An oncology patient undergoing a grueling 12-hour surgery on their birthday received an unexpected bedside greeting written directly in surgical marker on their arm by the attending surgeon.
A Birthday in the Operating Room
The patient, identified as A씨, entered surgery on October 16.
Before anesthesia was administered, the nurse offered verbal encouragement, according to a report shared on social media platform Threads and detailed by Financial News.
Discovery in Recovery
Upon waking in the recovery room after the 12-hour procedure, the patient discovered the handwritten “Happy Birthday to you” message drawn with a sterile surgical marking pen on their arm.
Initially believing the gesture came from the nursing staff, the patient later left drinks and toast at the nurse’s station upon discharge to express gratitude.
Unveiling the Chief Surgeon’s Gesture
A surgical nurse identified as B씨 subsequently contacted the patient via social media to clarify the origin of the writing.
The nurse explained that the message was written by the chief surgeon. Upon learning the date, the doctor remarked, “They said it’s their birthday today? We have to celebrate!” before picking up the marking pen, as reported by Financial News.
Comfort After Ansiety
The patient stated that the gesture provided significant emotional comfort following intense pre-surgical anxiety.
According to the coverage, the surgical marking ink was easily removed using an alcohol swab.
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