the head physician around to the patients room where reports were given on the patient's conditions. We were also able to see one patient in the clinic who had contracted an amoeba from a river. The amoeba was in his liver and was being drained using an ostomy since the condition was not treatable using medication. The morning was followed by afternoon lectures on optometry.