The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-04-11
A DIFFICULr sUaalcAL OPPFR
ALTON.

a DIFFICULT SURGICAL OPPF R /.
ALTON.
Senator Fisher, writing to his paper,
the Coshocton Democrat, March 23rd,
gives the following:
One Of the most difficult surgical
operations known TO tho medical pro-
fessiOn was performed in this city,
this week. For about ak weeks
Robert Huilbut, Esq, the Private Sec
rotary Of Goyernes Bishop, has been
confined to bis house by reason of the
rapid appearance and growth of q
most malignant type of cancer on the
tongue. When frst discovered, some
seven weeks ago, Mr.. Hurlbut thought
It to be species of dipthoria, but in .
few days its rapid growth and pain
full effects induced the sufferer to call
medical aid. Drs. Loving and Pooley
Of this city. aud DR.. Hyatt, of Della
ware, as well - other prominent ply
sicians and surgeons. all pronounced
it . malignant type of cancer. DIR.
Loving, tho regular attending physi-
clan, daily and carefully watched the
rapid growth Of the cancer as it crept
backward toward the root of tho tom
que, the patient all the time suffering
most intense agony and almost Who'll
ly deprived Of the power of speech.
Some four weeks ago its growth had
been 90 rapid that DR.. Loving called
In the faculty of the Columbus Medi-
cal College, and other prominent ply
sicians tor consultation. After sever
al consultations ct Mr.. Hurlbut's
house, 1t Vas finally determined that
unless the cancers growth was imme-
diately stopped or check ed the patient
must die. It WAS decided that an op-
Grafton must be performed and that
speedily. The patient was notified Of
bis critical sieuation-that death was
sure to ensue II the cancer was not
cut out, and that the chances of his
surviving the operation or its effects
were largely against him. Mr.. Hurl-
but said he wss willing to take oil the
chances rather than suner . living
death ~ hs was pacing through. DIR.
E. Sterling, prominent and skillful
Surgeon Of Cleveland. was sent for,
and after consultation finally consent
ed to perform the operation. Wednes-
day Afternoon Was fixed upon - the
time Il should be done, and in the
presence Of the surgeons named, and
with their assistance, DR.. Sterling
tho dangerous work Of
cutting out Mr.. Hurlbut's toague.
Tho manner Of doing this was novel
- we'll % skillful. DR.. Emminger,
dentiat of this city, extracted the two
front. under teeth, preparatory to the
operation. DR.. Sterling then made q
vertical incisfon from the centre of the
under lip. downward, over the chin
to the throat, throwing to tho right
and left the flesh Of the chin bare to
the jaw bono; then by the use Of the
saw separated the under jaw in the
centre, enabling the separation of the
jaw, each section outward, those be.
Ing pressed and held apart. The doc.
tor then, with bis knife, slit the tom
que vertically from the tip ackward.
to near its root; then each half of the
tongue was cut OF. just back of the
cancer which had spread itaelf two
thirds oyer the t0sg0e-so that three
Of that organ was cut Oh, after
which the bones Of the jaw were put
In place, carefully adjusted and secur-
ed, to reunite under the healing pro.
:esses Of nature. The flesh was re
turned TO its place, carefully and skill
fully sewed, the chin bandaged, and
he work, 90 far - tho operation was
6nished. or course. DUR
ng the operation, the patient was
Kept under the inhuence Of cloroform.
Tho work was performed in . CON-
9arAtively short space OF time, and the
patient was comfortable and consci-
,us In less than An hour. As to
the operation will entirely |
Kill the cancer, time alone can tell.-I
To-day Mr.. Hurlbut walks across the
Dom, and writes his wants upon pa
,er. He 10 not permitted to attempt
o speak, aud Of course could not do |
70 If he desired. Thus far the Difficult.
y has been to give nourishment, which
bss been done by injection. Glass
nbes have been secured, and hereaf-
er nourishment will bs given by that
means until the soreness is somewhat
ubdued. j. C.. +.
The Sunday Capital says: Mr.. Bob |
although suffering from
much pain caused by the knitting Of
,is jaw bones, is doing well, and will
,oOn be able to be out.
Now Is THE time to put weather
strips on the old mans gate 20 that II
won't creak or slam. Its getting warm