"Hmm," Zheng Ren answered. "I've done almost ten surgeries."
"..." Chief Sun stumbled in surprise, but he quickly caught up with Zheng Ren.
It being a rare disease, Chief Sun had no idea what Rapunzel Syndrome was.
However, diseases like decompensated cirrhosis with clinical symptoms of portal hypertension, hematemesis, and ascites were the most common cases in general surgery and gastroenterology.
A few years back, they would need to perform porto-azygos disconnection.
Due to a lack of fibrinogen and the high risk of porto-azygos disconnection, the rise of TIPS surgery in the interventional field had replaced this common procedure from general surgery.
Chief Sun sighed when he thought about how Zheng Ren even managed to master the most difficult procedure: TIPS surgery.
"Little Zheng, I'll be straightforward with you. I have an old mate with serious liver cirrhosis and ascites. His condition is way beyond control," Chief Sun said. "Can you tell me who you learned TIPS surgery from? Can you give me a referral so that I can help my friend transfer to Imperial Capital or Sorcery Capital to receive surgery from your mentor?"
"Learn?" Zheng Ren asked. He was caught by surprise. He was not paying attention to Chief Sun's rambling. His mind was occupied with the Rapunzel Syndrome.
Chapter 409 - Princess Syndrome (3)
"I figured it out with Professor Rudolf Wagner," Zheng Ren said.
Chief Sun was stunned, then he was extremely displeased.
He felt as if something was pressing on his c.h.e.s.t.
Even though he did not know how to perform TIPS surgery, he knew its basic principles.
TIPS surgery was one of the most difficult surgeries to date. In certain ways, it could be more challenging than the Whipple procedure.
How arrogant of Little Zheng to claim that he learned it by himself. Who would believe this nonsense?
Chief Sun shook his head and sighed internally.
There was no point in him pestering him further if he was so full of himself.
Chief Sun was so frustrated that he wanted to turn around and leave. Why should he be humiliated by a naive child?
At this moment, Zheng Ren was entirely focused on the surgery. He decided the route of entry from the information he gathered by physical examination and imaging. He then mentally ran through the procedure to think of possible precautions and mitigation measures for any unexpected incidents.
He did not notice the changes in Chief Sun.
When they arrived at the operating room, Chief Sun was silent, as was Zheng Ren. The atmosphere was a little awkward.
After changing, Zheng Ren left the changing room first. Chief Sun found a quiet corner and lit a cigarette to smoke. Then, he took out his phone and made a call.
"Old Xia, I asked Zheng Ren about the TIPS surgery, but he said he figured it out with the professor." Chief Sun poured his frustrations to Chief Xia, with whom he was more familiar.
Chief Xia was the one who told him that Zheng Ren could do TIPS surgery. Initially, Chief Sun asked her to contact the professor in Imperial Capital, but she referred him to Zheng Ren instead.
In fact, Chief Xia actually meant that he should ask Zheng Ren to perform the surgery.
However, Chief Sun misinterpreted that Zheng Ren was able to perform TIPS surgery because he had relations in Imperial Capital.
It was a misunderstanding.
Chief Xia was stunned when she heard him.
"Old Sun, didn't you ask me to refer you to a professor who could perform TIPS surgery?" Chief Xia asked.
"Yeah, you suggested Zheng Ren's mentor, so I came to look for him." Chief Sun felt slightly dejected.
"Who said anything about his mentor!" Chief Xia had a hot temper, the volume at the other end of the phone call increased by at least ten decibels. "I told you that Little Zheng is quite good at TIPS surgery!"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/the-surgeon's-studio_16489637605120805/princess-syndrome-(3)_49051013390331928 for visiting.
Chief Sun still could not understand what Chief Xia was insinuating. He just stared at the cloud of smoke billowing from the cigarette in hand.
Even though Chief Xia made it very clear, he…
After a few seconds, an irritated voice came from the other end.
"Old Sun, are you in your right mind? What nonsense are you talking about? Wasn't I clear?"
"Old Xia, we're talking about TIPS surgery here. Are we on the same page?" The cigarette bud burnt his fingers and the pain brought Chief Sun back to his senses. He threw away the cigarette bud and explained what he thought she told him.
"I am talking about TIPS surgery here," Chief Xia asked, "My classmate, Old Zhang, is the supervisory director of Secondary Hospital. Once he saw Little Zheng perform TIPS surgery during his last visit, he immediately invited him over."
While Chief Xia was explaining, she paused momentarily and asked, "Old Sun, don't tell me that you asked Little Zheng to help you contact the professor from Imperial Capital?"
"..." Chief Sun had no idea what his mistake was.
"You… nevermind," Chief Xia knew that her speculation was true when there was no response from him. She continued, "Just let Little Zheng do it. Stop wasting your time. Don't come and blame me if the other postgraduate researchers experiment on your friend."
Chief Xia hung up right after that.
Chief Sun gripped his phone with mixed feelings and stared off in a daze.
He had been introduced to Zheng Ren when he started working in this hospital. He was just a normal general surgeon, hardworking and reliable, but that was all. There was nothing exceptional about his surgical skills.
However, he rose to fame just after a demonstration surgery.
Could he perform TIPS by himself? From what Chief Xia said, her intent was already very obvious even though she did not exactly mention it—Zheng Ren's TIPS surgery skills were much better than the professors in Imperial Capital.
… Was that even possible?
Chief Sun had no doubts about Zheng Ren's general surgical skills. He could perform the Whipple procedure alone; a simple surgery like this would not be a problem.
Nonetheless, was he able to surpass other experts in their own field?
At such a young age?
Chief Sun was lost in his thoughts. When he thought of asking Director Zhang about this, he realized that he had already been sitting in the changing room for half an hour.
'Ugh… The surgery would have started by now.' He quickly rushed over.
Chief Sun put on a scrub cap and mask before entering the operating room.
Under the shadowless lamp, the silhouette of Zheng Ren's back seemed larger.
No one was speaking at the operating table. There was not even a single request for surgical tools.
'Was there a problem?' Chief Sun thought subconsciously.
He stuck his head out to check and, to his surprise, the surgery was almost over. Zheng Ren was suturing the muscle layer. After each suture, Su Yun followed up with a knot and cut the excess suture in a fluid motion.
"Little Zheng, you're done?" Chief Sun asked.
"Yeah, the fecalith had hair in it. Do you want to take a look?" Zheng Ren replied.
The surgery went smoothly. They saw a bulge in the intestine after opening the abdominal cavity.
After dissecting the intestinal wall, they removed the fecalith and checked the remaining intestines for other blockages. Then, they proceeded to close and rinse, and the surgery was completed.
Intestinal obstruction might be slightly more challenging if the patient was elderly due to the risk of intestinal adhesion. Otherwise, a typical intestinal obstruction was just as simple as an appendectomy for Zheng Ren.
Chief Sun quickly put on a pair of gloves and opened the yellow plastic bag containing the pathological specimen.
"Chief Sun, can you do that outside, please?" Chu Yanran could not take it. She had already voiced her objection against intestine surgery. She would have Chu Yanzhi take over the anesthesia for any intestine surgery in the future.
Chief Sun forced a laugh. He did not reprimand Chu Yanran, even though she was still a resident-in-training.
He was afraid of her boss, not to mention that Su Yun was still at the operating table. He had no intention of getting mocked by that mean guy.
Unless he could rebut him, he would never be able to beat that guy.
He carried the yellow bag to the corridor of the operating room and opened it near a vent.
In the bag, there were massive clumps of fecalith with hair in it.
It…it really was Rapunzel Syndrome? Chief Sun quickly closed the bag while he tried to memorize the name of this syndrome. The odor was indeed very pungent; no wonder Chu Yanran was so upset.
It did not matter if he had never heard of this syndrome before. He could always go back and study it.
If not, he could always search Baidu.
Even though they always advised patients not to seek medical advice on Baidu, Chief Sun had no other choice in this situation.
Chapter 410 - How Do We Treat Her?
The surgery ended and Zheng Ren stepped away from the operating table.
He did not remove his surgical gown. Instead, he waited for Su Yun to bring the stretcher trolley over and helped to move the patient.
"Su Yun, does Sea City have a psychiatrist? It would be best if the patient had access to one once she recovers."
Su Yun replied, "No, we don't. There are very few psychiatry departments in our country. I know someone who's based in Imperial Capital."
"Are they any good?"
"Talented; definitely worth a try, but it's a bit pricey."
Su Yun's social circle was a galaxy compared to Zheng Ren's.
Psychiatry was an uncommon specialty in China. The fact that Su Yun had a recommended contact was a testament to his well-connectedness.
"I'll have a word with the family about the recommended therapy for the patient," Zheng Ren said as he watched the stretcher trolley leave the operating room. He had not taken his gloves off.
"Go ahead. Let me know if they want the contact." Su Yun and Chu Yanran wheeled the patient out of the operating room.
"Su Yun, get the father to stay back. I have something to show him," Zheng Ren called out after Su Yun. He had wanted to show the father the evidence.
"I remember!" Su Yun's voice reverberated outside the operating room hallway.
Zheng Ren rotated his shoulders to relieve the tension. He saw Department Chief Sun standing in the corner.
The department chief looked to be in a daze. The yellow plastic bag was untied and a distinct odor permeated the operating room.
Zheng Ren tried to get the department chief's attention. "Chief Sun, the surgery is done. I'm going to inform the family."
Department Chief Sun snapped out of his daze. He wore a confused expression as his mind processed what was being said to him.
His silence prompted Zheng Ren to ask with concern, "Chief Sun, are you feeling well?"
"Uh…" Department Chief Sun hesitated, then he sealed the yellow plastic bag and walked toward Zheng Ren. "Little Zheng, your diagnosis was spot-on!"
The department chief gave Zheng Ren a congratulatory thumbs-up, a wide smile on his face.
This was the second time the department chief had praised him. If Su Yun was here, some sarcastic remark would have been made. The department chief's enthusiastic compliments were met with an awkward smile from Zheng Ren.
Zheng Ren felt he was undeserving of praise.
After all, it was the System that provided the diagnosis.
Truth be told, Zheng Ren could not recall the specifics about Rapunzel Syndrome. He would have to look up the article to refresh his memory. These thoughts raced through his mind as the department chief showered him with praise.
Department Chief Sun did not sense the awkwardness in the air. The smell of the impacted stool might have temporarily impaired his brain functions.
"Little Zheng, that friend of mine will be arriving tomorrow. I'll have to trouble you to perform the TIPS surgery," Department Chief Sun said solemnly.
"It's no trouble. Admit him to your ward. I believe your department is more experienced in handling hepatic encephalopathy," Zheng Ren replied with a smile.
Department Chief Sun nodded faintly.
He wanted to slap himself for his past foolishness.
Zheng Ren had a foreign professor by his side. What was his name? Rudy? Ruben? Even if Zheng Ren could not perform the TIPS surgery, the professor could step in, but why would a foreign professor deign to take up a subordinate role?
The foreign professor's presence was to Department Chief Sun's benefit. He had communicated the Caucasian professor's involvement with his friend to gain brownie points.
He still had doubts about the success rate of the TIPS surgery, but he trusted Department Chief Xia's judgment.
Department Chief Xia was a capable woman. She survived countless altercations with Department Chief Liu; that was an amazing feat on its own.
She rarely praised others, but Zheng Ren was an exception. He came with Department Chief Xia's recommendation and she was not shy with her compliments.
Department Chief Sun had a clearer picture of Zheng Ren's status now. He was in good spirits as he followed Zheng Ren out of the operating room.
Despite the age difference, Department Chief Sun was willing to admit he had misjudged Zheng Ren. The junior doctor had grown into a force to be reckoned with in Sea City General Hospital.
Zheng Ren carried the yellow plastic bag out to the corridor.
"Family of Wang Yutong!" Zheng Ren announced.
Wang Yutong's father immediately appeared before Zheng Ren, concern etched into his worn face.
Su Yun had informed him to wait for the lead surgeon to explain the circ.u.mstances and rushed off with his daughter.
Zheng Ren eyed the man. "You're Wang Yutong's father?"
"Yes."
"Your daughter is suffering from a rare illness."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/the-surgeon's-studio_16489637605120805/how-do-we-treat-her_49051016611557444 for visiting.
The middle-aged man's face paled. He looked as if Zheng Ren told him his daughter had cancer.
The man's imagination ran amok and panic seized him.
Zheng Ren could see the shift in expression and quickly smiled to lighten the mood.
"Your daughter has a psychiatric disorder," Zheng Ren clarified.
A curveball.
Wang Yutong's father was surprised.
"Psychiatric disorder?" the man questioned.
A psychiatric disorder required surgical treatment?
"It's… The disorder is called Rapunzel Syndrome."
"Rapunzel…" The man eyed Zheng Ren suspiciously. If not for the full surgical gear, he would think Zheng Ren was a sham. Hints of blood splattered on Zheng Ren's gloves made him think twice.
"Rapunzel Syndrome is a rare medical condition resulting in ingesting hair. Hair is made of keratin, which cannot be digested by gastric acid and enzymes, causing problems in the gastrointestinal tract," Zheng Ren explained.
"The body can excrete a few strands, but a person with Rapunzel Syndrome ingests an excessive amount of hair. Often the patient displays symptoms of thinning hair and malnutrition due to gastrointestinal problems." Zheng Ren leaned forward with the yellow plastic bag. "Here is the trichobezoar that formed from the large amount of hair she ingested, so you can get a better idea of what your daughter has."
Zheng Ren opened the yellow plastic bag to show Wang Yutong's father.
The long explanation was h
elpful for him to understand his daughter's condition and his distrust in Zheng Ren slowly faded.
There were many questions in his mind still, but he understood the gist of it.
Holding his breath in, he peered into the open plastic bag.
Zheng Ren pulled out a piece of the trichobezoar.
The individual strands of hair were a part of the patient's stool and they were numerous. It was a disturbing sight to behold.
A picture was worth a thousand words.
Wang Yutong believed Zheng Ren's diagnosis.
"Doctor, how do we treat her?" he asked Zheng Ren with pleading eyes.
Chapter 411 - Old Chief Physician Pan’s Solution
"A patient with Rapunzel Syndrome will require professional psychiatric help. If you can't find a suitable doctor, my assistant knows someone in Imperial Capital. We can provide you the contact details," Zheng Ren said to Wang Yutong's father.
Zheng Ren felt he had to stress the importance of therapy. "She has to seek professional help for this. If it goes untreated, the next round of surgery will be more complicated. There could be issues like abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstruction."
Wang Yutong's father nodded.
Department Chief Sun was impressed by Zheng Ren's knowledge. In his decades of service, he only remembered a single case of Rapunzel Syndrome.
Back then, the surgeon performed a bowel obstruction surgery to remove the trichobezoar, but never bothered to provide any mental health advice.
Without addressing the root cause of the bowel obstruction, the patient was likely to end up in the hospital again for a second bowel obstruction surgery.
Zheng Ren answered a few more questions from the patient's father. Once he was satisfied, Zheng Ren excused himself and went into the operating room. He placed the yellow plastic bag in a corner. The pathology department would run some tests on the sample. He went to change out of his surgical scrubs.
Department Chief Sun was one step behind Zheng Ren. He brought out all the praises and compliments he had once used to sweet-talk his mentor, showering Zheng Ren with accolades and applause.
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