REPORT ON THE
35.
Operative surgery.—In the appendix will be found a table giving in
detail the operative surgery of the several hospitals.
36. Four hundred and eighty-seven cases of major operations were
treated in the Medical College Hospital. Of this number 53 died. In
1885 the figures stood at 394 and 30 respectively. Opthalmic operations are
not included in these figures. The mortality is less than that of 1881 and 1883,
but greater than that of the years 1882, 1884 and 1885. 4,779 minor operations
were performed during the year 1886 against 4,050 in 1885.
37. Septic disease was' represented by 8 deaths against 4 in 1885.
Seven cases of erysipelas occurred during the year, three of which were admitted,
while four took the disease in hospital. All, however, were disassociated at long
intervals from each other, clearly showing that they were sporadic in character.
Of the seven cases treated three died. The recommendation made in paragraph
49 of my last year's report for the erection of a separate hospital or set of wards
for contagious cases, I am happy to be able to state has met with the favour-
able consideration of Government. Plans have been submitted and a suitable
site chosen to the north of the hospital. We may therefore confidently
expect the work to be put in hand by the Public Works Department on an
early date.
38. There were 68 cases of important operations performed at the
General Hospital in 1886 with 9 deaths. In 1885 there had been 46 cases with
9 deaths. The minor operations were 139 against 91 in 1885.
39. At the Mayo Hospital and its branch dispensaries there were 318 cases
of major Dperations treated in 1886 with 22 deaths. The figures were in 1885,
333 with 19 deaths. In the same periods 12,220 minor operations were
performed.
-
40. At the Campbell Hospital there were 206 surgical cases with 16
deaths. In 1885 there had been 179 cases with 14 deaths. The minor opera-
tions were 401 against 385 in 1885.
41. At the Howrah Hospital there were 58 cases of important operations
with 6 deaths in 1886. In 1885 the figures were 36 and 3 respectively. The
minor operations undertaken at this institution amounted to 1,295. In 1885
they were 1,166.
42. Dental practice.— The total number of dental operations undertaken
in 1886 is shown in the following figures :—
Extractions
. . .
. . .
. . .
...•
1886.
1885.
1,673
1,396
Stoppings
...
. . .
. . .
...
130
112
Miscellaneous
...
...
...
. . .
359
240
Total
. . .
2,162
1,748
43. This exhibits a total increase of 414 operations over the figures
for 1885. The actual increase of attendance equalled 540 patients and 414
operations. Dr. Woods says that, for cases of Alveola Pyorrhoea, he found the
injection of aromatic sulphuric acid into the pockets formed in the substance
of the gums very beneficial. To assist in his demonstrations, Dr. Woods
procured from England, at his own expense, anatomical preparations showing,
" first" and "second" dentition, also " ramifications of the nerves of the face and jaws.”
44. I drew attention in my last Annual Report to the very inconvenient
accommodation provided for the Dental Department in the Medical College Hos-
pital. The operating room is a small one, and forms a part of the “ Choonee Lal
Seal " Dispensary building. The dispensary itself is a dismal and incommo-
dious place at the best. It should be re-arranged and enlarged. The doors
and windows are too small, and the ventilation is decidedly defective. Moreover,
it is highly to be desired that, the building should be properly divided,
and. in such a manner as to preclude the chance of the commingling of the
sexes attending it. At present it is not always possible to obviate this, or to
secure complete privacy among the mixed crowds of men, women, and children