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Series 2: 5. From Agony to Hope

Neurosurgery consultant George Eralil has prioritised a patient with one of the most painful conditions known to medicine, called trigeminal neuralgia. This chronic pain disorder causes severe and sudden episodes of facial pain and is something George specialises in. It’s a condition that 65-year-old Mark has lived with for 16 years, forcing him to retire early. George must journey deep inside Mark’s brain in an operation fraught with risk.\n\nThe orthopaedic department is facing higher demand than ever before. Consultant Chris Wilson, who has worked for the NHS for 40 years, has four back-to-back operations today. Alongside routine surgery like knee replacements, he also hopes to fit in a complex operation for 28-year-old Laura to correct her twisted leg. But just before Chris begins his first operation, an unexpected problem in theatre threatens the whole surgical list.\n\nSomeone much earlier in his NHS career is thoracic surgeon Tom Combellack. His department treats chest and lung conditions. Today’s priority for Tom is 50-year-old lorry driver Chris. He has a large neuroendocrine tumour in his chest, one so rare that Tom has only seen it a handful of times before. Its position makes it very hard to remove, putting Tom’s skills to the test.

Source: BBC 2