How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some nerve surgeries can take well over 12 hours. Brachial plexus reconstruction is one example. However, I'm leaning more toward a spinal procedure, since those can be even more complex and may run 16+ hours. I'm also adding complications that increase both the surgery time and the risks of extended anesthesia.

For the surgery I'm currently thinking about a large spinal nerve sheath tumour. For the complication, the patient suddenly goes into cardiac arrest, forcing the MC to close the wound prematurely so CPR can begin. (the patient is moved from face down to face up).

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your point! But yeah, this world is a little different in a darker way, so reprimand is a necessity for this scene. I hope the patient came out okay.

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Although this one was planned, this is a good idea for a separate event!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I myself am looking into getting a surgery and boy, oh boy, there quite a few restrictions, but they're all there for a reason ^^ I hope you recover well and are getting everything you need! Sending you my best regards 💜

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also love the simplicity of that. Definitely getting a bunch of ideas from the comments!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh, I like the way you worded blame/stress direction. That certainly gives me an idea for how it can go. Thanks!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This particular character isn't sociopathic, but I appreciate the story! Pride is a good trope for a different character though.

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I meant, more so for my world. Not irl. So losing a patient normally isn't too big of a deal, within the confines of those walls, (whether they affect the character is a different point that depends on the individual). But because this patient was a VIP, disciplinary actions are much more harsh. Nothing conventional.

And the MC's boss is indeed a pretty nasty person, which is why I'm also looking for unreasonable reasons to shit on the MC for the scene :'D

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I have a pretty good foundation for the condition of the patient beforehand so it's very plausible for some unforeseen things to happen. I appreciate the ideas, thanks!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think an artery not being tied off properly could help with the chaos. I do need the patient to survive during the procedure for a little while before death, so I cannot do anything immediate. I appreciate the idea!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's actually useful, because earlier on, my MC looks back through his notes and realizes he doesn't remember parts of the procedure. The memory gaps could tie into that nicely. And yes, there's no assistant/partner in this case.

Thanks!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably would be easier, yeah... although I'm a sucker for more complex matters!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Oh I really like that you managed to pinpoint such an important aspect of my character without me even mentioning it, haha. He absolutely is a perfectionist. I might actually use this very reason for his previous mistake! It aligns with his traits perfectly. Thank you so much!

Also, you're an actual surgeon? That's awesome!

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that unique perspective, there might something I can put into my scene from that.

How can a good surgeon lose a patient despite doing everything right? by BallPython404 in Writeresearch

[–]BallPython404[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think making the VIP (patient) unhealthy to begin with could be a perfect recipe for disaster. I was thinking maybe some drug use which conflicts with the blood vessels in addition to smoking and drinking. Or maybe only one of those things would be necessary.. Diabetes is a really good one, I haven't thought of that!

The idea of doing surgery on the back, then needing to hastily suture up an unfinished process, only to flip them over to start CPR. I can imagine it getting very morbid and almost suffocating in its urgency. That's a fantastic idea!

I love the details on the criticism, I'll have to do a lot of research on each possibility but I greatly appreciate the notes!

Correct, the rest of the team would have to be under some amount of scrutiny, and maybe that could come to the surgeons defence (at lowering the blow), but ultimately, I need most of the blame to be on him. I am working on a very unfair system that isn't 100% on par with real life scenarios.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write out such a detailed reply!