Chapter 142: A Critical Turn in the Surgical Ward

Wu Baihe is held in the highest regard in the General Surgery Department. Both doctors and nurses vie to greet him – a completely normal sight.

He wore a stethoscope across his chest and clutched a stack of documents as he strode in this direction.

Beside him walked Du Leng, the newly recruited overseas PhD in the Surgical Department.

By his count, Du Leng had been working at Tuyu for half a year now.

Clearly, there is a distinct difference between the residency training of PhD students and that of undergraduates.

Rumor has it that master’s candidates require only two years of training, while PhD students need just one.

Du Leng’s impressive academic credentials have swiftly propelled him to prominence in the department.

To be seen walking alongside Wu Baihe clearly signified his high status in General Surgery.

Trailing behind Wu Baihe were several doctors.

Among them was Dr. Ou, whom he had only met once in the Operating Room.

Compared to Du Leng, the fifty-something Dr. Ou managed only to secure a spot in the third row, underscoring his relatively lower standing within Wu Baihe’s team.

Zhou Can thought this was the perfect chance to bypass the usual chain of command.

The patient in Bed 31 was in critical condition.

The longer the delay, the graver the situation.

What on earth was Dr. Cheng thinking?

Some doctors simply don’t value their patients’ welfare. As long as no one dies or their own interests aren’t affected, they can be shockingly callous.

Even when patients die or deteriorate visibly, they remain unmoved.

At that moment, Wu Baihe was nearly at the elevator.

It was roughly a ten-meter walk to the EEG room.

Du Leng had already raced to press the ‘up’ button on the elevator.

It appeared that he wasn’t coming back.

Opportunities wait for no one.

Zhou Can hurried over.

Both Wu Baihe and Du Leng noticed him immediately.

After all, they were all well acquainted.

Needless to say, sparks always flew when Zhou Can and Du Leng clashed – a rivalry in which Du Leng had never come out on top.

He felt a mix of jealousy and hatred toward Zhou Can.

“Hello, Director Wu!”

Zhou Can’s eyes met Wu Baihe’s. Now that he was asking for help, he dared not be too forward.

Moreover, he was standing before one of the two top scalpel masters in the department.

Showing respect to senior doctors was the very least one could do.

“Hello!”

Wu Baihe was somewhat surprised to see Zhou Can here.

Still, he had a very high opinion of the young doctor, especially since Director Xie had mentioned Zhou Can’s name several times – sometimes inviting him over only to later suppress him when things fell apart.

It was no wonder that the various heads of the Surgical Department were familiar with Zhou Can’s name.

“I have something important to report. May I speak?”

Zhou Can was quite familiar with Director Yin from the Neurology Department.

However, this was his first formal interaction with Wu Baihe.

“Go ahead!”

Wu Baihe regarded him coolly.

Meanwhile, Du Leng maintained a blank expression in Zhou Can’s presence.

“There’s a patient with the surname Luo in Bed 31 of the inpatient unit, admitted for a brain aneurysm. Recently, he developed severe vomiting, headache, and neck stiffness. I suspect his aneurysm has ruptured and is bleeding. The patient is very young – around thirty-eight, and the pillar of his family. His condition is critical. Could you please take the time to check on him personally?”

Zhou Can was driven by the last bit of his conscience to plead for a stranger he barely knew.

He could have easily ignored the situation.

Even if the patient died, it wouldn’t have affected him.

Yet, failing to act would forever gnaw at his conscience.

Convincing Wu Baihe to intervene was the fastest and most effective approach.

If Wu Baihe still refused, Zhou Can would have no choice but to contact the family and let them sort it out themselves.

In short, this case could not be delayed.

“Why didn’t you report this to your superior?”

Wu Baihe frowned slightly as he asked.

“Because when I reported it, my superior dismissed it. I believe the patient’s condition is so urgent that immediate action is required. Oh, and the family mentioned that he hasn’t eaten since yesterday.”

Zhou Can deliberately mentioned this to stress that the patient’s condition was far more serious than it appeared.

It also helped secure favorable conditions for scheduling surgery without delay.

Without fasting, which anesthesiologist would dare administer general anesthesia?

No one would risk it.

If, during general anesthesia, the patient vomited and stomach contents refluxed, it could easily block his airway and lead to asphyxiation.

“I have an important surgery that needs to be performed immediately, so I can’t attend to anything else. However, since you’ve reported this critical case, we can’t delay any longer. Who is in charge of the patient in Bed 31?”

Wu Baihe had clearly agreed to take charge.

“It’s me, it’s me!”

Dr. Ou quickly responded.

“Dr. Ou, immediately arrange an intracranial angiography for the patient in Bed 31. If you find that the aneurysm has ruptured and is bleeding, consult with the family on whether to proceed with conventional open surgery or an endovascular repair. Explain both options – including their costs, advantages, and disadvantages – in detail. If the family hasn’t decided by the time my surgery is finished, then consult with Director Wen.”

Wu Baihe outlined detailed instructions.

Everything was to be managed promptly for the patient in Bed 31.

“That will do for now! Report any major issues to me immediately.”

After speaking, Wu Baihe, along with Du Leng and the others, entered the elevator.

Du Leng remained completely silent throughout.

Perhaps his previous attempt to belittle Zhou Can in the hospital cafeteria had backfired, leaving him embarrassed.

He had learned his lesson this time.

So he chose to say nothing at all.

Compared to Zhou Can, his advantages were already considerable.

Zhou Can was still rotating through various departments, undergoing standardized training.

His status was very low.

At least, that’s how Du Leng thought.

Meanwhile, Du Leng himself had already surged through the ranks in the Surgical Department – his standing even eclipsed that of many attending physicians.

Zhou Can watched as Wu Baihe and the others boarded the elevator, and once the doors closed, only Dr. Ou remained by his side.

“Zhou Can, who did you report the patient in Bed 31 to?”

Dr. Ou had originally been slated to join Wu Baihe for an important operation, which would have provided him with ample experience and new surgical techniques.

But this unexpected turn of events had caused a delay.

Clearly, he was not pleased.

This was not entirely Zhou Can’s fault.

However, that inactive superior doctor would undoubtedly hold a grudge.

“I reported it to Dr. Cheng. After hearing my report, he scolded me badly for not performing an angiography and told me to stop babbling. I really had no choice – I couldn’t keep silent when my conscience was tormented. Every second of delay increases the risk if the aneurysm truly ruptures.”

Zhou Can felt utterly helpless about the situation.

“You did nothing wrong. Doctors should care about their patients and respect the sanctity of life – that’s the very core of medical ethics.”

Dr. Ou’s expression turned as flat as water after hearing this.

He affirmed Zhou Can’s actions.

“Dr. Jiang, please ensure the patient gets an EEG. I have some matters to attend to here.”

Zhou Can called out to Jiang Xiaohua.

“Okay.”

Jiang Xiaohua nodded in response.

Dr. Ou then asked, “What happened with that patient?”

“Postoperative complications – severe epilepsy and coma. After consulting with Dr. Cheng, Director Wen arranged for us to bring the patient over for EEG testing.”

“Oh!”

Dr. Ou nodded, saying no more.

He then led Zhou Can to the inpatient ward of General Surgery.

They headed straight for Bed 31.

The male patient now lay on the bed, his condition worsening, and his wife was needed to help him turn as he vomited.

At fifty years old and with extensive experience, Dr. Ou immediately recognized the severity of the patient’s condition.

After a brief inquiry, he examined the neck muscles – and when he touched them, the patient cried out in pain.

“Immediately send him for cranial CT angiography. I’ll go submit the application. We can’t afford any delay. Zhou Can, come with me to fetch the application form.”

Submitting the application is done in the office or outpatient department.

“Alright!”

Zhou Can felt his heart settle.

Dr. Ou’s urgency meant that the patient would finally receive timely treatment.

Any further delay could prove disastrous.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cheng was examining a postoperative patient – some cases require biochemical tests and periodic data collection, which can be very tedious.

He noticed from afar that Zhou Can had led Dr. Ou into the ward for the patient in Bed 31.

After a moment’s thought, his expression soured immediately.

“This new trainee is truly unruly. He was supposed to have sent the Bed 22 patient for an EEG, yet he summoned Dr. Ou to check on the patient in Bed 31. I’m still alive, you know.”

Dr. Cheng, scowling, immediately rushed over.

“Dr. Ou, you’re here!”

Dr. Cheng greeted Dr. Ou before shooting a very unfriendly glance at Zhou Can.

“What’s going on? Weren’t you supposed to take the Bed 22 patient for an EEG?”

His tone carried a strong reproach.

This was said in front of both the patient’s family and Dr. Ou – otherwise, his attitude would have been much milder.

He would have certainly unleashed a tirade on Zhou Can.

“I asked him to bring me along.”

Dr. Ou’s tone turned icy as he glared at Dr. Cheng.

It was clear he was deeply dissatisfied with Dr. Cheng.

“Come with me to the office!”

Dr. Ou led the way out of the ward.

Dr. Cheng glared at Zhou Can, his face darkening.

“You really are something – trying to bypass the chain of command, huh?”

“Can’t you see the state of the patient in Bed 31, Dr. Cheng?”

Zhou Can shot back without hesitation.

Not offending a superior doesn’t mean you can’t speak up.

Frankly, he despised doctors like Dr. Cheng from the bottom of his heart.

Those who don’t take their patients seriously and only care about their own interests.

“Fine, you really have some nerve.”

Dr. Cheng’s cold expression revealed his deep dissatisfaction with Zhou Can.

The two then proceeded into the office.

Dr. Ou had already filled out the application form for the patient in Bed 31.

After completing it, he handed it directly to Zhou Can.

“Have the family settle the payment immediately and assist the patient with the angiography. I’ll wait here for the results.”

“Alright!”

Zhou Can took the form; as he left the office, he overheard Dr. Ou say in a cold tone to Dr. Cheng, “The patient in Bed 31 has been vomiting so severely – why wasn’t this reported earlier?”

“The patient had been vomiting even before admission. I thought the new trainee was overreacting. With so many emergencies, I planned to handle the critical ones first before checking on Bed 31.”

Dr. Cheng offered his explanation.

There were indeed many critical cases in the General Surgery ward.

However, truly critical cases never remain in a regular ward.

They are typically admitted to the intensive care unit.

“Did Dr. Zhou report that the patient might have a ruptured brain aneurysm?”

Dr. Ou pressed.

He wasn’t one to be easily fooled.

No flimsy excuse would suffice.

After examining the patient in Bed 31, he silently thanked his lucky stars that a conscientious and capable trainee like Zhou Can had arrived.

Otherwise, the patient might have been irretrievably lost.

Even if the patient died, as long as the hospital performed its duty, it would bear no legal responsibility.

But this was a living, breathing human life!

“That was merely the trainee’s wild guess. I have been diligently checking all patients from Beds 21 to 31. The admission tests for the patient in Bed 31 were done just yesterday; if the aneurysm were to rupture, it would have already happened.”

Dr. Cheng continued his shaky defense.

Most irresponsible doctors are just like that—quick to wash their hands of any unfavorable outcome.

At the slightest hint of trouble, they immediately try to distance themselves from it.

People survive on basic staples; in a large community, all sorts of people exist.

To claim that every doctor is morally upstanding is pure naivety.

Even deans have extramarital affairs and embezzlement scandals.

Some department heads even bed nurses – a common occurrence.

……

Zhou Can accompanied the patient for cranial CT angiography.

This test is extremely complex.

It requires a doctor with specialized training to perform it.

Both the General Surgery and Neurology Departments share the same imaging unit.

The procedure was performed by a doctor from the Neurology Department.

The results came back quickly.

The aneurysm had ruptured with a considerable amount of bleeding.

The bleeding had spread across more than half of the brain.

It was no wonder the patient suffered from severe headaches and vomiting.

The bleeding triggered meningeal irritation, which in turn caused raised intracranial pressure and a host of detrimental reactions.

The human body has its own protective mechanisms.

Vomiting and pain are part of its self-defense.

For instance, if someone ingests something poisonous, vomiting is the body’s way of rejecting it.

And pain is the body’s alarm that something is wrong.

When a body part aches, it’s a clear reminder that there’s a problem.

Imagine if humans felt no pain – one might reach into hot oil and not even notice until it’s too late. A sharp object slicing the skin without detection is terrifying.

Just the thought is horrifying.

Zhou Can jogged into the doctors’ office.

“Dr. Ou, here’s the angiography report. The patient’s brain aneurysm has ruptured and is actively bleeding.”

“Immediately notify the patient – no food or water, and arrange for surgery as soon as possible.”

Dr. Ou’s expression turned grave as he read the report.

Ongoing bleeding would keep elevating intracranial pressure; if needed, drainage must be performed to relieve the pressure.

The sooner the surgery, the better the outcome.

“I took the initiative to advise both the patient and his family to fast. Plus, I examined his vomit – it was all acidic liquid mixed with bile. I was told he hasn’t eaten since his admission yesterday.”

Zhou Can explained.

“You did an excellent job!”

Dr. Ou’s eyes shone with admiration as he looked at Zhou Can.

“Dr. Cheng, now that the results are in, do you still believe this young doctor was merely guessing?”

He glanced at Dr. Cheng, who was busy writing orders.

“This… he actually got it right. Medicine is a rigorous science – I don’t think my approach was wrong. However, next time I’ll ensure the patient is tested immediately if similar issues arise.”

Dr. Cheng remained stubborn, his pride undiminished.

Dr. Ou, exasperated and angry, retorted,

“Think carefully—what would have happened if it weren’t for Dr. Zhou Can’s insistence and prompt testing?”

With that, Dr. Ou stood up and left the office.

“I’ll go discuss the surgical plan with the family immediately. Dr. Zhou, if you’re free, join me – it will be beneficial for you. You can even participate during the operation later.”

Clearly, Dr. Ou was rewarding Zhou Can with additional opportunities.

Superior doctors often offer focused training, guidance, and even promotion recommendations as rewards.

“I’m fine.”

Zhou Can eagerly followed him.

He had never witnessed a brain aneurysm operation before.

This is one of the most common procedures in General Surgery, albeit one known for its extreme complexity and high risk.

“Are you all set? What about the patient from Bed 22?” Dr. Cheng, feeling embarrassed by a subordinate’s success, seethed with resentment.

He naturally resented Zhou Can’s growing favor with Dr. Ou.

Here, a senior resident like him had no chance to gain Dr. Ou’s mentorship, while a trainee who had been here for just one day was already favored.

“Don’t worry about Bed 22 – Dr. Jiang is handling it.”

After saying that, Zhou Can marched off with Dr. Ou without looking back.

Dr. Cheng fumed behind him, cursing, “Getting all high and mighty, huh?”