THOUGHTS ON SURGERY 

Surgical Synergy – In many ways, surgery is as much a team sport as football.

The knife in my hand hovers over the skin of Agus’ knee. Amir catches the anaesthetist’s eye across the barrier. 

“Starting.” he says, bringing the suction tube up to meet my hands. As the blade passes through Agus’ skin, there is no blood.

That part will come later. For now, time stops.

 

The Air of Surgical Mystery – Meeting a sinseh (traditional healer) , bomoh (shaman) or surgeon can be equally mysterious to the uninitiated. Here’s a list that will help you decide if you really need surgery. 

Deciding to have an operation is a HUGE decision, and you absolutely MUST discuss your feelings, fears and expectations with your family, friends, and of course, your friendly orthopaedic surgeon.

Ask questions. Get the information you need. Have a plan for your recovery.

Behind The Drapes – At times when it seems that 1000 things could go wrong, a good surgical team (and faith in God) can make things better again.

The surge of COVID cases following the Sabah elections had seen us shut down our surgical services to make way for the waves of infected patients that came flooding through our wards, and I had spent some days making painful telephone calls to disappointed patients – postponing operations, sometimes leaving patients choking back tears. 

Thankfully, an unexpected solution soon arrived.