Operating Room Confidential

Book excerpt: Go behind the scenes of the OR in this “fact-filled, poignant, and funny” account by an anesthesiologist (Booklist). Even patients who’ve spent time in the operating room don’t really know much about them—thanks to the important work of anesthesiologists like Dr. Paul Whang. But here, he takes readers into the hospital and past the OR doors—fully alert. Combining personal stories with staff experiences, he reveals hidden truths about what goes on during surgery and recounts both the humdrum and the quirky, strange, and bizarre occurrences that shape a regular hospital day. Answering questions such as What do doctors talk about during surgery? and If a surgical instrument falls to the floor, is the five-second rule observed?, this is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered how realistic shows like ER, Grey’s Anatomy, and House really are.