Part 5: - Malpractice in a surgery sim

05 - Malpractice in a surgery sim

(Music: Routine)



"Thank you so much, Doctor!"

"Take care, now."

"...Well, that looks like the last walk-in for today... Angie, let's begin pre-op at around one o'clock, okay?"

"Don't you think we should have examined him more carefully? There were signs of cyanosis, which could indicate asthma. If that's the case, he needs to see a physician right away."

"...Really? I didn't think it was anything serious."

It's true that most causes of cyanosis are no cause for concern and disappear quickly. However, cyanosis can be caused by lung diseases and, yes, asthma, but also by heart conditions, poor circulation and blood clots. It depends on whether or not the cyanosis is recurring or not. Angie seems to prefer to be thorough, while Derek tends to lean towards what is most statistically common.

...As a side note, don't take anything I say as professional medical advice, I'm not an M.D.

"You need to start acting like a real doctor, Mr. Stiles!"

"You're overreacting. I'm sure he'll be fine."

(Music: Patient Profile)



(...I think you'd be briefing me even if he was here.)

"We'll be extracting a stage 1 tumor from the small intestine."

"So... if we take it out, the patient will fully recover."

"However, the blood test results were... unusual."

"We can ask Dr. Kasal about it when he gets back. If I extract the tumor, he should be fine."

"That's technically correct, but--"

"I'm pretty confident. I've extracted tumors several times already."

And S ranked all of them!

"This'll be a snap!"

"...Okay. Keep the two operation objectives in mind, then: Treat the inflamed epithelium in his small intestine. Excise and remove all tumors in the small intestine. If you're ready, let's begin."



(Music: Precision)

(Watch this Operation: 1-6, S Rank)



Notice the vitals start off a bit lower than usual. The cap for this operation is 80. There will be many times when your vitals will be capped. This procedure is meant to ease you into two things, vital caps and rapidly plummeting vitals. Who says Trauma Center doesn't have a difficulty curve?



"Only the small intestine should be affected... Doctor, I think we need to close up the patient and re-examine him."

"Let's continue operating, Angie. Those symptoms aren't uncommon."

"...I understand... In that case, proceed with tumor excision. I know you've done this before, so I'll try and stay out of your way."

It's best to take care of the inflammation first before they cause a big drop in vitals. Otherwise they will tick down fairly steadily. Notice how far it has dropped in just twenty seconds - and I had raised vitals to cap, too:



Once the inflammation is gone, vitals will tick down a lot slower.



There are four tumors here. I deal with them.

"The Powell Method, huh? You must be studying the latest techniques."

We got a compliment. Anyway, the further you go, the more Angie starts making remarks that something's not right.



This happens if you miss. Even I get too ahead of myself, sometimes.



"His vitals aren't stabilizing. There must be something else--"

"The patient's vitals don't usually stabilize right after the operation."

"...But... we need to at least check his blood test results!"

"...... ...Hm, okay. What would you suggest?"

"Try using the ultrasound again... Just to be safe."



There's nothing to be found.

".........."

"I don't see anything, Angie."

"But I was certain... Sorry for second-guessing you, Doctor."

"Don't worry. We're both still learning from experience, right?"

"...I guess."





"Oh, hey Angie. Thanks for your help in there."

"I'd like to have a word with you about that last operation."

"Hm..? Was there something wrong with my bedside manner?"

"No, it's about the patient, actually... His white blood cell and globulin counts are rising rapidly. I also noticed inflammation along the patient's peritoneum... we should re-examine him immediately and consult with his regular doctor."

"I agree with you... But I'm afraid it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'm supposed to help with the next symposium, so I'm meeting with some of the doctors from St. Francis to learn the ropes and everything."

"But-"

"These are very busy people, and I can't just blow them off. We'll do it first thing tomorrow, though, okay? I promise!"

"But...!"

Derek just walks out on her - the screen fades to black and the map cursor moves to the other end of the city.



"Oh well, at least now I'm ready for that symposium thing! Hm..? Oh, my cellphone!"

"Dr. Stiles! Where are you?! The patient is in critical condition! Get back here!"

"...What?! T-Taxi! Take me to Hope Hospital, and step on it!!"



"A tumor metastasized behind his lungs, which began swelling... It festered, and 30 minutes ago, the tumor ruptured... The patient is in shock, and suffering acute peritonitis. The other doctors are operating on him as we speak. Follow me, Mister Stiles... You need to see the result of your carelessness!"

Oh. Well, shit, then.

Next time: We're probably sued for malpractice. Also, the goddamn music finally changes.