The morning call., 1891-07-13
SURGERY'S TRIUMPH.
A Very Remarkable Operation in
Philadelphia Hospital.
The Tongue Of an Old Veteran Cut Out by a
sHillful surgeon-Food Given Him
Through a Tube.

A remarkable surgical operation was per-
formed at the Howard Hospital, Broad and
Catherine streets. Joseph S. Ball, veteran
of the late civil war, and who has passed his
slxtieth year, visited DR.. Edward Martin,
who is surgeon-in-chief Of the institution,
several days ago for treatment of malignant
cancer at the base of his tongue He was in
a pitiable condition when examined by the
doctor. The cancer had been slowly but
surely eating the flesh away. The tongue
was perforated from the effects of the d.
sease. Ball could articulate only with great
difficulty, and could not eat solid food OF
any kind.
The doctor, after consultation with the
rest OF the staff, concluded to make an oper-
alton, as it was the only way to save the
mans life. The patient was informed of
the extremely hazardous nature OF theopera-
ton, as the deviation of the fractional part
OF an inch almost would cause instant death.
After some hesitation Ball consented TO
submit to the ordeal.
Inc patient was laid on the operating
table and etherlzed by DR.. Wood, Mr. Mar
tins assistant. DIR. Martin then carefully
made two longitudinal missions In the pa
tlenls throat, one on each side oil the maxil-
larry bone, and then secured with silk thread
both lingual arteries. This was necessary
process to prevent the patient bl eeding to
death.
The patients head was then firmly fast
ened and DR.. Martin sawed completely in
two the inferior maxilary, or lower jaw
bone. Each half was separated gradually,
but surely, until the gaping aperturem was
Dig enough TO place two clenched hands
within.
Even the impassive physicians were now
thoroughly on nettles over the spectacle
presented. AT this moment the patient
showed signs of heart failure, and the opera
tlOn Susnaniai fnr n mnmaDt whila hV-
perdermic injections were administered.
DIR. Martin grasped the patients tongue
firmly with his left hand and drew it
through the aperature in the left side OF his
throat. The tongue was then entirely re-
moved at the hyOid bone, together with q
number of diseased gland and tissue. After
the bleeding was stopped by the usual
Incidents and an antiseptlc dressing APP
piled the two halves of the jaw We're
brought together and fastened with silver
wire.
The wounds on the neck were then sewed
up. after which the patient was gradually
reSuscitated, while the assembled physi-
clans watched with anxious intentness for
any sign Of surgical shock, but, to the sur
prise OF all, Balls temperature and pulse
were about normal.
The patient was removed to room spe-
eially prepared for his reception. and two
nurses and the physicians alternated on
noting the symptoms. He is now doing
well, and the physicians express confidence
on his complete recovery.
As the tongue has been entirely removed,
the patient will never again be able to utter
sound or partake OF any solid food. Liquid
nourishment will be administered by means
Of large silver tube, which will be inserted
in his throat through the mouth. In taking
his meals hereafter Mr. Ball will be CONF
PEELED to throw his head far back on his
shoulders while the food is poured down
the tube.
The operation lasted two hours, and is
said to be the second only on record in med
ical science. philadelphia Press.