Robert Liston: I wanted the best, but got an absolute record for mortality (6 photos)

Robert Liston was one of the most talented surgeons of his time. Amputation, along with suturing the wound, took him hardly half a minute. But geniuses also tend to mow. And Liston clearly proved this is my example.





The fastest scalpel of the West End



Robert Liston

It must be said that operating rooms two centuries ago were something between a circus and a theatre. Sign in to gawk at the work of a medic anyone could. And what to do if even the most "innocent" entertainment – executions have sunk into oblivion, and the human essence requires adrenaline unrest.

Hefty assistants acted as anesthetics, since There was no anesthesia as such. They were charged with keeping the patient until the moment the surgeon removes the diseased organ. Well, or the patient himself is not will leave for a better world due to pain shock or blood loss.



And although the Scot has rightfully earned his nickname - the most fast knife of the West End, the doctor knew perfectly well that he had to keep up combine speed and technique. However, one day he was so famously in a hurry, that went down in history as providing 300% mortality.

First, he accidentally cut off the fingers of his assistant. After accidentally poked one of the onlookers with a knife, who became interested in the topic and got too close to the table. In all this fuss, there was somehow no up to the patient. Who, like the unfortunate assistant, died of blood infection. And the viewer was squinted by a painful shock when he saw a protruding out of a knife.

Cleanliness is the key to health



Liston's bone cutters



Liston amputation knife

But this was an exceptional, albeit surprisingly absurd, case. from the practice of a surgeon. Liston did a lot for the development of medicine. So, even several surgical instruments were named after him.

And it was he who laid the foundations of hygiene and disinfection. Since among surgeons it was a matter of prestige to go out in good the remains of physiological fluids in the apron for the operation. so esculapius emphasized his professionalism, they say, how many I cut. aprons not changed or erased. And with this approach to hygiene, survive after The operation was an incredible gift of fate.



Liston did not adhere to this practice, washing his hands and instruments, always went to the operation in a clean apron, used such same bandages and sponges. It is likely that this practice contributed to his success as a professional.

By the way, Liston practically lowered himself from the pedestal. The drug era has begun. And the euthanized patient no longer experienced pain, so there was no need to hurry.

Well, a remarkable sad case during the operation showed that you need to hurry wisely. For, as the people say, do the work, but do not hurry up.