From Myth to Medicine: The Real Monsters of Surgery
For centuries, surgeons and patients alike have whispered about the “bad luck” of operating under a full moon. But what does science say? Multiple studies have examined whether lunar cycles affect surgical outcomes, and the evidence shows no consistent difference in complication rates. What does affect outcomes, however, is something just as invisible: circadian rhythms. Research reveals that surgeries performed later in the day may carry a slightly higher risk of complications compared to those in the morning. It’s not the moon haunting the OR, it’s human fatigue and physiology.
Halloween Pathology: Frightening Findings Under the Knife
Sometimes what surgeons discover is stranger than fiction. One eerie example is the teratoma, a tumor that can contain teeth, hair, muscle or even bone. These rare growths arise from germ cells and can mimic a small monster straight out of folklore. Other startling findings include parasitic cysts mistaken for tumors, and “stone babies.” A stone baby, or lithopedion, is a faceless, calcified mass resulting from a fetus dying during an abdominal pregnancy and being too large for the mother’s body to re-absorb. While these discoveries can sound like horror stories, pathology helps demystify them, reminding us that the body is full of scientific surprises.
The Brain Under Anesthesia: Science Behind Surgery’s Strangest Experiences
A small percentage of patients report awareness during surgery, recalling sounds, voices, or even pressure while anesthetized. This phenomenon, known as intraoperative awareness, occurs in about 1 in 1,000 cases and offers insight into the complexity of the brain under anesthesia. Post-op delirium and hallucinations are also well documented, especially in older adults, where anesthesia and hospitalization can temporarily disrupt brain chemistry. While these experiences may feel like ghostly encounters, science shows us they are windows into the delicate balance between consciousness, medication, and memory.
The Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkin
Pumpkin is more than a seasonal favorite — it’s nutrient-dense and easy to add to meals. One cup of cooked pumpkin supplies a large amount of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports vision and immune function.
Pumpkin is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber; these nutrients support heart health and help with blood-pressure regulation. Pumpkin seeds provide magnesium and tryptophan, which support sleep, mood, and neurological health.
Finally, antioxidants in pumpkin — including lutein and zeaxanthin — help protect eye health, and the vegetable’s low calorie and high fiber profile make it useful for weight and blood-sugar management. Adding roasted pumpkin, soups, or toasted seeds is an easy, tasty way to boost nutrition this season. 23 Sweet & Savory Healthy Canned Pumpkin Recipes.
And while the pumpkins you and your kids may be carving for jack-o-lanterns are not generally as good for cooking as the varieties specially marketed for baking, don’t throw away the seeds! They’re delicious and another nutritional highlight, offering magnesium and tryptophan that support mood, sleep, and brain health. Here’s a simple recipe for toasting them.
Photos from top to bottom by: Jennifer, martinfredy, and Pixel-Shoton on Adobe Stock
In The Spotlight: A Wedding in Dean Parsons’ Family!
If you’re a graduate of NIFA’s RNFA program, chances are good that you know Dean Parsons, longtime SutureStar instructor par excellence and Director of the SutureStar Workshop Division. He and his wife, Jeannie, are the proud parents of four children.
On August 22, their daughter Bailey tied the knot with Jacob Vaca in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Bailey is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Jake is a first-year resident in Anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The couple will live in Rochester.
Bailey is the eldest of the siblings. The others are Gracie, who recently graduated with her MBA and is currently in medical recruiting; Benjamin, in his third year at the University of Nebraska in Omaha studying commercial aviation; and Cody, in his first year at the University of Nebraska in Omaha studying business.
From left: Dean, Jeannie, Hugo (the dog), Jake, Bailey, Gracie, Gracie’s boyfriend Jaylen, Cody, and Ben.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all perioperative personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual scope of practice.
