The Surgeon's Studio

The traffic police chief escorted Zheng Ren’s group out of the police station.

The involvement of the Provincial Government Department meant that a criminal charge was imminent.

Old Chief Physician Pan knew his worries were for naught.

Intentionally obstructing an ambulance responding to an emergency was a heinous act, but it was most certainly not the first of its kind.

This time, however…

Old Chief Physician Pan said nothing more for fear of distracting Zheng Ren from his work. He parted ways with the young doctor and went home to further understand the situation.

Ding Zhongtai had had a shocked expression ever since Lawyer Ge renounced his loyalty and came to their side.

Yet again, he realized he had underestimated Zheng Ren.

He recalled his interaction with Zheng Ren in the emergency department. Had he sounded rude or offensive? Perhaps he had been a tad agitated, but he was glad he had not berated Zheng Ren.

He ought to be safe.

Office Director Ding absent-mindedly drove Zheng Ren back to the hospital.

He tried to invite the young doctor over for a meal but was unceremoniously turned down. Zheng Ren wanted to check on the patients in the emergency ward.

It was an ironclad reason. Ding Zhongtai let Zheng Ren go and went to report to Director Xiao.

…

After disembarking, Zheng Ren took a few breaths of fresh air to clear his mind.

Crowded places were a source of frustration for Zheng Ren.

Being back at the hospital rejuvenated him.

He headed for the emergency department. Its chaotic environment brought him peace.

There were a few patients who were in for surgery, mostly for internal diseases such as gastritis and influenza.

Snowfall had fled the Northeast for the Southern region.

Heavier snow had catalyzed the spread of influenza, which started as a mild fever on the first day and worsened into a 40-degree Celsius fever within 24 hours.

The queue for consultation stretched throughout the corridor. Community clinics were able to handle the common cold, but influenza patients were quickly directed to Class Three Grade A Hospitals.

Nurses were running left and right, replenishing IV drips and administering medicine. It was a hectic scene.

Zheng Ren walked down the busy corridors. While turning a corner, he overheard the sounds of an argument. A frown creased his forehead. ‘What’s happening?’

In the emergency medicine area, he found a doctor engaged in heated conversation with a patient’s family.

A security guard was moderating the commotion. It was Fan Tianshui. The man’s appearance suggested he had been taking good care of his body.

He met Zheng Ren’s gaze and smiled as the latter approached.

When the emergency medicine doctor saw Zheng Ren, still dressed in casual wear, his eyes sparkled as if his savior had appeared. “Chief Zheng, I was going to call you.”

“What’s going on?” Zheng Ren asked.

The family members present side-eyed Zheng Ren uncomfortably.

“The patient is a 52-year-old female who experienced pain around the navel and vomiting this morning. There were no signs of external injuries or other notable symptoms. Physical examination indicated point tenderness at the abdomen but no rebound tenderness or muscle guarding. Her blood test came back with slightly elevated white cell count,” the doctor explained.

Zheng Ren studied the patient as the doctor talked.

The patient on the hospital bed was overweight. Her hands clutched at her abdomen and her face was twisted in agony.

“I suggested a peritoneal dialysis or abdominal CT scan to rule out intestinal obstruction but the patient refuses radiological methods for fear of radiation. It could be acute gastroenteritis, but I have other suspicions,” the doctor said, frustrated.

“It’s not a serious problem. Why should we consent to a CT scan? CT has radiation, what if it gives her cancer? Who’ll be responsible then?” one of the family members shouted.

Zheng Ren could not sympathize with the family’s worries.

The patient had been admitted to the hospital, but her family was accusing them of suggesting unnecessary tests. The patient was also at fault here; a few radiology exams would not deteriorate a normal person’s health.

If the myth was true, interventional surgeons would be the first to succumb to disease.

“Let’s all keep a cool head and focus on treating the patient,” Zheng Ren advised.

“Who are you?” one of the family members squinted at Zheng Ren.

Zheng Ren replied with a non-sequitur. “The patient has an intestinal obstruction due to intussusception. The affected parts of the intestines have yet to necrotize. She will require emergency surgery to address the intussusception. If you guys delay it any longer, we will have to remove the whole segment.”

The emergency medicine doctor was as shocked as the family. Zheng Ren’s face betrayed no emotion and the doctor reminded himself to praise the chief resident’s acting skills later.

Such a massive white lie was a bit over-the-top.

At Zheng Ren’s words, the family members paled.

“Did they sign the refusal of consent form in the morning?” Zheng Ren asked the doctor under his breath.

Refusal of a recommended test required proper documentation. It made explaining themselves easier in the future.

An emergency department doctor who had to handle all sorts of patients had to abide by standard procedure. The risk of being sued was always there, and having evidence to back up one’s word was essential.

“Yes,” the emergency doctor said brusquely, “They refused a CT scan and peritoneal dialysis and are willing to bear the consequences. The patient signed the form herself and I have it filed and locked.”

Zheng Ren was relieved to hear the doctor’s answer. A misdiagnosis would be a hassle. He could handle the surgery from here on out. “Call for an abdominal CT. I’ll take the patient for the scan.”

The family’s anger dissipated when they heard the exchange between the two doctors.

Unnecessary tests did not occur in a Class Three Grade A Hospital. The many tests reflected the many patients they had, to the point where a rare disease was common.

Especially in times where patients doubted their doctors every step of the way, a misstep could lead to a life-ruining lawsuit.

The doctor quickly issued an abdominal CT scan ticket which Zheng Ren took and handed to the family. “Make your payment, then head to the CT room. I’ll drop by to view the scans once I’m changed.”

“Doctor, she’s going to be alright, right?” Their attitude towards the hospital’s doctor’s had softened.

“I’ve already said that she has an intestinal obstruction due to intussusception and needs surgery. She’s lacking blood flow in the intestines and if we don’t hurry, the tissue will necrotize. Do you think I’m joking?” Zheng Ren snapped at them.

The emergency medicine doctor’s eyes went wide. Was Chief Resident Zheng not joking?

He could feel cold sweat on his back.

Acute intussusception intestinal obstruction and necrosis?

It was no longer a small matter.

The family members did not argue. One went to pay for the scan while others helped transport the patient to the CT scan room.

“Chief Zheng, was what you said true?” The doctor was still convinced that this was a ruse by Zheng Ren. The patient’s symptoms were… not conclusive.

“Yes. Did you ask about the patient’s diet?” Zheng Ren questioned.

“Er…” The doctor was too shocked for words.