The Hernia Operation Timing

A patient was to undergo an operation in AIIMS, New Delhi, by Dr. Anupam Sharma (Fictional Name), for his groin hernia. 

The patient asked Dr. Anupam, ‘What will be the duration of the operation? 

Dr. Anupam replied, ‘Just 30 minutes’ in a general way of speaking and to assure the patient that the operation is minor and nothing to get anxious about. 

The operation started, with the patient fully conscious, but with an injection in his back to make him pain-free in the lower half of the body (Spinal Anesthesia). There was a sterile curtain, separating and hiding his lower body, blocking his view of the surgical team members and the area where he was being operated upon.  

Unfortunately, the case turned out to be more complicated than normal. Thirty minutes had passed and the operation was not even half over. Forty-five minutes had passed and the operation had not been finished. One hour had passed and still, the operation was continuing. 

The patient got agitated and starting asking the anaethetist, ‘Who is operating on me?’ ‘Is Dr. Anupam not operating on me? He had told me the operation will be over in just half an hour. Why is the operation taking so long time? Is there any complication? Call Dr. Anupam Sharma, I want to talk to him?’

Whether surgery or other tasks, we frequently under-estimate the time taken to complete a given task and over-estimate over speed. This may lead us to give assurances which may be difficult to fulfill. Observe the small things in life and time them with a watch. Keep an objective record of the time taken by you to complete a given job. Do not take just a guess. This will save many embarrassing situations. 

While giving a time estimate for completing a task, it is better to give the higher range, and give a pleasant surprise to your patients/clients/customer by finishing it before the estimated time. For example, if an operation is going to take 2 to 2½ hours, give an estimate time of 3 hours and surprise them by completing the operation in 2 hours. If a project will take 5 to 7 days to complete, give the estimate of 7 to 8 days and then amaze your clients by giving them the completed project on day 6.

 (Based on an allegedly true incident)

— ND

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DISCLAIMER: This article is intended only for fun purpose. The author does not promote or recommend any behavior illustrated here or claim it to be useful. Use the information herein is at your one's own risk. Before trying to emulate or follow anything the reader is well advised to take into account ethical, moral, legal and other considerations. The author recommends that Medical Practice should be of the highest ethical and moral level keeping in mind the interest of the patient as foremost. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended only for fun purpose. The author does not promote or recommend any behavior illustrated here or claim it to be useful. Use the information herein is at your one's own risk. Before trying to emulate or follow anything the reader is well advised to take into account ethical, moral, legal and other considerations. The author recommends that Medical Education should be of the highest ethical and moral level keeping in mind the interest of the patient as foremost and according to MCI and other Board’s norms.