Regarding how exactly the mischief is done, it can be further dialectically analyzed.
The patient's stool has already been tested routinely and, generally, any parasites would have been detected. At the very least, their eggs could be found.
However, since neither parasites nor their eggs were found in the routine stool analysis, it's highly likely that the parasites are hiding in the small intestine, frantically absorbing the patient's nutrition, while producing substances that can cause the large intestine to bleed.
It could be larvae or some kind of hormone or harmful substance that can stimulate intestinal bleeding.
Considering that the patient has diffuse bleeding focused in the colon segment.
Zhou Can is more inclined to believe that parasites lurk in the small intestine, absorbing the nutrients they need from the intestinal fluid, then excreting irritant harmful substances that cause the large intestine to bleed.
After the small intestinal fluid enters the large intestine, the cecum segment is short, and its function is similar to that of the small intestine; it mainly absorbs the nutrients that the small intestine did not fully absorb, as well as impurities.
That small intestinal fluid spends a shorter amount of time in the cecum.
On the contrary, the colon is 1.1m long. When food passes through the stomach and small intestine to reach the colon, it secretes some alkaline substances to protect the mucous membrane and lubricate the intestines. Meanwhile, it absorbs water, sodium, and other electrolytes.
After the food residue reaches the colon, it slowly forms stool through water absorption.
As the colon continuously moves, the stool is pushed toward the rectum.
Eventually, it is expelled through the anorectal and anal opening.
From this, it can be seen that the fluid excreted from the small intestine stays the longest in the colon segment.
Moreover, it is also where the process of converting feces from a liquid to solid form occurs.
During this process, the harmful substances that cause intestinal wall bleeding are absorbed by the wall, causing capillary dilation and diffuse bleeding.
At this point in the diagnostic line of thought, everything becomes very clear and definite.
Such harmful substances can cause capillary dilation syndrome in the large intestine.
Possibly because the irritants are not particularly strong, they only cause mild chronic bleeding.
[Congratulations on successfully diagnosing an extremely difficult case; Pathological Diagnosis Experience Points +100.]
At this moment, the truth is revealed to the world.
Zhou Can clenched his fist tightly and raised his arm.
He felt extremely exhilarated.
Not only did he earn a reward of 100 Pathological Diagnosis Experience Points, but he could also save a life.
This was an incredibly meaningful accomplishment.
Since it has been confirmed that parasites are at play and they are wreaking havoc in the small intestine, taking anti-parasitic medication should be able to quickly stop the gastrointestinal bleeding of Patient 7.
Although the diagnosis is now clear, convincing the senior doctors is another matter.
The senior doctors are extremely cautious with medication; the patient is already extremely weak, and no one could bear the responsibility if something went wrong.
He decided to call the senior doctor, Hu Yiba, first.
Being new to the Intensive Care Medicine Department, Zhou Can was slightly more familiar with Hu Yiba.
He took out his phone, grateful that he had saved Hu Yiba's number after work.
He dialed it directly.
After two rings, the call was answered.
It seems that Doctor Hu did not save his number.
This also indicated that doctors generally looked down on 'connected' individuals who landed a position through nepotism.
Zhou Can was far superior to those who had connections but no talent.
At least he earned Vice Director Ye's mentoring through his abilities.
Yet in Doctor Hu's eyes, his status was still very low.
"Hello, Doctor Hu, this is Zhou Can, the intern who was just assigned to work under you today."
Zhou Can introduced himself with a very humble attitude.
"Oh! Xiao Zhou, is there something you need?"
Doctor Hu's tone was still gentle.
"I've been diligently analyzing and consulting senior doctors, and it seems we have found the cause of Patient 7's bleeding."
Zhou Can knew his lack of experience would make it difficult for Doctor Hu to trust him without mentioning the endorsement from a couple of substantial senior doctors.
"Heh, you found the cause of the bleeding so quickly? Let's hear it."
Doctor Hu obviously didn't take it very seriously.
He even thought Zhou Can was a bit too eager for quick success, trying to make a mark just after entering the Intensive Care Medicine Department.
Patient 7's case had already been discussed by several doctors from Digestive Internal Medicine, including Director Level physicians. After being admitted to the ICU, Doctor Hu, Dr. Shi, and the head physician of their department all reviewed the patient's condition.
None of these many people found the cause of the bleeding.
Here was Zhou Can, on his first day in the Intensive Care Medicine Department, telling him that he had found the cause of the patient's bleeding.
Doctor Hu just thought this young man was somewhat naive and superficial.
Of course, he wouldn't point that out to his face.
"I spoke to the patient's attending physician, Dr. Xia, and the patient mainly has diffuse, widespread, unidentified bleeding in the colon segment. Each bleeding spot is different. We can rule out various common gastrointestinal bleeding diseases. After analyzing, we believe that the patient's true lesion is likely within the small intestine. It may be the excrement of parasites causing the capillary dilation syndrome in the colon's inner wall, eventually leading to bleeding…"
Zhou Can could naturally sense that Doctor Hu was unconcerned with his diagnosis.
He still persisted in explaining his diagnostic reasoning.
He even mentioned consulting Dr. Xia.
"Hmm! I'll take your diagnostic opinion seriously, but we're off work now. Let's discuss any issues tomorrow at work."
Doctor Hu's words were purely formal.
"The patient is in critical condition, and if diagnosed early and treated with medication, it would definitely be significant. Could you consider handling this today?"
Zhou Can asked, somewhat insistent.
Judging by Doctor Hu's tone, he was clearly not taking it seriously.