These are the infamous 27 stitches....very uncommon in this sort of surgery, meaning there are usually much less. Also the TPN in Steven's neck, giving him all the nutrients etc. that he needs. The surgeon who assisted said that he has never seen such a mess in his life: tangles, knots, perforations, inflammations, scar tissue and infection. He said Steven was very lucky...any other surgeon would have done a colostomy without thinking twice, but Dr. Aleem, as far as we are concerned, is a genius, and he spent the time and effort to make sure that Steven would not have to have one. So here's hoping the recovery goes as well as the sugery did.