A young man who has been unable to eat for 5 months without vomiting,and lost25 pounds, presented to the clinic early last week, and was scheduled for abdominal exploration at the end of last week. However, he did not show on his scheduled day, and instead appeared yesterday, hoping to receive the operation this week. We explored his abdomen this am and found an obstructing stomach ulcer that was eroding into his pancreas(in layman's terms-- a real mess). Three hours later we had removed the bottom third of his stomach and reconnected his stomach to the small intestine, without damage to his other organs. This man will need prayer for healing in his malnourished state, so as to avoid the disastrous complications that could occur after such an operation. I greatly enjoyed this challenge, finally getting to undertake an operation for which I had received training, but regret that we are leaving soon, and thus this man and several others as well. I also regret that Dr. Jean was unable to join me for this case, as had been planned last week, but Jairus has already called him to tell him what he has missed!
Con spent most of the day with me in the OR, which was helpful when I needed something quickly, and I was able to ask for it in English. He also spent some time cleaning up the suture shelf, which was in bad need of a makeover. Kel enjoyed some time away from work, and spent most of the day hanging out with the kids on the clinic grounds. We enjoyed dinner in N'Zerekore at a nice restaurant by the light of my headlight, as the electricity was off and their generator was not functioning.
Tomorrow will see three small cases and a femur fracture repair-- ring a bell with anybody? We just can't seem to come and get through a short stay without posing as orthopedic surgeons! Would appreciate your prayers as we head towards a busy day that may see some uncharted waters. Thanks for all of your kind notes and prayers.
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