It occurred to me just now, that whilst I’ve been posting over the last few months, its all about the journey, what is planned and what I’d like to do when I get there.
There is nothing about where I am now and I suppose every journey begins with a start. So I thought I’d describe my final day at work before my annual summer holiday to North Wales, following which I am in 2 weeks self isolation before my surgery (See https://thevantraveller.com/time-to-sort-out-my-knee/) which is due to take place on the 26th August.
In essence, over the last almost 20 years I’ve worked as a unit oncology lead in gynaecology. Initially in Wigan and then from 2015 at Wythenshawe Hospital, when I was seconded from Wigan to provide leadership and modernise the service.
More recently I have become a skilled laparoscopic surgeon (keyhole surgery). Most of my operative portfolio involves laparoscopic hysterectomy for early stage endometrial cancer (womb lining) and major open operations for large benign or borderline ovarian masses.
Working primarily as a gynaecological surgeon, I’ve gained a wealth of operative experience having performed several thousand major procedures over this time. I’m very proud of the fact that in this time, I have had no ureteric or bowel injuries apart from minor serosal abrasions easily overseen with 3-0 PDS. I have opened a few bladders but have generally repaired them myself. Ask any gynaecologist, this is an enviable record.
The laparoscopic work has been particularly enjoyable, in part because of the new skill acquired, the technology used and the enormous benefit for patients. With patients generally going home the day after surgery. Over the last 7 or so years, I must have done approximately 40 plus cases a year, with the only major operative complications, an opened bladder which I sutured laparoscopically with no adverse sequelae. Nor have I ever converted any case from laparoscopic to an ‘open’ procedure. A 0% conversion rate! Testimony to the team operating ethos. A record I am very proud of.
Me and my colleague Theo Manias during a Total laparoscopic hysterectomy
The picture above is Theo and I operating together as we regularly do. The set up for laparoscopic is important as is working cohesively as a team. Below is a live video of an actual case we have carried out. It is short, less than 3 minutes but it is enough to show what is involved.
For some reason, I cannot get this video embedded properly, so it might be better looking on my you tube channel .https://studio.youtube.com/video/hudC4Uy7Zv0/edit
Last week, just before the start of my annual leave we were at St Mary’s Manchester operating on my cancer patients. I took the opportunity to get a picture with my colleague and friend Theo Manias. I appointed Theo as a consultant a few years ago and have supported his development particularly in laparoscopic surgery. We have worked well as a team over the last 4 years, performing many challenging surgeries successfully. I am happy to say he has surpassed my own portfolio of skill and has depth of knowledge and experience beyond any of his peers.
I will be posting regularly over the next few weeks,as I prepare for my surgery with self isolation and during hopefully will be a trouble -free convalescence after my surgery.
After reading your last post Sean , and watching your procedure in Theatre On behalf of all the women you have helped ,supported and have operated on .The NHS are losing an amazing, dedicated consultant Sadly due to you retiring , you was there for me with reassurance when i was awaiting my op , and for that Iam forever grateful , Now its time to put your feet up before you are due to have your knee repair procedure, which myself an shawi wish you all the best an a speedy recovery. Best wishes karen. P.S Enjoy Wales 👍🏻
Thanks mate. I will miss the women I have cared for but not the cr-p that goes with it. I’m not at liberty to speak my mind at this time but watch this space as I transition in to the van traveller………
Good luck with everything Sean, was always a pleasure working with you.
Keep in touch mate!
Hey mate, Have you heard or a Revolut card? Take a look, invaluable for your travels!
Good luck with the surgery.
Will do, have downloaded the app!
Self isolate next week, so onwards and upwards…..
Excellent entry and really interesting, as I never see that side of you and Theo „in action“ so to speak. Fascinating!
Enjoy your holiday 🙂
Maike you are the best secretary ever!
Good to see you have had some insight to what we do. To be honest it is important to your job really.
Thanks I will try to have a good time 🙂
Good luck mate, hopefully catch up soon !
Cheers mate will do. Having knee op end August so hope to get out and about in October, I’m sure Gilly will organise something!