Prof. Zaizen is on his morning round.
Great operation!
That was a most significant lecture!
What's happening, doctor? He's getting worse!
We'll use another antibiotic!
Do you handle medical disputes?
Doctors really are scum.
Let's break up.
Are you trying to say,
that the game is over for you?
Dr. Kanai, his heartbeat's stopped!
Honey!
Don't leave me alone!
Hurry!
Yana, stop!
Enough, anger doesn't help anything.
Put pneumonia as cause of death on the death certificate. All right?
Medical negligence?
Just to be safe, it might be better to do an autopsy.
Once the body is cremated, nothing can be done.
My father is dead.
He was killed by you.
Your accusation troubles me.
Who is he?
A patient died.
It's unfortunate,
But such things can't be helped at a hospital.
Hey, Zaizen! Wait a minute.
Why did you come here?
I want to talk to you about the deceased, Mr. Sasaki.
Can't we talk at the hospital?
I just got back, and I'm exhausted.
I want to talk now.
That's why I came here.
Guess it can't be helped.
Dad, I'm sorry, but why don't you head back first?
Is everything all right? -- Don't worry. Everything's fine.
Then, I'm counting on you.
Of course.
Keep it brief, would you?
Your patient died.
I feel bad about that.
Saying you feel bad won't fix things, Zaizen.
Prof. Okouchi did the autopsy on Mr. Sasaki.
Autopsy?
Now I will explain the autopsy results.
The surgery for esophageal cancer was successful.
It was marvelously done.
But the left lung has a cluster of cancer cells.
The unusual cluster --
That is the reason for death.
That is to say, the cause of death is lymph node cancer causing suffocation.
Lymph node cancer?
Is it because the cancer cells spread to the lung?
Those cancer cells should have existed before the surgery.
Metastasis caused the lymphoma, which led to the patient's death.
So what?
Your diagnosis was wrong.
How rude! Why was my diagnosis wrong?
His death was an accident.
Before you went to Warsaw,
you said he was suffering post-surgical infection
and asked Yanagihara to give him antibiotics.
But that was not an infection.
It was lymph node cancer.
The treatment was completely wrong.
Fever, coughing and increase of white blood cells after surgery
would naturally be diagnosed as infection.
Your post-surgical care wasn't your only error.
The biggest mistake was your carrying out the surgery in the first place.
Before the surgery, upon learning that there was a shadow in his lung,
you decisively said that it was not metastasis and carried out the surgery.
But it was metastasis.
Wait.
That shadow was not metastasis. It was just inflammation.
I'm confident in that diagnosis.
Are you still saying that?
Prof. Okouchi said the metastasis existed before the surgery.
That's just his interpretation.
I believe that before the surgery, there was no metastasis.
Even Prof. Okouchi
cannot prove when and how much cancer spread,
unless he carried out the autopsy when the patient was alive.
Zaizen, I didn't come here to pin the blame on you.
I just want to tell you the facts.
As a surgeon, please face them and change.
As a doctor of Internal Medicine, I will take this case to heart.
Is that all you have to say? Then I'll be leaving.
I have a mountain of work to catch up on.
Looks so tasty!
Here. Aren't you eating, Dr. Yanagihara?
I have no appetite.
Isn't Prof. Zaizen coming back?
Eat something to energize yourself.
Otherwise you'll collapse.
I don't want to see Prof. Zaizen.
You're in First Surgical. How can you not see him?
Don't tell me you want to resign?
Fool, what are you going to do after resigning?
You followed Prof. Zaizen's instructions to the letter, right?
If only I'd been more courageous
and made Prof. Zaizen face the truth...
But no one can blame you for that patient's death.
But Mr. Sasaki died.
Ow.
Get a grip.
If a doctor resigned every time a patient died, there'd be no doctors working.
But Mr. Sasaki died!
Hey, Yana!
These are thank-you gifts for the funeral.
There are two types, 2,000 or 2,500 yen, for you to choose.
Young master, where have you been?
Sorry.
Yoichi!
You're the successor. You need to get it together.
With your mom in that shape.
Get her to change clothes. Guests are coming.
I went and told him.
I told that guy, that Zaizen, that we wouldn't forgive him.
What are you doing? Get it together!
You're so annoying! No matter how much you cry, it won't bring Dad back!
Don't talk like that to your mom!
Don't say such harsh things.
Be gentler!
That's right.
Thanks everyone!
Thank you, all.
It was because of your support that this trip was successful.
Doctors, presidents, have a look.
This is the international surgeons' certificate of appreciation.
See? It says "Prof. Goro Zaizen" here.
Stop that! You'll get it dirty!
Dad, they'll say you dote on me too much!
Doesn�t matter, doesn't matter!
You've got to do what you want to do.
I have to tell more people, let the whole world know!
It really is foolish of me.
If you always felt ashamed, then your life would be finished, right?
How impressive.
Prof. Ugai, you're here!
Please, stay seated.
You did a good job, Zaizen.
The speech and surgery were successful. It was really marvelous.
It was all thanks to you, Prof. Ugai.
It's true, a lot of things happened while you were away.
Yo, here he comes!
I'm very sorry for the trouble.
Your patient died. The whole medical faculty was talking about it.
You've thought of a good strategy, I imagine?
No.
What?
There's no need for a strategy.
Prof. Ugai, I won't falter because of this.
So, you're saying that even if it was a mistake,
it won't affect Naniwa University's image?
Of course. Please put your mind at ease.
The Great White Tower Chapter Twelve
Everyone, thanks for your hard work while I was away.
Because of the support of such a talented staff,
I could relax and have a successful trip.
Thank you.
Congratulations on your trip!
We were moved by the news reports!
Well, we can't stay intoxicated by acclaim.
Anything to report?
The patient Yanagihara was in charge of, Mr. Sasaki Yohei, died.
He's the patient who received the esophagectomy just before you left, sir.
I apologize that something like this happened while you were away.
I'm sorry. -- I'm sorry.
Why apologize?
You all did your best, right?
Yes.
We did everything we could!
Then there's no need for apologies.
The more well-equipped a university is,
the less excuse there is for apologies.
To just apologize and move on is an insult to the deceased.
Then today, let's do our best as well.
Yes
Such a pity.
He'd just finished the renovation and was going to start up again.
Mrs. Sasaki is really to be pitied.
The boss would probably know that the most.
Please leave.
What?
I don't want to see anyone from Naniwa here.
Sis!
I'm asking you. Please leave.
I understand.
Dr. Satomi!
Did you come alone?
Did Dr. Zaizen not come?
After coming back from abroad, not even a greeting?
Is he pretending nothing happened?
If you were going to come, you should have brought him along!
Today, I just wanted to relate a message from Mr. Sasaki.
Mr. Sasaki wanted to tell you...
I'll really have to thank her after I get discharged.
Do you think to fool me with that?
"Thank you" you say?
He would have said how bitter he is!
My husband died.
He was killed by Dr. Zaizen!
Don't say anymore!
Sis, don't act like that!
Please leave!
I'm going to sue him.
I will sue Dr. Zaizen!
Apologize?
Yes.
I want to at least apologize to Mr. Sasaki's family.
I just said this before!
We doctors did our best! It makes no sense for us to apologize!
But because of the metastasis to the lung,
Mr. Sasaki...
So you're criticizing my diagnosis?
No! That's not it.
Then let me ask you.
What is with this treatment?
To continue using ineffective treatments like a fool, and even exceeding the dosages.
It's unbelievable!
I followed your instructions to the letter, Professor.
Professor, won't you check on Mr. Sasaki?
The shadow we saw before the surgery may have been metastasis.
How many times do I have to say this?
I told you: That's an infection!
The shadow in the CT scan is because of a lung infection.
An antibiotic will clear it up.
My instructions were from before I went abroad.
To change the treatment due to changing conditions is the responsibility of the doctor in charge!
Yes. And so...
And so?
Nothing.
I'm sorry.
You can just apologize and put an end to it.
I have to shoulder all the responsibility for this!
I'm sorry.
It seems you like apologizing.
Shouldn't you do the same thing when explaining to the family about the cause of death?
I have told the family the truth.
The cause of death was not infection,
but lymph node cancer causing difficulties in breathing.
Why did you give such a misleading explanation?
It's not my explanation.
It's Dr. Satomi's.
What? Satomi?
Why did you tell outsiders about Surgical Dept. matters?
Weren't you the doctor in charge of this case?
Alright. Assigning this case to a greenhorn like you was my mistake.
The best thing you can do is to learn from this.
I've been in this situation as well.
I was depressed after a patient died when I was a resident.
Professor...
Rather than apologize and feel better, it's better that you suffer in silence.
That suffering will benefit your future patients.
I have high expectations for you.
Pardon me.
Give it a rest, Sis, huh? That lawsuit business.
I'm serious.
I will sue that Dr. Zaizen.
But it was cancer that killed him.
It's a shame, but it can't be helped.
Yoshie, you're just emotional because Yohei died.
I'm not sad because he died.
When we learned about his cancer, I prepared myself for the worst.
Even though he said nothing,
my husband was ready to fight it with all he had.
But he never got a chance.
Because of that Zaizen's irresponsibility,
he couldn't die a proper death.
A proper death.
Alright, I understand how you feel but...
The other side is the State University. There's no way you can win.
Just a big waste of money and time.
It would be better to take care of the shop.
I and all the other staff are worried.
If it's for the shop, we'll all be happy to pitch in.
Anyway, get some rest. We'll head home and be back tomorrow. Right?
Right.
We'll be back.
Honey, what should I do?
What do you want me to do?
I have to change the oil in the deep fryer.
Your dad was noisy about that to the last.
I'll do it!
Let's go to court.
What?
Let's sue that guy.
It's not a matter of winning or losing.
Let's help ease Dad's bitterness.
So that's the new year's schedule.
Any questions?
I've heard that a patient died while Prof. Zaizen was away.
I've heard that as well.
I'm very sorry this led to such a fuss.
It's a fact that one of my patients died.
But it was not due to surgical error.
It was a case of ill fortune in my absence.
I hope there won't be any trouble because of this.
There won't.
No matter what people say, there's nothing for us to be ashamed about.
Let's stop talking about such dark matters during the new year,
and share some good news instead.
I want to mention something from our department.
My assistant Satomi's research paper
will receive the Tachibana Award.
The Tachibana Award is the highest honor
from the Japanese Cancer Association, isn't it?
That's really something!
Furthermore, his application for an Education Ministry research grant has been approved.
What do you think?
Shall we accept it?
Of course we should!
Satomi is passionate about research.
It's wonderful his brilliance is being recognized.
Really?
Yes! Thank you very much!
You did it, doctor!
Getting the Tachibana Award is amazing in itself,
but you received the Education Ministry grant too!
You can finally get that DNA analyzer you've been wanting!
It's all because of your help.
Don't be so modest!
I always felt that your day to shine would come someday.
I just brought you good fortune.
Even though the road was rough, you've been rewarded.
Prof. Zaizen!
Congratulations, Satomi!
I just heard in the faculty meeting about your award
and the three-year special research grant.
It's hard to receive such recognition
without resorting to connections.
It's wonderful!
Thank you.
I'll get some coffee.
Let me take this chance to tell you not to interfere with others' patients.
Just focus on your research.
Actively suggesting the Sasakis get an autopsy
and explaining the reason for death to the family.
You sure were enthusiastic, weren't you?
My staff was troubled by your behavior.
Some even said that you were actively trying to undercut us.
Of course I rejected such accusations.
Is that all you have to say?
Instead of telling me such useless things,
there's something more important you could be doing.
Are you asking me again to acknowledge the patient's death?
That matter is laid to rest.
I listened to the medical office
and explained everything to the professorial board.
Hey, Zaizen.
Is that what becoming a professor is all about?
Until you become one, you'll never know.
I'm at a loss for words.
We police investigate accidents or criminal cases.
A patient's death is not a criminal case.
It is a criminal case.
My husband was killed by that doctor.
If you really insist, you can only go to civil court.
Then tell me how to bring a civil case.
What lawyer should we go to?
It's no good just to get any lawyer.
You have to find one that specializes in medical malpractice suits.
Maybe you could go to the Medical Society and get some info.
Medical Society? Where is it? Please tell me.
Why did you change your mind?
Sorry?
Remember? You said you wanted something more stable.
I don't know myself, but...
But?
I don't know.
Let me guess.
Your boyfriend is a medical student?
I'm right, aren't I?
Because you seemed oddly interested in medical malpractice suits.
That's not true! I don't have a boyfriend!
I'm just kidding.
You need a sense of humor when working.
Does this kind of work require a sense of humor as well?
Of course.
Launching a medical malpractice suit is serious business.
If you don't know how to relax, you'll collapse.
I was way too serious before.
That's why my company collapsed.
Will you stop being a lawyer?
No way. This is all I know how to do.
When I go back home, I'll work in a friend's office.
Divorce cases, estate cases; I'll take any kind of case.
I have to pay back the debts from this place.
It's a pity.
The hardest part about medical malpractice suits isn't losing.
The hardest part is losing your empathy.
Your empathy?
If the suit is lost, the patient's family will be in a tough situation.
Nothing to show for their efforts,
and society thinks of them as greedy people.
It's a terrible thing.
In the beginning, I would cry together with the family.
But later, I was like an outsider watching movies, dry-eyed, feeling nothing.
So I need to pack it in.
It's here.
Let's go.
Thanks for your hard work.
Good work.
Please!
Thank you.
I've had enough already. Thank you.
Looks delicious!
Honey, welcome back.
You're early today, aren't you?
Welcome back!
How wonderful to see you all.
Is it that time already? Everyone, we should be on our way.
Don't worry, president! Please stay a while longer.
But we'd feel bad about staying after your husband came back.
Please, stay. I haven't spent much time at home since I've been so busy.
It's made my wife lonely.
That's no good, Prof. Zaizen.
What is a man if he can't please his wife?
Isn't that right, Kyoko?
Believe me, I was very pleased when my husband was elected professor.
It's no good to be complacent when you're young.
As a wife, you should motivate your husband more!
Is that right?
Of course. Because our husbands are university professors.
Please pardon me. I lack maturity.
Prof. Zaizen? -- Yes?
A lack of maturity is no excuse.
That's true with both love and work.
You're absolutely right. I've learned a lot.
Well, then, everyone, please have a seat!
Really? Then I'll take you up on that.
There is still so much food. Please help yourself.
I'm so full!
This is delicious!
Human experiments?
The experimenters were doctors, who were pledged to save lives.
He was killed by you.
If this is the happiest moment, then there's nothing more to wish for.
There's nothing scarier than that.
Hello?
Goro?
Something terrible's happened.
Terrible?
Come here right now!
Sasaki Yohei's family went to the Medical Society and said they were going to sue you.
They asked the Society to recommend a lawyer.
Even though the suit hasn't been submitted yet,
this is a troublesome thing.
Didn't you say that patient's case wouldn't cause any problems?
Yes, don't worry.
Don't take this so lightly.
If you're charged with negligence, everything would be finished.
I was not negligent.
That's the family's one-sided thought.
But it's a fact that you did not discover the metastasis and render treatment accordingly.
This patient's illness
could not be totally discovered before surgery using present medical knowledge.
The diagnosis of infection after surgery was also appropriate.
Even the case goes to court, I will not lose.
Goro, this is just that family's delusion, right?
There's really no problem, right?
Right.
Really, really, really no problem?
Please believe me.
Hey, hey, hey!
This shouldn't be destroyed.
This is important information.
Listen, if a family pursues a malpractice suit,
they have already prepared for the worst.
It's a mistake not to take it seriously.
Impossible. There's no way to win this case.
Impossible? What do you mean?
Yoichi. But the Medical Society referred us here.
Certainly, we have plenty of talented lawyers in our office.
But we can't take on hopeless cases.
Then we'll find someone else!
Let's go.
Ah, wait a minute.
Yes?
1 hour 5 min.
Well, we'll forget about the 5 minutes.
Please pay 10,000 yen as your counseling fee.
The staff out there explained all this to you, right?
Hello?
Yes.
I want to file a suit.
The defendant?
Naniwa University Medical School Hospital.
Oh, I see. Sorry to bother you.
Hello? Ah, this is my first time calling, but...
Congratulations on this occasion. -- Thank you.
Please tell us how you felt when you were named an honorary member of the International Association for Surgeons.
It was simply the desire to help patients that brought me where I am today.
My husband died because of the hospital's negligence.
I absolutely cannot give up on this matter.
I want to sue.
I understand that medical malpractice suits are difficult.
But I want to ease my father's bitterness.
It's awesome, Dad!
Hey, Yoshihiko! Don't put it someplace like that!
It's fine! It really is something wonderful.
Yoshihiko, wash your hands, and let's celebrate.
OK.
What's wrong? Try to look happier!
Sorry. A patient died recently. It doesn't seem right for me to be happy.
But won't this research help save many other patients?
Yes, it will.
I don't expect you to be like Zaizen,
but at least try to look happier when you're with me?
You're right. I am who I am, right?
Maybe I've been too concerned with Zaizen lately.
Instead of worrying about what others do,
I should just do what I can do, in my own way.
I don't understand your worries.
But I believe in you.
I'm starving!
Come sit.
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Let's eat!
Well, that should do for today.
We tidied up faster than I expected.
I'll get your pay.
Is that all right?
Is what all right?
You said you have a debt to repay.
They're two different things.
I always pay for services rendered.
I understand.
Guess this'll be my last time paying someone's salary.
I'll get it.
It might be creditors.
Are you Mr. Sekiguchi, the lawyer?
Yes, I am.
We need your help.
Sorry to impose on you.
We saw you in this legal directory.
We made many calls already but were rejected by everyone.
We've visited every office one by one.
Could you listen to our story?
Sorry, if you want to sue...
we're shutting down the office.
What's wrong?
Are you alright?
Thank you.
Sorry for the trouble.
Get a hold of yourself.
Sorry.
Prof. Zaizen is on his morning round.
Anything special to report?
Nothing at all.
All 80 beds are occupied. It's a full house.
Prof. Zaizen!
We just received notice from the court that you need to provide evidence.
The lawyer will arrive in 2 hours.
Evidence?
The lawyer is coming to get the medical reports for the deceased Sasaki Yohei.
Quiet!
But Professor!
Since we've done nothing wrong, we've nothing to fear.
We'll be completely open about our affairs.
(Authorization to sue)
(Mrs. Sasaki)
Lawyer - Sekiguchi
Defendant - Zaizen Goro
Ah, sorry for the trouble.
Judge Katsuda.
The hospital has the complete records for Mr. Sasaki Yohei ready, right?
Of course.
Thank you.
Prof. Zaizen is on his morning round.
My husband died.
He was killed by Dr. Zaizen.
As a surgeon, please face them and change.
I believe that before the surgery, there was no metastasis.
But Mr. Sasaki died.
Let's sue that guy.
Let's help ease Dad's bitterness.
Listen, if a family pursues a malpractice suit,
they have already prepared for the worst.
It's a mistake not to take it seriously.
We're shutting down the office.
Evidence?
The lawyer is coming to get the medical reports.
The hospital has the complete records for Mr. Sasaki Yohei ready, right?
This is the first time we've ever had to provide evidence.
What should we do?
Are we going to be sued?
How can you guys call yourselves doctors?
Why would we be sued?
Although it's a shame that the patient died, our treatment was flawless.
There's no reason to sue us.
But to prepare for the worst case,
we need to prepare.
Just let the lawyer and judge see the charts.
Only the charts?
CTs and other images may lead to misunderstandings.
Yanagihara. As the doctor in charge, take responsibility and handle this matter.
But...
What do I do if they ask for those things?
If that happens, leave it to Tsukuda!
That won't be a problem, will it, Tsukuda?
Leave it to me.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
I am Tsukuda of First Surgical.
I am Yanagihara.
I am Osaka District Court Judge Katsuda.
This is my secretary Murasaki.
This is Sekiguchi, the lawyer for the plaintiff.
We want to check the medical records for the deceased Mr. Sasaki Yohei.
This is the warrant to obtain evidence.
Here you are.
Is this everything?
Yes.
There should be CTs and other images.
These are all we can find at the moment.
You don't have CT and other images? -- We can't find what we don't have...
The notice didn't mention CTs or images.
Would you find them, then?
It's not possible now.
We're very busy helping our patients.
Mr. Sekiguchi, this warrant only mentions the records.
I understand.
The charts are the hospital's property.
Please don't take them a step outside this room.
Then, may I borrow your copier?
Copier? -- Are we obligated to provide one?
You're not obligated, but...
Then I decline your request.
What will you do, Sekiguchi? Take photos?
No, I didn't bring a camera.
I'm sorry for the delay. Here is the 2 million yen fee we agreed on.
The medical and funeral fees made it difficult to come up with this on time.
I'm very sorry.
I will accept it on the office's behalf.
May we wait for Mr. Sekiguchi?
Please do.
I'm sorry. Let me get you some tea.
Please don't worry.
We're very grateful that you accepted this case.
Once they heard that the defendant was Naniwa University, no one would accept the case.
We are not thinking about winning.
We want to ease my husband's bitterness,
and to reveal Dr. Zaizen's irresponsible behavior.
I'm sorry, I'm just a part-timer and ought not comment on the case.
Mr. Sekiguchi.
Ah, Mrs. Sasaki, you're here.
I couldn't wait to hear the progress.
Today we went to get some evidence.
Unfortunately, we couldn't get something crucial.
Naniwa University's guard is very tight.
Is there any hope of winning the case?
Judging by today, it'll be difficult.
I beg you. My husband died because of Dr. Zaizen's negligence!
He said my dad had an infection
and didn't see him once before he died.
But my dad died because of metastatic cancer.
It was clearly a misdiagnosis.
It'd be nice if someone from Naniwa would testify to that effect.
Please.
Well, let's see if we can't think of something.
I'm counting on you.
I'm sorry to make you worry. It shouldn't amount to anything.
The lawyer will also likely withdraw the case.
They only saw the charts and left.
Even though you're confident,
if the family won't abandon the case, it won't do to let your guard down.
If they really want to go ahead, I'm ready for them.
Because there's no way I would lose.
If they really want to go ahead, it would be troublesome, Zaizen.
The question is not who is right or wrong.
The involvement of lawyers is the problem.
Even if you did misdiagnose the case,
if the family accepts that, there would be no problem.
If this is released to the media,
you know how serious matters would become.
I know, but...
Come in.
Sorry to interrupt you.
Come here.
I want to ask about your patient, Sasaki Yohei.
According to Prof. Zaizen, our hospital did nothing wrong.
Do you have anything to add?
Prof. Zaizen's surgery was perfect.
But before the surgery, the cancer had spread.
If we had been more careful, there might have been a different outcome.
And that was why you went to Sasaki Yohei's funeral?
A doctor attending a patient's funeral was not prudent, Satomi.
I went as an ordinary person.
A doctor is always a doctor.
Whether you are inside the hospital or drinking in a bar, you're a doctor.
When you attended the funeral,
others saw you as a Naniwa University Asst. Professor.
Someone who won the Tachibana Award should not be so naive.
Tomorrow morning there will an investigation committee meeting.
Lawyers will be present to clarify the matter.
I hope you will be there as well, Satomi.
Investigation committee meeting?
That is an unavoidable part of the court process.
Listen, Zaizen.
You just said there was no way you'd lose.
But winning a court case is of no merit to a hospital.
Yes, sir.
Your thoughts and ways of life are different,
but somehow they are similar as well.
At any rate, I'll be counting on you both.
The Great White Tower Chapter Thirteen
Your progress is good.
You should be released next week.
Doctor, my chest hurts.
Don't worry. My diagnosis isn't wrong.
Doctor, is it possible the cancer spread to my lungs?
What are you saying? I'm a world-class surgeon!
Ow!
What are you doing? What happened?
And you're sweating so much!
You did something wrong, didn't you?
Are you leaving already?
I have a morning meeting. Go back to bed.
I'd do that even if you didn't tell me to.
Did something happen?
No. There's all kinds of things to do when you're a professor.
Honey! Honey!
Honey, you're in the paper.
(Recommended to be International Association for Surgeons honorary member)
I was interviewed a few days ago.
Honey, work harder,
and become more famous.
(Do Not Enter)
Everyone here?
Please have a seat.
Let me introduce you all.
This is my classmate, vice president of the Japanese Federation of Bar Associations,
Mr. Kono.
And this is the most promising star in his office,
Mr. Kunihira.
No need to worry, doctors.
Most medical malpractice suits
are not very serious and can be resolved.
But if the hospital's image is damaged, it can take decades to repair.
To prevent such things from happening,
We need to prepare well.
Kunihira.
First, I have something to ask you all.
What kind of necktie was I wearing just now?
Please answer.
Dr. Anzai.
Yes?
I... I can't remember.
Dr. Tsukuda.
I think it had a yellow checkered pattern.
Dr. Kanai.
Didn't it have gray stripes?
Dr. Yanagihara.
I...
Very well.
Listen, just as with what happened here just now,
human memory is limited and imperfect.
So it would not be odd if different people remembered the cause of a patient's death differently.
But that won't do.
A hospital must discover the truth
and then present it well.
Let us revisit the case.
Please write down everything you remember.
The deceased family thought:
First, that you ignored the metastasis and carried out the surgery.
Second, that lymph node cancer was mistaken to be an infection
and was incorrectly treated on that basis.
What do you think of these 2 points?
As a surgeon, allow me to clarify.
We saw no metastasis before the surgery.
Therefore we carried out the operation.
The treatment for infection came after the surgery.
All of these were normal diagnoses in their respective timeframes.
Does the doctor in charge, Dr. Yanagihara, agree?
I....
Yanagihara, speak frankly.
What do you mean by frankly?
The presurgery CT showed a shadow on the lung.
Dr. Zaizen thought it was not metastasis, but inflammation.
Both I and Dr. Yanagihara thought it was possibly metastasis.
We suggested that Dr. Zaizen investigate further.
Dr. Yanagihara, is that the case?
Is that how it was?
But for safety's sake,
wouldn't it be better to do a lung biopsy?
Listen up, Yanagihara, this is not metastasis.
I never heard that conversation.
I didn't either.
I have no recollection of this matter.
The possibility of metastasis was very low.
Therefore I prioritized removing the esophageal cancer.
So no one suggested further investigation of the shadow, right?
Then, to clarify the facts,
please adjust the chart.
Rewrite the chart?
This is to show the truth clearly.
No one suggested further investigation of metastasis,
and no one considered any sign of metastasis.
Please clarify those 2 points there.
Dr. Satomi, any problems?
We want to clarify the facts.
This is not clarifying the facts.
This is falsification.
Please cooperate, Satomi.
If your self-righteousness rears its head now,
I will be misunderstood.
Misunderstood?
Yes, misunderstood. I did not misdiagnose the patient.
If you think you were right, then without underhandedness,
disclose all the facts
and explain the matter to everyone's satisfaction.
The family went to court suddenly.
It's because no one could explain the matter to them that things ended up like this.
Grow up, Satomi.
This is a problem for the entire university.
If we get caught up in this matter,
all your research grants will disappear.
I cannot twist the truth because of my personal research.
So you're running away?
If my actions are seen as negligent,
then the university's image will be severely damaged.
All doctors and staff would be in a difficult situation.
The patients' care would be affected as a result.
All would pay the price
for your self-righteousness.
As a member of the hospital, aren't you being irresponsible?
Irresponsible?
Yes, irresponsible. Because you are a member of the university,
you are able to work as a doctor.
Then as a doctor, you have obligations to the university.
Obligations as a doctor? Do they include protecting the university?
Of course they do, Satomi.
Naniwa University Hospital has saved many patients
and trained many talented doctors.
Would you lay all those achievements to waste?
I think...
a doctor's obligations lie elsewhere.
Let's continue.
Anywhere you go, there will always be one or two irresponsible people.
(Anesthesia-related malpractice cases)
I'm done.
Good work.
That's enough for today.
Here you go.
Your pay.
What's wrong?
That money is from Mrs. Sasaki's fee.
No matter where it comes from, money is money.
Ten thousand yen is ten thousand yen.
Two million yen is 2 million yen.
I accepted that money as a lawyer.
You should also accept what's yours.
All right.
Um, may I ask you something?
Please.
Why were you willing to take the Sasakis' case?
Aren't you preparing to close the office to go home?
Even if the office is closing, I am still a lawyer.
Even after I go home, the Sasakis' lawsuit can still be pursued.
Well, I'll tell the truth.
As you guessed, it is for repaying my debt.
I have to earn some money.
Then Mr. Sasaki's lawsuit...
Cases like this require incontrovertible evidence.
Otherwise there's no way to win.
Understanding that is what this case is about.
That's what it means to work.
Thank you for letting me impose on you.
Two million yen!
It really cost that much?
If we hadn't paid, then the case wouldn't have gone forward.
Sis.
Weren't you cheated by a shyster?
Don't say that! It wasn't easy finding a lawyer who'd take the case.
If you had so much money, then you should have given it to your workers.
We don't even know when the shop will reopen.
Don't blame Mom! This is all that Dr. Zaizen's fault!
Even if that's so, how long will you cry about it?
The dead are dead.
The living have to live!
How can you talk that way?
My dad was killed!
Stop it, Yoichi!
I'll explain everything about the store and the case to you all.
We'll consult my husband and explain everything to you all.
Hello, this is Sekiguchi.
Ah, thank you.
You provide copy rentals, right?
No problem.
I can pay today...
Um, I'm sorry. Could you wait a bit on that?
Yes, I'll contact you later.
Yes.
(University Hospital Medical Malpractice Case)
(Unwilling to compensate)
(Capital Hospital Malpractice Case, 800,000 yen compensation)
(Result after 4 years)
(Metastasis suspected)
Didn't we decide to write "no metastasis"?
Hey!
We're just clarifying the facts!
That's right. This is to clarify the facts.
Right.
It's alright. His breathing is normal.
When he wakes up, give him another round of the inhaler, and he'll be fine.
I overreacted calling you at the hospital.
What are you talking about?
I mean, your work just got recognized.
Your research is going well.
For a doctor,
it's better to touch patients directly instead of through a microscope.
Though research can save more lives,
you still have to be in touch with your patients.
I'm sorry that I told you I wanted you to be a professor someday.
Things will be fine if they continue like this.
You doing what you think is right.
And me listening to you after you come home.
That's best, right?
Doing what I think is right, huh?
Come in.
Sorry to disturb you.
What's up?
I can't accept this money after all.
I didn't do anything to deserve this money.
Is that right?
If you're finished, you can leave now.
I have to close the office.
Um...
Mr. Sekiguchi, are you really OK with this?
With what?
Mrs. Sasaki really wanted you to help her with this lawsuit.
To let people know about this case.
If you didn't intend to help her,
then it's odd that you should receive that money.
I think your behavior
has hurt Mrs. Sasaki.
You're in no position to say that.
I'm sorry to keep quiet about this.
Until last year, my father was professor of Naniwa University's First Surgical Dept.
What was that?
I am also familiar with Dr. Zaizen.
When I learned my father's school was being sued, I was shocked and couldn't say anything.
But after talking to you, I decided that I have to tell you about this.
So out of pity, you've decided to support that family.
Mr. Sekiguchi, you told me doctors were scum.
I did. That's the truth about many doctors I've seen.
But if you don't intend to help Mrs. Sasaki reveal the truth,
then I think lawyers are the same.
Mr. Sekiguchi, you're also scum.
You're turning down the case? Why?
I can't find ironclad evidence.
Please, sir!
I really want to sue Dr. Zaizen.
This case didn't happen because of blood transfusions or clear surgical incompetence.
It deals with the doctor's diagnostic ability.
Even if it goes to court...
the chances of winning are extremely low.
Dr. Zaizen is a professor.
They say he's a famous doctor.
To have ability and not take good care of his patient is clearly negligent.
To pursue a losing battle would be unfair to you.
My husband's motto was "Don't give up."
He always said that when our shop opened.
He sat there to watch the baseball game with a beer.
If I give up now, the same thing will happen later to other patients.
It doesn't matter if we lose!
I have to let people know what a terrible human being Dr. Zaizen is!
I understand, but...
The consequences of losing a case are much worse than you realize.
If there's no hope to win,
it's better not to pursue this case.
Is there really no hope of winning?
Dr. Satomi!
What a surprise! To think you were working with a lawyer all this time.
I'm surprised as well.
What is a Naniwa University doctor doing here?
I came to see if there was anything I could do to help.
And so you came all this way to visit the family?
I was the first doctor to see Mr. Sasaki Yohei.
I was the one who asked Dr. Zaizen to do the surgery.
The one who found the signs of metastasis
but was unable to get him tested for it was I as well.
I see.
You found signs of metastasis.
You urged further testing as well.
Is that what you meant?
There was no other meaning to what I said.
I'm not trying to excuse myself.
After all, Mr. Sasaki is dead.
If you repeat what you just said in court,
then you can at least save that family.
The family, above all, wants to know the truth.
Why one of them had to die.
I understand.
I am willing to testify in court.
Hello, Mom?
Goro, are you well?
I told you I'd bring you here to Osaka after I became professor,
but I haven't had a chance to call since then. I'm sorry.
It doesn't matter. Don't worry.
As long as you're in good health, I'm happy.
I had to go abroad after I was promoted.
Eh? That's wonderful!
The world is really large.
Goro, don't just keep looking up.
The higher you climb, the harder you fall.
But looking down is even more dangerous.
So if I'm going to climb, I have to keep my mind on climbing.
Well, anyway, don't worry. Once things settle down, I'll bring you to Osaka for sure. Bye, Mom.
Because the gastric cancer is worsening,
there's a risk of metastasis in the pancreas.
Therefore, we have to enlarge the surgery area.
We'll cover the pancreas and duodenum. -- Yes, sir.
The patient is old and diabetic.
Would it be better if we use bypasses
and then chemotherapy after the surgery?
If we mean to treat the cancer, then surgery is the only way.
Listen up. If only risks are considered,
a surgeon cannot challenge himself,
and cannot save lives that can be saved.
Naniwa's Surgical Dept. aims to save lives.
We will aggressively start the treatment.
Prof. Zaizen.
The court is coming again for the evidence.
Got it.
Yanagihara, you go take care of them.
Yes, sir.
Will Yanagihara be all right by himself?
You're the assistant. You have to be here.
Don't worry, everything has been well prepared.
Today, besides medical records...
I intend to see everything concerned with the case.
Eh? That's...
This is the court authorization.
Outpatient records, admission records,
and all testing results.
Charts, images, pathological records.
Please show us all records concerning this patient's treatment.
Surely there will be no problems?
But there's an important surgery going on right now...
Show the records.
This is an official document. You cannot refuse.
Please.
I will wait no matter how long it takes.
Now we will perform
the surgery on removing the area around the sphincter.
Scalpel
Kocher hemostat
Gauze
As we thought, there's metastasis in the pancreas.
Change to removal of duodenum.
Yes.
Kelly forceps
Move the light here.
Alright, inhale.
Exhale, good.
Tumor forceps
Great, it's been removed.
Suction.
Metastasis not found.
Metastasis suspected.
News: Naniwa University Medical Negligence
Patient's Family Sues Prof. Zaizen
Lawsuit
Naniwa University Medical Malpractice
Honey. Honey!
Family Files Suit Against Prof. Zaizen
Lawsuit against Prof. Zaizen
Goro!
Dear.
Sorry to disturb you so early.
I have a favor to ask of you, doctor.
EngSub: ImageHaHa(Adapted from Tantanjuran) Spell Checked by Hinakun Edited by Gobbler41