Closing Music

When operating, the surgical case follows a general pattern. There is Opening, in the Middle of, and Closing. It's really that simple for pretty much every case. As an assistant, my job is to be across the table from the Surgeon, providing extra hands for a case requiring more than one pair. My immediate destiny is very much effected by what stage of the case we are on.

When asking about the status of a case, it's typical to say,"oh they just opened." Meaning the surgical team is in the process of descending down to the site where the purpose of the procedure is to be fulfilled. Or, "they're in the middle of a bowel resection.", meaning they are in the process of accomplishing the action for which the procedure is titled. The best by far is, "They're closing."

These simple statements, when first understanding the nature of the procedure, is all one needs to know regarding how the case is going, plus a few details for extra effect.

"How is Dr. Smith's room doing?"

"They're still opening and it doesn't look good - adhesions."

"Guess they're gonna be awhile."

"Guess I have time for a break."

"Yup - take your time."


While in a case, the circulator nurse is supposed to typically call the front desk and notify that the surgical team is "closing." It means the job is done, the end is in sight, time to send for the next patient.

This is the best stage of the game to be in, especially if it was a rather difficult and long procedure. And if it was done successfully.

"Let's close", "we're done" or "Lets' get out of here" are the sweetest words when your back is stiff, your feet are sore, you're sweating under your gown (and sometimes x-ray lead), your eyes are dry, you're thirsty and or hungry, your neck is in spasm (try looking directly down for 4 hours), and your mask is itching you to the point of insanity. At those times, the closest thing to a cold beer and a good stretch is CLOSING MUSIC.

I have heard good songs on the radio, songs that hit the spot and are perfect for your mood, but getting a good tune while closing a case is like a gift from God. If the radio is on during a case, and somebody asks for "a little closing music", it's turned up almost to the point of having to yell a little bit.

And it's almost always classic rock. Those are the good ones at the end of a case. The only place I listen to classic rock is in the OR, when my opinion of CCR's Down On the Corner rises from a good oldy to possibly the number one song I have heard in my life.

If you thing you have heard AC/DC's Shook Me All Night Long, try sewing up a patient at 10pm on a Friday night, after a 4 hour case, knowing you are about 15 minutes away from being set free to drive home, to drink a cold beer, to seeing your wife and kids, to start the weekend, to itch that persistent tickle that has been teasing you under your cap, shed these sweaty scrubs and kick them into the laundry. Then those drums and that guitar riff and that high pitched frantic voice of Brian Johnson hits a chord of relief in your aching back and mind that you never knew you had.

Closing Music can be the highlight of your week, believe it or not. I remember three instances of the perfect closing music to this day.

I have worked at the surgical table for over five years now, and have come to learn that one of the highlights of my job is feeling like you have just worked your butt off for a few hours, doing something that will positively effect someone.

And in your head, under all the sterile garb and behind the mask, you are 100% grooving to a song that you've known and loved for a long time now, but never really deserved. Until now. Now we're closing. And it's time to Rock.