Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-05
CUT OUT HIS TONGUE.
Remarkable Surgical Operation to
Save an Old Soldiers Life.
THE JAWB0NE SAWED In TWO.
Will Never Be Able to Talk, and Must Take
Food Through a Tube.
ATTEMPTED IN BUT ONE OTHER CASE

| PHILADELPHIA, July A remarkable
surgical operation was performed the other
afternoon at the Howard Hospital, Broad
and Catharine streets. Joseph S. Ball, a
veteran of the late Civil War, and who has
passed his sixtieth year, visited DR.. Edward
Martin, who is Surgeon in Chief Of the in
stitution, several days ago for treatment of
a 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 per-
forated from the effects of the disease. 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 perform an opera
tion, as it was the only way to save the
mans life The patient was informed Of
the extremely hazardous nature of the op-
Grafton, as the deviation of fractional part
of an inch, almost, would cause instant
death. After some hesitation, Ball con-
sented to submit to the ordeal.
Cutting the Patients Throat.
At o'clock the patient was laid on top
of an operating table and etherized by DIR.
Wood, DR.. Martins assistant. DIR. Martin
then carefully made two longitudinal in
cisions in the patient throat, one on each
side of the maxillary bone, and then secured
with silk thread both lingual arteries This
was necessary process to prevent the pa
tient from bleeding to death. The patients
head was then firmly fastened and DR. Mar
tin sawed completely into the inferior max
Hilary, or lower jaw bone. Each half was
separated gradually. but surely, until the
gaping aperture was big enough to place
two clinched hands within.
Even the impassive physicians were now
thoroughly on nettles over the spectacle
presented. At this moment the patient
showed signs of heart fai ure, and the opera
tion was suspended for moment while
hypodermic injections were administered.
DR.. Martin grasped the patients tongue
firmly with his left hand and drew it through
the aperture in the left side of his throat.
The tongue was then entirely removed at
the hyoid bone, together with number of
diseased glands and tissue.
Closing Of the Wounds.
After the bleeding was stopped by the
usual methods, and an antiseptic dressing
applied the two halves of the jaw were
brought together and fastened with silver
wire. The wounds on the neck were then
sewed up, after which the patient was grad
uallv resuscitated, while the assembled
physicians watched with anxious intentness
for any signs of surgical shock, but to
the surprise of all Balls temperature and
pulse were about normal. The patient was
removed to room especially prepared for
his reception, and two nurses and the
physicians alternated on noting the symp-
TOMS
He is COW doing we'll, 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
a 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 compelled
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 ON record in medical
science. DR.. Martin will probably prepare
paper to be read at the next Medical Con-
gress, giving detailed account of the oper-
alton.