The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-04
Froa the Memphis Eagle
Great Surgical Triumph.

One oil those great surgical alions demanding tnt
utmost exercise oil skill. steady hand and acute eve
and which show what immense improvements have beer
made in surgical science, performed at the Medical
College on Tuesday last by Dr. Arthur X. Taylor. the
professor OF anatomy. the person OF Mr.. VIM. May
field, OF independence county, Arkansas.
The disease was osleo -sarcoma OF the upper jaw
which had grown TO an enormous size during the pas
four months.
The tumor previous to operation, occupied The whole
OF the right side OF the face except the lower jaw. pro-
jecng from il to double the size Of mans fist il also
projected into The mouth, completely filling its cavity,
and converting its roof from concaye a
face, very hard and unyieding II evidently included
most OF the bones of the face in its substance and
cioached even upon the orbit considerably dspacng The
right eye This all that could be determined pre-
viensly TO the operation.
The formidable difficulties OF the operation were all
duly weighed and dwelt upon in consultation with
erai members OF The faculty and many Of the most able
medical men IN the city. They all stated fairly and
candidly 10 the patient. who forewarned that he
might die upon the operating table; and finally, by the
concurring decision OF the consulting physicians, with
The consent OF the patent it determined that the
operation should be performed presenting chance for
his lite; while continuance Of the disease could only
result in miserable death.
In consideration OF the number OF large arteries which
must be divided in the operaon-in situations very Diff
cult TO take upit was determined that the car
od artery on that side should previously be cut down
and secured by lgature This portion OF the operation
was performed in mastery manner by Dr. d f. Wright
demonsirator of anatomy. i3
The tumor was then attacked by DR.. Taylor, who laid
usedeeu structure, ana tAen
leased it from all its MISUNDERSTANDING with the
scalpeI, now with the saw, now with the mallet and
chlse till the whole was ex,irpated II found to
be much more extensive than its formidable exter-
nal appearances misunderstanding all the bones of the
upper jaw, the palate, nose cheek and orbit these lat
ter were entirely absorbed, leaving nothing but cushion
OF tat for the eye TO rest upon The soft parts of
palate and fauces had TO be removed TO large extent
the iumor having encroachcd upon them TO degree
which showed that complete srangulation would soon
have resulted had not the operation been performed
The whole wound was then closed with su,ures and
straps by Dr. Thumel, and the patient resuscated from
The influence OF chIoroform, and laid in bed in room
the college. Wonderful 10 say after 80 terrific an ope-
ration his pulse indicated ebre action and scarcely
any depression.
We are most happy TO state that the patient is now
doing very well, with every prospect of speedy
covery.
Professor Taylor assisted by his colleagues. Pro
fessors Mington and Shaaks, and by Drs Wright and
Thumel The preliminary step the operation, the liga
iure OF the carotid. of itself surgical triumph and
was beautifully done by DR. Wright We gra,fed.
too at the manner in which the dressings applied
by DR. Thumel Indeed. each and all great credit is
due. The successful performance of so formidable
operation places Professor Taylor among NE very best
surgeons OF our country, aid predict for him bril-
liant career.
We rejoice say that college presents advantages
TO medical students NOT surpassed by any in the Union