Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-11
SAVED BY SURGEONS KNIFE
Oaesarian Section Performed in New York
POSTGRADUATE Hospital.
Over $50 Physicians Witness This
Delicate Operation Performed
by Prof. III. j. BOldt.
From Today's New York World.

From Today's New York World
Two lives were at stake. If things were
allowed to take their natural course both
mother and baby would die. That was a
certainty.
On the other hand, there was a chance
that the skill of the surgeon might save
one or both II was a very slim chance,
but the physician decided to take it, and
so it happened that one of the most re-
markable operations in the history of sur
gerry was performed yesterday in the Post
Graduate Hos pital and Medical School.
The news had gone forth among the med
ical fraternity that the delicate operation
known as the Caesarian section would be
performed in the face of complications that
made it doubly difficult and hazardous.
AS result more than 30 physicians were
crowded in the seats of the operating am
phitheater when Prof. III. J. Boldt of No.
a West 51st street, upon whose skill and
Judgment so much depended, appeared in
shirt sleeves and apron.
The subject slender, misunderstanding
woman, lay unconscious on the glass table,
while fifty white-robed nurses from the
hospital training school glided about. some
holding ether cones. Others preparing anti
septic baths and bandages, while a number
of them stood silently by awaiting orders.
In few brief words Prof. Boldt gave
his diagnosis of the case and described the
operation he was about to perform. A
large solid tumor. he said. made normal
birth impossible. 1t would be necessary to
make the Caesarian section. deliver the
child and then remove the tumor
The professor illustrated what he believ-
ed to be the location and extent of the
IL NOR. and ended by expressing the hone
that he would save both mother and in-
FAINT.
But many of the physicians in the steep
tiers of seats shook their heads Some
thought the professor was mistaken in his
diagnosis. Others expressed their fears
for the outcome.
Professor Boldt picked up his knife and
the doctors leaned forward with breath
less interest. Only the ticking of the clock
on the wall broke the silence as with a
quick, deft movement a long incision was
made. The doctors fingers moved rapidly
and the nurses worked like beavers.
Suddenly the professor held UP for an
instant weakened and blue mite, and a
sharp lusty squeak was heard. That was
the signal for loud applause from the doc
tors.
The baby, boy. was alive. and the first
part of the operation was a success. 1t
had taken just ten minutes.
The little newcomer was hastily bun
died into a warm blanket and carried
away by nurse The professor picked up
his knife again and in few minutes had
removed the tumor.
The physicians were amazed when they
saw its size and learned that it weighed
nearly twenty pounds.
Three hours later the mother had re-
covered consciousness and was doing we'll
The hospital physicians believe she will
|Gecover. If she withstands the effects Of
the shock for twenty-four hours she will
be out of danger.
Baby, too, has good prospects. He
weighs four and one-eighth pounds and
has been christened Caesar by the nurses
His home for the present will be perfect
ly equipped incubator. He is already a
great social favorite in the hospital and
had dozen callers yesterday afternoon.