Guess whose coming to dinner.

[Doc Holliday]

2 hours into surgery

Jim lay face down under anesthesia, the lower part of his spinal column exposed.
"My, my," commented one of the residents, "I guess those discs are gone. My goodness!"
"Mmmmmhm," replied Doc who was examining the whole area, "gone indeed."

He took a measurement with some precision laser tools measuring bone density and overall health. All checked good. He examined many of the other discs within his back, some of which were slipped or herniated. Using a plasma suturing tool, those that were herniated were repaired. Therapy would do the rest and also take care of those that were slipped but that was for after surgery was completed.

Doc picked up the first phenolic disc. As he examined it for defects, he made a request for vital.
"Patient is stable, Doctor," replied the nurse.
"Nor will he be waking up anyday soon," quipped the anesthesiologist.
"Good," answered Doc sharply, "getting these discs in shouldn't be terribly difficult."
The disc itself had a strong phenolic exterior surrounding a gel like substance. Doc examined one and then the other. Both were in good order.

The first of the two vertebrae were gently wedged apart, far enough to slip the new disc in. The disc had a notch to allow for the disc to be slipped in place around the spinal cord and then to allow it to move freely in place. A coating inside the notch ensured there would be no chaffing against the spinal cord itself which was naturally lubricated. On either side was a thin layer of adhesive to secure it.
"Just like......" Doc said as he began sliding the new disc in place. When it slipped with relative ease into place, he finished the quote, ".....that!"
He then removed the instruments that gave enough space between the vertebrae. They gently settled against either side of the disc. The segment was complete without a hitch.
He then did the same to the next segment, wedging the next two vertabrae and inserting the new disc. As with the first, there were no issues.

He then gave a final check of the area. Confident with his work, he turned to his resident assistant, "All right, let's close him up."
Using the plasma based suturing tool, the opened area was slowly closed. When he was finished, it appeared as if nothing had been done. No marks, no scarring of any kind. Holding up the tool, Doc pointed at the area closed and stated, "now you know why I love this tool so much."

He then addressed his staff, "Leave him laying this way for four hours before letting him out of anesthesia. Don't let him move for twenty four. When he wakes up, let me know. I have to go do some logs."
Doc left the room and removed his surgical coverings.
He was satisfied and smiling at the success of his team. What he was more satistfied with is that he made life easier for a friend. The worst was over. How much time in therapy he would need depended on Jim's strength and cooperation, the latter he knew he would have no trouble with.

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