A treatise on the inhalation of the vapour of ether, for the prevention of pain in surgical operations; containing a numerous collection of cases in which it has been applied. With the names of the operators, history of the discovery ... / [James Robinson].
- James Robinson
- Date:
- 1847
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: A treatise on the inhalation of the vapour of ether, for the prevention of pain in surgical operations; containing a numerous collection of cases in which it has been applied. With the names of the operators, history of the discovery ... / [James Robinson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![VARIOUS SURGICAL OPERATIONS, PERFORMED WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ETHER, IN ENGLAND. KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL.—OPERATIONS BY MR. FERGUSSON. Case ].—M. G., aged forty-three, a stout, healthy, able-bodied man, has had phymosis for the last eleven years, in consequence of contraction of the orifice of the prepuce, resulting from a chancre. Has chronic discharge from the part, and been advised to undergo an operation, to which, however, he is very averse, for fear of pain. Being told that the operation might be done without giving him any pain, he consented to its performance. On the 3lst of December, 1846, at the usual hour for operations, he was laid on the operating table in the theatre, and de- sired to breathe by means of an apparatus constructed by Mr. Robinson, who super- intended the process of inhalation. In about three minutes he became quite insen- sible, and the muscles, which had been in energetic movements during the inhalation, became quite relaxed. The prepuce was then slit open in front with a bistoury, to the extent of three quarters of an inch; and on the skin being drawn upwards, the mucous membrane was cut with scissors about half an inch further. The skin and mucous membrane were then fastened to each other by four stitches of interrupted suture; and so the operation was finished in less than a couple of minutes. Before the last stitch was introduced the patient awoke, but showed no indication of pain when the needle was applied. On being asked if he was aware of what had hap- pened whilst he was asleep, he said that he was not conscious of anything having occurred, and expressed astonishment when told that the operation had been per- formed. He seemed confused for a minute, but then got up and walked out of the apartment. Case 2.—E. H., aged twenty-six, a timid, delicate-looking woman, admitted December 31, 1846. Has a large abscess in the left buttock, pointing near the anus. Has suffered great pain and restlessness for the last four days and nights, and now feels weak and exhausted. The abscess is surrounded by great induration, and there is an erysipelatous blush on the skin. The slightest touch causes great agony, and she will willingly submit to any plan of relief. The same apparatus as was used in the last case was had recourse to, and after breathing about a minute and a half she became insensible. The abscess was then opened by an incision an inch in length, and the condition of the interior of the rectum was also examined, while the matter was escaping from the wound. More than an ounce of foetid pus was discharged, and all manipulation was over before the patient awoke. - Was not aware that anything particular had been done. Said she felt a pain like that of a leech-bite. Cask 3.—E. H. (same patient), 9th January, 1847. Progress of the case been favourable since abscess was opened. Was made to inhale to-day, as formerly ; was longer in becoming affected. The operation for fistula in ano was then per- formed. The sinus passed close upon the rectum, and its upper extremity in this direction was about an inch from the anus. There was not any opening into the gut. Besides laying open the sinus, a free incision was required through the skin so as to expose the interior of the abscess fully. It was remarked, before the knife was applied, that there was still some voluntary spasm in the muscles of the forearm, and during the operation the patient moaned a little, and seemed as if in pain; yet,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b33098219_0037.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
