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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent

Researchers study brain activity of surgeons for signs of cognitive overload

Dr Mary Gobl, a first year specialising in surgery, attempts a simulated appendectomy at the Surgical Innovation Centre at St Mary's hospital in Paddington, west London
Dr Mary Gobl, a first year specialising in surgery, attempts a simulated appendectomy at the Surgical Innovation Centre at St Mary's hospital in Paddington, west London. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian

It is a high-stakes scenario for any surgeon: a 65-year-old male patient with a high BMI and a heart condition is undergoing emergency surgery for a perforated appendix.

An internal bleed has been detected, an anaesthetics monitor is malfunctioning and various bleepers are sounding – before an urgent call comes in about an ectopic pregnancy on another ward.

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