What happened in the operation theatre

I underwent a cataract surgery on my right eye eight years ago. That was why when it was my left eye’s turn last Tuesday, I was at first quite sure of my calmness, claiming to be well familiar with the procedure.  However, as the wheeled stretcher was on the way to the operation room, moving past walls and doors, in and out of lifts, I found myself saying the “Hail Mary”, just as I had done eight years before. In fact, my confidence was slowly diminishing.

On arriving at a brightly lit room, obviously the operation theatre, I heard a kind voice saying good morning to me. Though the face was half masked, the big pair of eyes was seen to be smiling. Then I was told to move myself onto another bed, the operating table, above which there was a strong surgical light.

“Well done!” It was the same encouraging voice again.

With my eyes fixed on the ceiling, I could make out a few other voices, which undoubtedly belonged to the surgical team. They were heard going about their tasks seriously.

I could picture on my mind the scene of a surgical operation just like one I had so often seen on TV, except that instead of being the viewer, I was playing a part, too, as the patient. I felt adhesive patches placed on my chest. I understood this to be a device for monitoring my heart rate and respiratory rate. In addition, I also felt the blood pressure cuff fixed on my right arm and the nasal breathing tubes put on my nose. Finally, they placed on one of my fingers an elastic band aid assumedly attached to the pulse oximeter machine.

So how should I play my part well? I remembered Dr. Leong’s advice during the consultation prior to the surgery: “All you need to do is follow my guidance and act accordingly.”

I could claim to be a very cooperative patient capable of enduring slight physical discomfort. It was thus decided that the surgery would be performed without the use of injections for anesthesia and without the need for stitches. Eye drops would serve the purpose instead.

Never had it occurred to me, however, that there were parts of me that were less physically submissive. I had maintained my calmness so far, but just as I thought the surgery was about to start, I heard voices of anxiety commenting on my blood pressure. It must have been the stress of the anticipated surgery that had elevated my blood pressure acutely!  

“Have you taken your blood pressure pill?” It was Dr. Leong’s voice this time.

“Yes, I did, last night.”
"Breathe deeply and try to relax."

After some time my blood pressure reading was reported to have gone down satisfactorily. The surgery thus started. During the entire process, I was listening attentively to everything going on. As instructed, I kept looking straight at the ceiling. At first the microscope light was very bright and then it gradually went dim. Water was poured onto the eye from time to time. A lot of water was used at one moment and I learned later that it was the time when the cataract was being removed. Every now and then, I heard someone reporting my blood pressure readings. 

“Just like what is done in some TV shows,’ I thought. 

“Think of something delightful,” the encouraging voice was heard once again.

With some effort, I managed to fill my mind with some pleasant memories. Then I heard Doctor Leong’s voice, “Now this is the intraocular lens insertion process. You’ll feel a bit uncomfortable.” For the rest of the time, in spite of the slight pain, I felt more relaxed, assured that my blood pressure was causing no more trouble.

The surgery was a success. I heard voices again, now cheerful and excited. The surgical team must have been rejoicing in their accomplishment of yet another challenging task. How I wished I could sit up and thank them personally for their effort.

Indeed, the medical team deserves my heartfelt thanks for their efficient and dedicated service during my three-day hospitalization. My special thanks goes to Dr. Leong Chan (梁珍醫生), the Chief Surgeon, to whom I owe much for her professional care for my eyes over the past years and particularly for her highly skilled performance of the surgery. 

Not to be forgetten, is, of course, my gratitude to God for his presence and blessing throughout the surgery. Thank you, Lord!