Question:
HAS ANYONE FILMED THEIR SURGERY?

My brother called and wants to be at the hospital. He wants to film the surgery. Does anyone have experience with this or know if BTC will allow it? Ann in TX    — Ann B. (posted on March 6, 2003)


March 6, 2003
I had enough problems with vomiting when I first had this done. I'm sure watching the procedure wouldn't help any!
   — Michael N.

March 6, 2003
I'm not sure of the reasons why your brother wants to film the surgery (or how close he'd be allowed to get in and do so -- there's a big issue right there). But if your docs don't usually film their surgeries, I'd be wondering (if I were you) how much of a distraction this could be for them. I'm also wondering how emotionally prepared a family member is to film major surgery of a close relative (as opposed to an educational film of a stranger's procedure). I'd be wondering if your docs will worry this is all a prelude to a medmal lawsuit (Exhibit A, "just in case"). I may be way off base with any of those ideas or concerns, but I wouldn't be surprised if the docs nixed the idea cold, and I think they'd be right to do so. Just my 2c.
   — Suzy C.

March 6, 2003
Interesting question...I am sure you would have to go thru many hoops both with your dr. as well as the hospital. And what if your dr. brands things on your pouch, like that weirdo who's in trouble now for putting his alma mater on many of his patients' uteruses (uteri?) Just kidding, sorta, but let us know how it turns out...
   — rebeccamayhew

March 6, 2003
I don't know about filming, which I think would be very cool to have, but one of the gals in my support group was allowed to take photos. A nurse in the operating room took several with my frinds camera. They are amazing.
   — Robbin P.

March 6, 2003
If you are having it Lap, then just ask them if they can pop a tape in. Most of the equipment that has cameras will have a VCR attached to it anyway, just make sure you ask in advance, cause once you are in the OR, forget it. I work in laser vision correction and we pop tapes in for people all the time, we just like to be forwarned.
   — Sarah S.

March 6, 2003
So maybe he shouldn't have used his Alma Mater- however, from what I heard later (of course much later after all the suits and various outrages were announced) is it is routine for Doctors to mark the uterus (and maybe even other organs?)during a hysterectomy so they know which side is up.
   — Karen R.

March 6, 2003
My surgeon routinely videotapes all of his procedures (he does almost exclusively lap). You just have to bring in your own VHS tapes or CD-Rs. If you forget, he can usually make you a copy later. I know he also allowed one patient to bring an entire TV crew with her from out-of-state. They were following her weight loss story, and wanted to be right there during the procedure. As far as I know, everything went fine. They did have to work out the details with the hospital ahead of time, though.
   — Tally

March 6, 2003
I had my surgery at BTC 3 weeks ago and I'm pretty sure that they would not allow a camera in there. And the operating room is just that...a room...not a gallery. I don't think there are even any windows anywhere. They were extremely, extremely concerned about everything being sterile, which is great...but that makes me think that a camera would be a no-go.
   — Amy W.




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