Public Anatomy Read Online Free PDF Page B

wanting to talk “investigation.” All of this because he’d exposed one of the most pervasive biotech corruptions in medical history, which also took down several academic accomplices—one of whom happened to be his former boss and chairman of the Department of Surgery. Now, the feds wanted him on the inside, their inside, where it was crowded and wrapped in red tape.
    The agents had indeed told him they would call again. Eli wasn’t sure whether he believed them or chose to deny the possibility of further involvement. Since he’d last seen them, he had planned to make enough income to pay his rent, catch up on the monthly nursing home payments for his brother, Henry, and complete rehabilitation of his hand so he could hopefully operate again.
    On good days, he believed he could regain full function and return to the OR. Maybe go into private practice, or even sneak back into academia. On bad days, which seemed to be ever more frequent, he thought his hand and his surgical career were shot forever. So much for his dream of becoming the star academic surgeon. Now, he was worried more about supporting his mentally challenged brother. What wouldhappen if his sporadic emergency room shifts were not enough to pay Henry’s nursing home rent and Henry was forced to leave the institution? He shuddered to think of the consequences.
    Eli changed scrubs in the dressing room and returned to the lounge. The sleeping surgical resident was gone. The two feds sat on the couch. One wore a moustache that curled over his top lip and needed a trim. He strategically placed a cup of coffee into Eli’s right hand—old black coffee from a carafe in the lounge. But at least it was hot.
    “What do you know about robotic surgery?”
    Eli took some of the coffee. More of a drink than a sip. “You came here in the middle of the night to ask me about robotic surgery?”
    “Is it safe?” Moustache asked. “Should it be done?”
    Eli knew this was leading somewhere. These weren’t the type of guys to be curious for no reason.
Something must have happened
, Eli thought.
I haven’t seen the news or read the paper. I just don’t know about it yet
.
    “Is the robot better than an actual human?” Moustache’s partner asked.
    Based on this question, Eli knew that the concept of robotic surgery was lost on them. At least he could clarify. “Robotic surgery is being used increasingly,” he said. “It is very safe and effective and, in fact, easier on the patient.”
    Eli immediately felt as though he was defending the new, cutting-edge technique, although he’d never been involved in a robotic procedure himself. He decided to get more specific.
    “Especially for prostate surgery. Are you having problems with yours?” Eli smiled, took another gulp.
    They ignored his question.
    “What about for . . . .” The agent stopped and checked his notes. “Hysterectomy?”
    Eli thought a moment. He knew the uterus could be safely removed with that approach. “Sure.”
    “What’s the advantage? Or is this just another marketing tool?”
    “Think of robotic surgery,” Eli said, “as very advanced laparoscopy. You know, small incisions, a camera inside the abdomen. The instruments are controlled through a computerized robotic system thatallows for greatly enhanced precision. Manipulation of the tissue is state-of-the-art—and the surgeon doesn’t even have to get his hands wet, if you know what I mean.”
    They didn’t know what he meant. Hadn’t a clue. That’s why they’d come to Dr. Branch.
    The large man leaned forward. “Enough of the introductory questions.” He planted both elbows on his knees, fingers locked. “Yesterday, here in Memphis, one of these robotic uteroectomies was done. The uterus came out but the patient didn’t. She died on the table.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    “Yeah, so was her family, I’m sure. She was only fifty-three. Had a husband, kids.”
    Eli put his cup down. “You came all the way from