Ling Tian's speech was interrupted as he concluded that the patient's immune function was insufficient, with a severe deficiency in white blood cell count.
White blood cells are crucial. Once the immune system detects bacteria, fungi, or microorganisms entering the body, it springs into action, generating a large number of white blood cells near the invaded tissues.
These white blood cells engulf the invading microorganisms and perish along with them. The dead white blood cells and the microorganisms they destroyed form pus.
Naturally, these cellular remains are then expelled from the body by the immune system through the bloodstream and metabolism.
However, the patient is now elderly, and their immune system cannot secrete enough white blood cells. This prevents certain bacteria from being promptly eliminated. These bacteria then release toxins that damage human tissues.
Furthermore, the waste products generated by the immune system's elimination of these bacteria are difficult to expel from the body due to the decline in function. The accumulation of these substances within the body can lead to very serious consequences.
This is all basic knowledge, and Ling Tian did not need to educate these experts. He directly pointed to the large screen on the wall.
"There are still 9 shrapnel fragments remaining in the patient's body. Inflammation reactions of varying degrees have occurred around these fragments. Although medication and treatment have been administered, they are only maintaining the current state.
This maintenance, however, is exacerbating the burden on the patient's immune system…
The most dangerous among them is this fragment, located at the back of the brain. Although it is only 0.5 millimeters in size, it has already triggered an inflammatory response. The area affected by this inflammation is approximately the size of a soybean. Currently, these inflamed areas have begun to erode the patient's blood-brain barrier…"
Upon hearing Ling Tian's explanation, everyone's expressions turned grave. They realized the seriousness of the situation.
The blood-brain barrier is a membrane-like structure formed by nerve cells and blood cells within the human brain. Its existence prevents certain substances in the blood, most of which are harmful, from damaging the brain.
After all, brain tissue is extremely fragile, and brain cells cannot regenerate. Once bacteria invade the brain, the consequences can be severe; becoming a vegetable is considered a mild outcome.
Of course, due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, it is also difficult to cure some brain diseases, such as brain tumors and encephalitis, because the active ingredients in medications are also blocked by this barrier.
The area Ling Tian indicated was adjacent to the brainstem.
The human brain consists of three parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. Injury to the cerebrum causes loss of consciousness, while injury to the cerebellum results in loss of motor control.
The brainstem, however, is the most vulnerable part of the brain because it acts as the link between the brain and the body and also controls the autonomic nervous system.
If the brainstem is injured, vital functions such as breathing and blood circulation will cease, which is akin to pulling the power plug on a computer.
The fragment in Elder Lu's occipital region was not surgically removed at the time precisely because it was too close to the brainstem.
On one hand, the proximity to the brainstem posed an extreme risk. On the other hand, even if the fragment were removed, any post-operative infection that infiltrated the blood-brain barrier could also lead to the patient's death.
Furthermore, the fragment was relatively small and in a fixed position, so the experts decided not to remove it for the time being.
However, with the elder's advanced age, this fragment had begun to cause trouble.
Ling Tian continued, "There are two major challenges in treating the patient. Firstly, the fragment is too close to the brainstem, and any rash surgical intervention would have severe consequences!
Secondly, the patient's physical functions are severely compromised, and their immune system is on the verge of collapse. Regardless of whether surgery is performed, the patient's immune system will struggle to maintain itself…"
Ling Tian analyzed with a serious expression, and everyone around nodded frequently. This was also the conclusion reached by their expert group after numerous discussions and research meetings. In short, the elder's condition was very grim.
"Ling Tian, I know your medical skills are exceptional. Please think of a solution… I know you must have a way!" Xuanyuan Jie's words broke the silence.
All eyes turned to Ling Tian. To everyone's surprise, Ling Tian actually nodded.
"I can treat the elder's condition, but it carries significant risks and a considerable price. I am unsure if the patient and their family can bear it!"
"Ling Tian, tell us your method, and we can all help you analyze it," said Dean Wu.
"First, to address the issue of the shrapnel, surgical removal is highly impractical, and the elder's physical condition cannot withstand surgery. Therefore, techniques like gamma knife or radiofrequency ablation can be used to clear the diseased tissue!"
"Absurd, utterly absurd!" Before Ling Tian could finish speaking, Su Deshang interrupted him directly.
"Young man, I detest those who are half-baked. Medical matters are a matter of life and death and allow for no mistakes!
You even dare to suggest radiofrequency ablation technology. Do you realize that the reason surgery was not performed on the shrapnel fragments in the elder's body was primarily due to their location? Any mishandling could lead to paralysis or death.
Moreover, radiofrequency ablation technology itself causes significant harm to the patient's body. Setting aside other issues, how would you clear the diseased tissue in the brain!
Also, those fragments are metal, not tumors. You can eliminate tumors with radiofrequency technology, but how will you ablate these metal fragments!
Young man, this is not just bold; it's pure fantasy!
I admit you have considerable skill in diagnosis and treatment, but when it comes to treating patients, you are still far from it. Go back and learn properly from your teacher…"
Su Deshang was extremely impolite, as if criticizing a junior. He belittled Ling Tian completely.
Ling Tian's earlier performance had somewhat cost him face, and now that he had found a flaw, Su Deshang immediately seized the opportunity to strike, aiming to showcase his own brilliance.
"You shut your mouth first!" Ling Tian replied coldly.
"What! Say that again to me…" Being directly challenged by Ling Tian, Su Deshang felt severely offended. He immediately pointed his finger at Ling Tian, ready to unleash a torrent of abuse.
However, at that very moment, Ling Tian also extended his finger and pointed twice at Su Deshang from a distance.
The next instant, Su Deshang's mouth hung open, his finger still extended in the pointing gesture, but he was unable to move. He felt as if his entire body was unresponsive, as if the blood within him had solidified.
In just a few seconds, Su Deshang's face turned a deep shade of red!