The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-24
Commune
Extraordinary Surgical Operstion.

The ONWARD MARCH OF MEDICAL scIENcE.-On look
ing over one of the late Ohio papers, my attention
particularly drawn to the notice taken of of the
astonishing surgical performances attempted in this
or any other age
Curious to learn all the particulars, for the benefit of
the cause OF science OF this most singular and miraculous
operation, Immediately sought information in the prop
er quarter and have been put possession of the follow
ing facts:
general of that State, recently called into the town
OF Etna sixteen miles east OF the capital, to Mrs.
Lyle, represented most strangely and dangerously ILL.,
Proceeding in haste to her residence he found her
great suffering terribly emaciated and in the utmost dan
ger OF sudden dissolution without speedy relief Seve-
raj neighborng physicians were in attendance coun-
sci Immediately held and her situation critically
amined By all those present, except Dr. Thompson her
condition was considered only that which is common
to the conuga state though of aggravated charac-
ter The striking enlargement of the abdomen, and other
alarming symptoms forcibly struck Dr. Thompson as d.
rectly indicating extraordinary enlargement of the
liver Whatever difference of opinion found to pre-
readily agreed that the patient must die within few
hours, at most within few days. unless by surgical
operation successful remedy could be applied. The
case novel The utmost stretch of medical genius
and science had been made to reach the operation
contemplated Its performance was terrible and danger
to be resorted unless in the most desperate
her Ins and e
the extreme hazard of the undertakings but it the
only chance OF her e and perhaps not one in FIVE hun
anxiety prevailed that something should speedily be done
and the lady and those her eagerly embraced the
proposition. Preparations accordingly made by DR.
Thompson and the assistant surgeons in attendance, all
gentlemen eminent and distinguished in their profession
and its execution was successfully effected The entire
uer, tceighing 29a lbs REMOVED from her body The
surrounding fluids, and the other vital portions found in
the cavity Of the body, would have weighed by estimate,
from ten to twelve pounds Yet, extraordinary
and astounding is the fact, she SURVIVED; and, at
the latest inelligencenine days from the operation
was still living under apparently comfortable circum
stances though but faint hope could be INDUCED of her
final restoration And what discovery in modern sci
ence is here!A HUMAN BEING LIVING WITHOUT LIVER
What prodiges the onward march of scientific
telgcnce accomplish The books may be ransacked in
vain for parallel of medical skill II has opened
up OF the brightest pages that recorded the
tery efforts OF human genius and to the Faculty OF Sur
gerry, everywhere, presents OF the most instructive
lessons and of the valuable discoveries that our
advancing country can boast Well may it be said tina,
westward the star of science takes its way" west
doctor, by this evidence Of his genius and skill has
example worthy the most eminent in the profession
throughout the world to follow. AS SUCH the public
press should everywhere herald it perfect desidera
tum in modern science. b.
["B" informs that he is well acquainted with the
parties, and has received letter from DIR. Thompson,
which states that the patient alive the 18th day,
with some hopes