Surgeons Episode 20 Recap
> Surgeons Recap
The hospital meeting continued, where Fu Bowen presented Lin Sen's critical condition. He explained that Lin Sen was exhibiting symptoms of complications from a posterior mediastinal tumor, including dyspnea, choking when fed, and Horner's syndrome. Immediate surgery was necessary to prevent potential malignancy from invading adjacent tissues and metastasizing. While the leaders agreed to the urgency, they felt Lu Chenxi was unsuitable to lead the surgery and suggested bringing in another doctor.
However, Yang Fan interjected, stating that Lin Sen's father insisted on Lu Chenxi as the main surgeon. The leaders dismissed this as a "superstitious belief" common among patients' parents, questioning why no other doctor in the Thoracic Surgery Department could perform such a procedure. Fu Bowen clarified that Lin Sen's tumor was unusually large, and currently, only Lu Chenxi at their hospital could reliably perform the surgery using the thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor excision method.
He emphasized that traditional open-chest surgery carried a high risk of post-operative chest pain, a complication he himself suffered from. He revealed a tragic parallel with Lin Sen's mother, who developed severe chronic depression due to incurable post-operative chest pain and ultimately took her own life along with her son (though Lin Sen was saved). Therefore, the father's insistence on Lu Chenxi's method was born of trust and desperation, not superstition.
Still, one of the leaders suggested that Director Lan of Central Hospital, who had also initiated a thoracoscopic surgery program, could be called. Another moved to call Director Lan, but was stopped by Xiu Minqi. Xiu Minqi, holding a position on the Thoracic Surgery Academic Board, asserted his authority on the matter. After reviewing Lin Sen's case, he presented relevant academic journals and meeting minutes to the attendees.
He highlighted research proving thoracoscopic surgery's effectiveness in preventing chronic post-operative chest pain, despite its high demands on a surgeon's skill. He specifically pointed out that in the past three years, among 97 cases Lu Chenxi personally operated on, all involving tumors larger than the average, not a single patient developed post-operative chest pain.
Considering all factors, Xiu Minqi concluded that Lu Chenxi was the most suitable surgeon for Lin Sen, not only to ensure recovery and prevent pain but also to bring happiness back to a traumatized family. He stated these were his personal opinions, leaving the final decision to the superior authorities. Meanwhile, Lu Chenxi was engrossed in studying Lin Sen's medical records at home, preparing for the upcoming surgery.
Zhuang Shu watched her, relieved to see her focused on work, and smiled. Later, Lu Chenxi received a call from Fu Bowen but, unsure how to face him, asked Zhuang Shu to answer. They learned the good news about Lin Sen's surgery and immediately headed back to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Zhuang Shu and Lu Chenxi encountered Xiu Minqi, who was being given a tour by Yang Fan.
Lu Chenxi respectfully greeted Xiu Minqi, while Zhuang Shu offered a meaningful glance. After Yang Fan formally introduced Zhuang Shu, Xiu Minqi praised Zhuang Shu's surgical skills, noting he had seen Zhuang Shu's live-streamed surgery demo four years ago in Singapore and was impressed by his talent, which surpassed many older experts. However, Xiu Minqi then cautioned Zhuang Shu against taking on all responsibilities, even in his care for younger doctors.
Zhuang Shu, with a subtle undertone, agreed that responsibilities must be clearly delineated and those who should not bear blame should not be wrongly accused. Yang Fan, who knew the full story, wore a complex expression. After Xiu Minqi departed, Zhuang Shu, ignoring Lu Chenxi's thanks to both Fu Bowen and Xiu Minqi, turned and walked away. Elsewhere, Qi Dawei, now calmer, arrived at the hospital to collect Liu Ling's belongings.
He found Liu Ling's suicide note addressed to Lu Chenxi, and after reading it, finally understood the full extent of his own responsibility in her death. Simultaneously, Fu Bowen held a press conference regarding Liu Ling's suicide. He publicly disclosed the facts of the case to exonerate Lu Chenxi from the online accusations. He reported that Liu Ling was found unconscious and died yesterday at 6:40 PM due to severe blood loss, despite immediate resuscitation efforts.
He expressed the hospital's profound grief and condolences, adding that compensation details were still being negotiated. When questioned by a reporter about online allegations of medical staff's despise towards Liu Ling leading to her suicide, Fu Bowen firmly stated that the hospital would not publicly discuss matters involving the deceased patient's privacy.
He clarified that the online blame on Lu Chenxi was a distortion of truth and rumor-mongering, and the hospital had sufficient evidence to prove medical personnel did not cause Liu Ling's suicide. He vowed that Renhe Hospital would protect its medical staff's rights and dignity against malicious slander and reserved the right to take legal action.
Fu Bowen further explained that Liu Ling's premature baby had a congenital condition that could lead to disability or death, requiring extensive and difficult treatment. Liu Ling herself also had a physiological condition requiring surgery. Her psychological state as a pregnant patient was fragile and prone to depression. During this critical period, she lacked the love, warmth, and hope that family and a partner should provide. These were the primary reasons for her suicide.
He admitted that, as her doctors, they had not provided adequate psychological counseling, although some aspects of patient privacy were beyond their direct intervention. He acknowledged that patients today have high expectations, needing not just treatment but psychological support, which is challenging for overburdened thoracic surgeons to perfectly deliver.
For Lu Chenxi's oversight in neglecting Liu Ling's psychological condition and having communication issues, the hospital had decided on a recorded demerit, one year of probation, a one-month suspension, and the deduction of all her bonuses. A reporter then asked how this suspension aligned with rumors that Lu Chenxi was currently performing surgery.
Fu Bowen confirmed that Lu Chenxi was indeed on the operating table, performing a thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor excision surgery because Lin Sen's condition was extremely urgent, and delaying it would endanger his life. To illustrate the profound significance of this surgery, Fu Bowen then shockingly removed his white coat and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing numerous scars on his chest.
He disclosed that two years prior, after an open-chest surgery, he became one of the few suffering from severe, chronic post-operative chest pain. The excruciating pain, coupled with irritability and weakness, became unbearable. His emotional state spiraled from rational acceptance to agitation, confusion, and despair. Despite his extensive medical knowledge, he couldn't cope with the mental stress, leading him to continuously increase his medication dosage, develop drug dependence, and subsequently suffer from chronic depression.
He admitted to contemplating suicide several times, pointing to the cauterization marks and scars on his chest as "cruelest proof." Fu Bowen confessed that his physical and mental health had rendered him incapable of high-level clinical practice. Though he should have sought treatment for his depression and drug dependence, he had stubbornly pushed himself, hoping for a "perfect ending" to his professional career.
He revealed that during a recent lung transplant surgery, which he had agreed to lead at the patient's request, he experienced debilitating chest pain and could not continue. It was Zhuang Shu, with skills far superior to his own, who stepped in and successfully completed the surgery. Yet, in the subsequent interview, Fu Bowen had lied to protect his professional image, usurping Zhuang Shu's surgical merits and claiming false honor.
He declared that he could no longer live with this deception, having "insulted the word 'doctor'" and disappointed his patients and students. He announced his request for early retirement, the cancellation of all his honorary titles, and the permanent removal of his name and picture from Renhe Hospital's honor wall. Despite his colleagues' attempts to dissuade him, Fu Bowen stood firm. He spoke of once wishing to end his own pain and shame with a scalpel but becoming a coward.
Now, he felt unworthy to wield a scalpel, a tool meant for saving lives, and insisted it be passed to a truly good doctor like Lu Chenxi. He praised Lu Chenxi, acknowledging her faults but emphasizing her outstanding qualities compared to many others, including himself.
He highlighted that the minimally invasive thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor excision surgery she was currently performing, designed to protect intercostal nerves, was the most effective and advanced method, having resulted in zero cases of chronic post-operative pain in her patients over the past three years.
He concluded by saying that a Fu Bowen, broken by post-operative chest pain, would leave the hospital, while Lu Chenxi, who used a surgical blade to conquer such pain, would remain on the surgical stage, dedicated to patients suffering from post-operative pain. During the press conference, scenes from Lin Sen's surgery showed Lu Chenxi and Zhuang Shu working together.
Lu Chenxi navigated complex adhesions and a malformation in the blood vessels with extreme caution, and Zhuang Shu advised her to take her time. After the successful completion of the surgery, Zhuang Shu complimented Lu Chenxi on her precision, noting the minimal blood loss. Lu Chenxi mentioned she wouldn't be returning to the hospital for a month due to her suspension. One month later, Lin Sen fully recovered and was discharged.
Despite her suspension, Lu Chenxi had frequently visited him in the hospital. At his discharge, Lin Sen's father expressed relief and gratitude for the successful surgery, which ensured Lin Sen would likely not suffer from post-operative chest pain.
Lin Sen, having reconciled with his father and now addressing him as "Dad," initially hesitated to explicitly thank Lu Chenxi and Zhuang Shu, explaining that such a profound favor was too great for mere words of thanks; it should be remembered in the heart. Lu Chenxi affirmed that his recovery was the best reward for their efforts, and reminded him that many people, not just her, had contributed to his health.
As Lin Sen departed, Lu Chenxi noted the beautiful weather, and Zhuang Shu suggested they take advantage of their free time to relax, knowing she hadn't slept well recently due to stress. Meanwhile, Yang Fan convened a meeting, where his colleagues congratulated him and suggested he move into the Dean's office next week. Yang Fan, however, feigned modesty, insisting he was merely an "acting dean" unfamiliar with administration and would willingly step aside if a more capable person emerged.
He even requested to be called "Director Yang," stating that medical professionals should prioritize saving lives over titles, and moving into the Dean's office now would be premature and insensitive to Fu Bowen's recent departure. After the meeting, Yang Fan called his son, Yang Zixuan, to celebrate. However, Yang Zixuan, who was with Chu Jun meeting a comic editor, declined, citing a lack of time and dismissively calling his father's new position "just an acting dean."
