Operating Room

So I went to the Operating Room at the hospital where I work and go to school. Today was my clinical experience with watching operations. Can I say that this was FREAKING EXCITING!!
My case didn't start until late in the morning, so I got to see an extra one. The first case was a LAP assisted Large Bowel Resection. I only got to see about an hour of this procedure, but it was still awesome. The case that I was actually there for, was a LAP assisted Ventral Hernia Repair. This was the most interesting case. The MD and PA inserts 3 scopes into the stomach so that lighted instruments can get under the abdominal wall. Using the scopes, tools are inserted to locate the hernia. They tear away all the fat that's attached itself to the abdominal wall and and other organs that it's not supossed to be attached to, then they insert this large piece of mesh- it looked like it was 10" by 5". they insert it through that little scope space and flatten it against the body cavity (on the inside). Once it's in place, they inserted this cool new "stapler" and put in about 40 staples that are permanent. All tools and scopes were pulled out and the patient was stitched up. AWESOME. I was kind of mad I didn't get to see a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft, aka open heart) because I thought it would be awesome to see the chest sawed open and see the beating heart. My friend Cheryl go to see that one. :( I am happy, however, because I did get to see 2 different surgeries that interest me. I also got to hang out with my FAVORITE doctor, Dr. S. He showed me how to administer anesthesia to the patient, and how to put that tube down the throat. VERY COOL. Eventhough I was supossed to be paying attention to the RN in the room, I concentrated on Dr.S. We had the chance to talk about my career ideas, and I think I finally figured out what I want to do. I want to be a CRNA- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesist. Afer I finish my last year at this school, I will have to go for my BS which is 2 more years, then it's only 2 years after that which includes all of my training.... I think it will be great! Starting rate when I get out of school would also be around 150K per year base. I think I'm going to find a CRNA to shadow for a day or 2 so I can see what exactly then do.

I really wanted to show you all pictures of the surgeries, but there's this damn thing called HIPAA so I couldn't take pics to show you. Damn it.

Sorry to bore you all with medical shit. I just love this stuff.