Yesterday I took part in a major vascular operation, one of the biggest we offer. The two skilled surgeons between them taught me much of the operative vascular surgery I know. In return, I have inherited some of their habits and preferences, good and bad. I am very familiar with them as surgeons. I was participating as surgical hands five and six; superfluous, added value.
I was struck by the beauty of the surgery. I (and the scrub nurse) were able to anticipate the surgeons’ needs. There was flow. Words slowed as we anticipated requests for instruments, sutures, retractors. The ensemble became balanced and harmonious.
It’s hard to describe the moment when a theatre-full of people start to work as one, and the edges between tasks begin to soften. It is uncommon, and elegant, and I was lucky to be a part of it.
Love it when it happens.