Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Revised Diagnosis: Lumbar Disc Herniation! Gaining Dean Tang’s Full Support

"We’ve found the cause. The patient has a right lateral protrusion of the L1-L2 intervertebral disc, which is compressing the right nerve root. There are also slight posterior protrusions of the L3-L4 and L4-L5 discs... Based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination..."

"The patient’s condition is not caused by acute appendicitis. Revised diagnosis: lumbar disc herniation!"

As an orthopedic specialist, Lu Xiong’s diagnosis carried far more weight than Wu Ting’s initial speculation.

Jiang Ming and Song Qi were in disbelief. It was exactly as Wu Ting had judged. If they had investigated in the direction Wu Ting suggested earlier, they would have had the answer long ago.

Director Zheng Duqing was also amazed. He looked at the young man before him.

"Wu Ting, you’ve been going viral on social media lately."

"It seems your reputation is well-deserved!"

Director Zheng had been skeptical about those videos before, half-doubting Wu Ting’s abilities. But after this consultation, he truly understood that Wu Ting was extraordinary.

Huo Yun was also delighted. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Wu Ting, tell us how you came to this conclusion."

Dean Tang’s mood lifted immensely now that his cousin’s condition was diagnosed. A confirmed lumbar disc herniation meant no surgery was required; conservative treatment would suffice.

This was fantastic news for Qian Xiong and his family.

Wu Ting then explained his reasoning in full detail.

After hearing Wu Ting’s diagnostic process, Director Zheng and Director Huo were full of praise.

"Wu Ting, your diagnosis this time is a truly classic case study. I’m going to have our general surgery department study it."

Director Zheng looked at Wu Ting with great admiration, feeling indignant about the false criticisms he had been facing online.

"Jiang Ming, Song Qi, you two are veterans in this department, but you need to learn from Wu Ting’s diagnostic approach and habits. I want you to write up this case. I’ll be sharing it at the next departmental meeting."

"Indeed. Too often, our doctors fall into the trap of preconceived notions and dismissive thinking. Acute appendicitis is a common illness, and its diagnosis and treatment are very standardized. It’s a mistake to approve an appendectomy without further analysis and judgment. Of course, an over-reliance on new technology and various test results is also a problem."

"Perhaps it’s because our department has been promoting laparoscopic appendectomies recently. We’ve been blindly trusting test results and performing surgery on any patient we deem suitable, which easily leads to misdiagnosis. Even Dr. Song fell into this pattern of thinking, to say nothing of the more junior physicians."

"Young physicians are eager to perform appendectomies, seeing them as a good opportunity to practice their fundamental skills. They readily trust ultrasound reports and blindly operate on patients. This is a phenomenon we must be wary of."

"Everyone should learn from Wu Ting. In clinical practice, besides relying on machine-assisted examinations, we must focus on collecting a detailed patient history, conducting a comprehensive and meticulous physical exam, selecting appropriate and effective auxiliary tests, and objectively and accurately analyzing the data we obtain. Only then can we make a correct diagnosis and avoid misdiagnosis."

Jiang Ming, Song Qi, and Yasui all took Director Huo’s summary to heart and noted it down. Yasui, in particular, wrote it directly into a small notebook.

Director Zheng also added:

"Director Huo’s summary was spot on. This consultation has certainly been a wake-up call for every physician here. Wu Ting was able to boldly yet rationally deduce lumbar disc herniation from just a few details—the patient’s history of carrying heavy loads up stairs for years and the reduced dorsiflexion strength in his right foot. To hold his own ground against the assertions of an authority like Director Jiang and a senior expert like Song Qi was no small feat."

Faced with the two directors’ praise for Wu Ting, both Song Qi and Jiang Ming were completely convinced.

"Now that we have a diagnosis, let’s start formulating a treatment plan."

On this topic, even Dean Tang was filled with emotion. Wu Ting had already invited Lu Xiong and Huang Hong in advance. As Qian Xiong’s family member, this level of execution and judgment gave him a sense of security and trust.

’This is what a good doctor is!’

Lu Xiong and Huang Hong quickly formulated a conservative treatment plan: a comprehensive approach utilizing traction, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage.

Hearing their plan, Jiang Ming, Song Qi, and Yasui were slow on the uptake, but it finally dawned on them just how remarkable Wu Ting was.

[DING! The host has completed a multi-departmental consultation with Jiang Ming, Huo Yun, Zheng Duqing, Yasui, and others, successfully diagnosing the patient’s condition. Obtained a Trait from Dr. Song Qi: Abdominocentesis (Yellow). Dr. Song’s abdominocentesis technique, mastered over many years of experience. It is currently the preferred auxiliary diagnostic method for acute abdomen cases. Simple, timely, reliable, and not limited by conditions or environment.]

[Obtained a Trait from Jiang Ming: Laparoscopic Technique (Yellow). Jiang Ming’s years of laparoscopic expertise allow for the proficient performance of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The procedure involves making puncture incisions in the abdomen, typically 3-4 holes, through which instruments are inserted to perform surgical operations in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The other end is connected to a monitor, like a TV screen, which displays the conditions inside the abdominal and pelvic cavities.]

[Does the host wish to synthesize the Traits: Cosmetic-Grade Suturing Skill (Purple) + Laparoscopic Technique (Yellow) + Appendectomy (Yellow) = Scar-Concealing Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Purple)?]

Wu Ting was thrilled. ’It’s finally here!’

[Congratulations! The host has obtained the Trait: Scar-Concealing Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Purple). Compared to a conventional laparoscopic appendectomy, this technique is optimized from three ports to a single port, with a greater emphasis on cosmetic results. It holds significant appeal for patients concerned with aesthetics. As it is for a common ailment, there is a massive market for it.]

Just then, Dean Tang’s phone rang. A glance at the screen showed it was Director Cai. It was likely about the controversy surrounding Wu Ting.

Dean Tang answered the call.

"...Director Cai, are you saying you want to invite Wu Ting to be a guest on *Path to Health*?"

"...That’s true. Your idea and mine are one and the same... Of course, the foundation of all this is that Wu Ting is a good doctor with real, proven skills... I agree with your plan. I’ll arrange for the relevant departments to cooperate fully and get you a topic for Wu Ting’s segment as soon as possible..."

"...Haha, what a coincidence. Wu Ting treated your nephew’s Achilles tendon, and today, he stood firm against everyone’s opinions to devise the best treatment plan for my cousin..."

’As a patient’s family member, who wouldn’t want a doctor as reassuring as Wu Ting...?’

"Exactly, exactly. The best way to respond to the skepticism is to let the public see a real, objective, good doctor... Just like you, I will support him with everything I’ve got!"

After hanging up, Dean Tang felt exhilarated. He looked toward Huo Yun, Jiang Ming, and the others.

"Director Huo, Director Cai from the television station just called me. He proposed inviting Wu Ting to appear on *Path to Health*, and I think it’s an excellent suggestion. This is the best way for City First Hospital, the TV station, and Dr. Wu himself to respond to the unfair criticism and slander from the outside."

"Besides, Dr. Wu’s skills and medical expertise are on full display right here. Setting aside my role as the dean and speaking as a patient’s family member, I fully endorse Dr. Wu."

"Your next task is to develop a topic and prepare the content for Dr. Wu’s presentation on *Path to Health*. Report back to me, and I will have the relevant hospital departments and divisions provide their full cooperation. This time, it’s not just about clearing Dr. Wu’s name; it’s also about restoring the honor of our City First Hospital!"

Once Dean Tang had spoken, how could Huo Yun, Jiang Ming, and the others dare to refuse? This was a public relations task that carried the dean’s full authority and concerned the public image of every doctor at City First Hospital!