Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-10-29
CLUB FOOT AND ITS CURE
The Way . Surgical Operation Is Per
formed In Well Regulated Sani-
tariuyn for the Cure of Club Feet.

formed In well Regulated 5hui>
tariuyn for the Cure of Club Feet.
While at Dr. Goes Sanitarium at
18th and Walnut Streets the other day,
l was permitted to witness a Surgical
operation, and now know more
OF the science of Surgery than l
did. The case was bad case
of Club Feet, both feet turned
SO as to make what is commonly called
reel foot DR. Coe explained the nature
of the operation by saying wedged
shape piece would have to be removed
from each instep, in order to let the
foot come around to its proper position.
Otherwise the operation would not
be success. FIRST in order was the
preparation of the operating room,
which required everything to be per-
fectly clean and carbolated. All the
instruments had to be sterilized by boil
ing. The dressings and sponges were all
antiseptically prepared. Next was
the preparation OF the patient, which
required that a Carbolated bath be
taken, and clean cloths put on.
This being done, the operating room
was entered where Dr. Coe and his
assistants, and nurses, were all
dressed in long white robes, even the
writer had to don a long white robe.
The patient was put on the table, an
anaesthetic administered, and the
operation begun. First an incision
was made on each side of the foot,
then small chain saw was run
through, and wedged shape piece
quickly taken out, and the foot put in
perfect shape. Then came the dress
ing, which consisted of bandages,
gauzes and Iodoforms without end In
fact the foot was wrapped in one big
bundle to the knee. Then the other
foot was proceeded with in the same
manner. Then the patient was carried
to his room which was neat and
clean. After reaching the Office, | was
surprised to find that only thirty
minutes had been consumed in what
seemed ages to me- l asked DR.. Coe
why SO much dressing was used and
how often it would have to be changed.
He explained that it was to prevent
the entrance of germs, and that it
would not have to be changed for two
or three weeks This surprised me for
thought the wounds would have to be
closely watched, but he said the tenn
perature of the patient readily told the
condition of the wound. He said this
process of treatment was unheard of
fifteen years ago, but was practiced
now in all of the leading Hospitals of
the country. Before this method of
Surgery was practiced such an oper-
alton as this was never thought
of. All wounds up to that time were
were supposed to suppurate before
they could get well, but to have pus
form now is sure sign of the lack of
antiseptic precautions. All surgical
operations of to-day art treated in the
same manner, and to-day operations
are performed with reasonable de-
gree of certainty, that a few years
| ago were sure to prove fatal. In my
opinion blood poison will pass into
history, as science has done much for
Surgery in the last few years. The
idea of private Sanitariums is popular
with the people, and gives the Sur.
,geon the advantage of being with his
patient, which insures proper after
treatment. No good Surgeon of to-
day would attempt an operation like
this in u private home. The condition
could not be such as would insure the
best results.
How long DIR. do you think it will
be before this patient will be able to
walk ON his feet? Well that depends
on how he gets along. 1t usually
takes from four to eight weeks, but
after the feet are we'll they are
straight, and the results are very
satisfactory. Thanking the Doctor
donned my hat and left, thinking
what blessing it would be for many
child and parent to have just such
an operation performed as 1 had just
seen.
l feel as though it is the duty OF
every parent to do all that can be
done to remove and overcome the de-
formlties that exist in child, for
their lives are before them, and the
disposition will be soured if these I'M
fortunate conditions are allowed to
remain. While at the Sanitarium DR..
Coe showed me photographs of
many little fellows that had been de-
livered of these horrible conditions.
Cross Eyes have been straightened
Hare Lips and deformed movths had
been made perfect, and ali manner
of deformities corrected. If you are
interested in any case of this kind
write to DIR. c. M. Coe and get such in
formation concerning his Sanitarium
as you may require.
Very respectfully Yours,
REV. SAMUEL G. MATTHEW'S