Abdominal operations / by B.G.A. Moynihan.

  • Moynihan, Berkeley Moynihan, Baron, 1865-1936.
Date:
1906
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Abdominal operations / by B.G.A. Moynihan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

    30/844 (page 24)
    CHAPTER II. GENERAL REMARKS UPON THE PREPARATIONS NECES- SARY IN ABDOMINAL OPERATIONS, UPON THE CONDUCT OF THE OPERATION, AND UPON THE AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE PATIENT. Success in abdominal surgery, as in all the affairs of life, depends very largely upon the observance of details. In the careful examination of the patient, with reference both to the local and general conditions; in the strict preparation, for a few days before the operation, whenever possible; in neatness, rapidity, and thoughtful planning of the operation—in all these there lie the means and the secret of success. With few excep- tions, the same technique is desirable in all operations. I propose to describe the details which are carried out in my own operations, first, with reference to the surgeon, assistants, nurses, instruments, and dressings; and, secondly, with refer- ence to the patient. PREPARATIONS ADOPTED BY THE SURGEONS AND ASSISTANTS. It is most desirable—it is even more, it is absolutely necessary —that for the due observance of cleanliness during operations the surgeon should be properly clad. The garments which are suitable for daily wear are surgically unclean and should be changed by all those who are to be in immediate proximity to the area of operation. In former days the surgeon felt that he was adequately prepared for an operation when he had perfunctorily turned back the cuff of his coat, and in the illustrations of all the older works on surgery (borrowed and reproduced, it is sad to say, even up to the present) the surgeon's cuffs and links are neatly depicted. The removal of the coat and the wearing of a special