We arrived at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on Monday morning, shortly before the 08:15 “show time” for Ella’s 09:45 surgery. The “pre-surgical routine was brightened by the many friendly faces we have come to know over the past 18 months. Beth, one of our favorite PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses stopped by and played with Ella for about 15 minutes.
Four hours into the procedure, Ella’s surgeon sent word that he was unable to perform the planned procedure. Infection had compromised tracheal cartilage repaired in last April’s resection.
Instead, he performed a second “tracheal resection.” Thankfully, Ella was stable and safe through it all. The surgery concluded several hours later then originally scheduled. After debriefing with the doctor, I spoke with Lisa from the PACU. However, I could only bring myself to tell her Ella was safe. I called early the following day and told her the unhappy details.
Ella will remain in the hospital for two week. During which time she will undergo an IV antibiotic treatment regime of Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam, 1500mg/8 hours) and Vancomycin (254mg/8 hours).
Thank you for your prayers