The old lady argued with the doctor demanding surgery.

A 75-year-old female patient had pelvic organ prolapse. The doctor advised that surgery was not necessary, but she insisted on surgery.

Two days ago, a woman went to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic because of symptoms of mild prolapse in the lower abdomen, uterus, bladder, rectum... Dr. Thuong advised the patient not to have surgery but to just insert a device to lift the organs, also known as a pessary. The patient firmly refused, demanding surgery. "I'm old but still very healthy, please operate on me," the old woman insisted.

The doctor had to "beg" the patient: "I advise you not to have surgery because I feel sorry for you." The doctor explained that older people are like old cars, even though they look healthy, in reality, if not this screw is broken, then that gas tank is broken.

"During surgery, you must be anesthetized or sedated. Sometimes, your heart and lungs will show signs of problems. Moreover, any surgery has many potential complications, while your illness does not really require surgery," Dr. Thuong argued when the woman insisted on doing as she wished.

Her face showed doubt, hesitation and confusion when the doctor said: "If I operate on you, I will have money, but if there is an accident, I will regret it, my colleagues will laugh at me and most importantly, you will be hurt."

Illustration: toonpool

After much argument, the old woman still could not convince Dr. Thuong. She confessed that an acquaintance, an older doctor, had written a referral to the hospital for surgery, but the hospital doctor "said there was no pelvic organ prolapse, did not do anything and sent her home". "I want to have surgery as my acquaintance doctor said", the patient affirmed.

Discovering the cause, Dr. Thuong thought that perhaps the hospital doctor had not explained the woman's condition clearly due to the large number of patients. He invited the old woman to return to the hospital the next day for a re-examination and treatment.

After the tests, the patient then underwent a procedure to insert a device to lift the prolapsed pelvic organs. She did not have to have surgery but was still very satisfied with the "procedure". Now that her health has recovered well, the old lady called the doctor to thank him.

According to VNE