Field Notes

Hernia repair: A sheet of white mesh was stitched into the patient’s weakened abdominal wall, his insides the color of radishes. 

Tonsillectomy (again) and adenoidectomy: Once removed, the tonsils and adenoids were placed on stacks of gauze on a metal tray. They were enlarged & lumpy, misshapen sacks of apples.

Carpal tunnel release: I learned there are twenty-seven bones in the human hand, the space between each like a thin, dark river. 

The surgeon severed the ligament over the “tunnel,” the space where a bundle of strands—nerve, tendon, sheath—runs from arm to hand. 

Breast augmentation: Small incisions were made under each breast, implants inserted into pockets of separated tissue. The implants were slowly filled with saline, the surgeon checking and rechecking to ensure evenness, each breast a bowl of water. 

Total knee replacement: I stood next to the orthopedic sales representative as he guided the surgeon through the procedure. We wore face shields to protect us from the spray of dust and blood & I held my breath to keep out the coppery smell of cut bone.

Tubal ligation (via laparoscopy): I watched the monitor as the surgeon navigated the patient’s pelvis and placed clips on each fallopian tube. The ovaries were almond-shaped, glossy, white. 

Hysterectomy: The uterus, burgundy and round, was pulled from an incision near the patient’s pubic bone. I wondered: When she wakes, will there be relief, or loss, or both?

Tibial plateau fracture repair: On the x-ray, the proximal tibia looked like a cracked tooth, diagonal break through cancellous bone. The surgeon mended the fracture with hardware, each plate and screw an artifact carried in marrow, in blood—