Surgery nowadays is one of the most efficient and effective procedures in the field of medicine. Anything that involves cutting or closing the tissues of a patient is considered surgical. In our generation, surgery serves a lot of purpose. It could be for diagnostic; such as biopsy, ablative; wherein you remove a diseased body part, transplant, constructive purposes and the lists goes on. Surgery is an important field in medicine too. For it saves millions of lives. But unlike what surgery is to us these days, it was the last option of the physicians during the 18th century and would often end up to infection leading to death. (Britt.2015) Surgery before is completely different from how we are practicing it now. This is due to the use of anesthesia.
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It was inhuman in a way and could only be done when there are no other option. Fanny Burney, a patient diagnosed with breast cancer had a mastectomy in 1811. Fanny briefly described her awful experiences during the procedure. “When the dreadful steel was plunged into the breast—cutting through veins—arteries—flesh—nerves—I needed no injunctions not to restrain my cries. I began a scream that lasted unintermittingly during the whole time of the incision—& I almost marvel that it rings not in my Ears still!” (Fitzharris.2014) Fanny survived the surgery and continue to live. But unlike her, there are others who didn’t. One of which was Stephen Pollard in 1828 who had his bladder stone removed. But unfortunately he died the next day.
During the pre-anaesthetic era, most operating surgeons believed that pain, aside from the fact that it was unavoidable, is also a vital stimulant that is needed to keep the patient alive. Which makes them administer opiates and alcohol before a procedure to prevent loss of consciousness. In our time, patients are being laid flat on the operating table. However before 19th century, they sat upright in a chair. They believe this would help so that the patient will avoid bracing when the surgeons began to cut into their flesh. They are also being restrained with leather straps.
It was inhuman in a way and could only be done when there are no other option. Fanny Burney, a patient diagnosed with breast cancer had a mastectomy in 1811. Fanny briefly described her awful experiences during the procedure. “When the dreadful steel was plunged into the breast—cutting through veins—arteries—flesh—nerves—I needed no injunctions not to restrain my cries. I began a scream that lasted unintermittingly during the whole time of the incision—& I almost marvel that it rings not in my Ears still!” (Fitzharris.2014) Fanny survived the surgery and continue to live. But unlike her, there are others who didn’t. One of which was Stephen Pollard in 1828 who had his bladder stone removed. But unfortunately he died the next day.
During the pre-anaesthetic era, most operating surgeons believed that pain, aside from the fact that it was unavoidable, is also a vital stimulant that is needed to keep the patient alive. Which makes them administer opiates and alcohol before a procedure to prevent loss of consciousness. In our time, patients are being laid flat on the operating table. However before 19th century, they sat upright in a chair. They believe this would help so that the patient will avoid bracing when the surgeons began to cut into their flesh. They are also being restrained with leather straps.