248: Nepal Day 15

Another postop patient returns, dehydrated with watery diarrhea.  She responds well to intravenous fluid hydration but we do worry about clostridium (see day 12 post).  Or it could be cholera which is endemic in Nepal (Nepalese soldiers transmitted cholera to Haiti)? Or non-clostridium bacteria taking advantage of the elimination of normal (”good”) bacteria by preop or postop antibiotics? Or just a common viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, the same thing that's been affecting members of our group? We encourage extra hydration, which once home may mean more unsafe water than the usual safe tea. Then two more patients arrive, also with gastroenteritis. All did well with fluid hydration.

Performed my final vaginal hysterectomy today; we decided not to do any gynecologic surgery on Thursday or Friday given the number of re-admissions and our departure set for Saturday morning. General surgery continues to do simpler procedures such as hernia repairs and hemorrhoid banding, both less likely to have the kind of postop complications that we have been seeing.  They and the dentists will all stop work noon Friday.

solar "suitcase" closed

solar "suitcase" open
showing converter and battery

The mission is more than just surgery. We brought 100 pounds of prosthetic hands and “solar suitcases,” which includes a solar panel hooked to battery for two LED lights for an operating room when the power fails. One was installed in the hospital last year and another couple were placed in villages a few hours drive away.

solar powered LED ceiling light 

And there is a team from another organization that provides water filters. We help provide logistical support.