Until now, medical programmes have presented surgery in a sanitised and desensitised manner.
Until now, medical programmes have presented surgery in a sanitised and desensitised manner. Under The Knife is a four-part series which for the first time on television shows surgical operations as they are performed from the first incision to the final stitch. Each film brings together the thoughts and feelings of the patients and their families, as well as the whole process of diagnosis, preparation and the surgical procedures. Patricia was a heavy smoker; she’s had a heart attack and needs a coronary by-pass. Mike has peyronies disease, which causes a bend in his penis and is affecting his sex life. The operation has a 65% chance of success. For Karen, a kidney transplant would mean the end of dialysis and the chance of a better life. Ellie’s surgery may be labelled cosmetic – but a breast reduction for her means no more daily discomfort or unwanted attention.
