Channel 5’s “Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death” returns with another dose of high-stakes operating room drama. This week, the surgical team tackles heart transplants, kidney cancer, and excruciating facial pain.
First up, cardiac surgeon Aaron Ranasinghe gets a donor heart for Katie, a mother of three who’s been waiting over three months for a transplant. It’s a race against time, and as always with transplants, there’s a whole lot that can go wrong. Then, there’s Edward, a 75-year-old grandfather facing surgery for aggressive kidney cancer. Will his age and the aggressive nature of the disease complicate matters? Finally, neurosurgeon Alex Paluzzi tries to alleviate Carole’s five-year battle with debilitating facial pain caused by a rogue blood vessel. It’s a delicate procedure with potentially serious consequences.
While it can be tough to watch at times, “Surgeons” offers a valuable look into the world of modern medicine. It’s a world where skill, quick thinking, and a bit of luck can mean the difference between life and death. And even if you’re not usually a fan of medical documentaries, the human stories at the heart of each case can be strangely compelling.
This episode of “Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death” airs Wednesday, February 19 at 9:00 PM on Channel 5.
