The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-07-08
The PIeufa PunCtured and
Liquid Withdrawn Civ
ing Relief.
He MAY LIVE THREE DAYS
Such is the Opinion Of Dr. Mszz,ni, Who Says,
However, That the Danger Remains I'm
minsnt---The Pope Slumbsrs
Peacefully.
(By the Associated Press.)


Rome, July THE Pope was operated
on this afternoon and felt immediate re-
lief After the operation the following
bulletin was issued by his physicians:
''The test puncture Of the pleura has
been made and eight hundred grams
of liquid have been taffen off A rapid
examination showed that some mucuous
was rafting in the lung which was origi-
nally affected.
'The Pope underwent the operation with
courage. His general condition is now
better and he is resting
DR.. Mazzoni said the danger remained
imminent, but the illness from which
the Pope was suffering was full of sur
paises Hrs Holiness might even live
three days longer.
The calmness with which the Pope un
derwent the ordeal of the operation was
one of the most remarkable evidences
of fortitude that he had given in his
whole life. After a lengthy conference
the doctors concluded it was advisable
to operate for pleurisy, the primary pur
pose being to explore the affected parts.
They hoped incidentally to draw OFF the
collected fluid. When their determine
ton was communicated to the Pontiff he
showed no anxiety. On the contrary he
submitted very willingly. expressing the
hope that good results might come, re-.
calling the successful results following
DIR. Mazzonis operation some years ago
for cyst. AS the operation was not of a
capital nature, not suggesting the use OF
chloroform or other anaestehtics, the Pope
lay on his bed, with his left side exposed
below the arm pit to the waist. Only the
two doctors and two personal attendants
we're within the chamber. The immediate
direction of the operation devolyed on DR..
Mazzoni, who handled the instruments
and made the preparatory arrangements.
First a slight incision was made in the
side of the venerable patient A solution
of alcohol and corrosive subhmate was
then injected and cocaine was used to
deaden the sensation. The point OF opera
ton was just below the seventh rib and
the operation itself consisted in the in
sertion of large Pravax needle syringe.
This penetrated to the region where the
matter had accumulated and by means of
suction slowly drew it off. Under the
skilful guidance of DR.. Mazzoni the oper-
alton scarcely occupied over four min
utes.
The Pope manifested no pain whatever,
neither was there the slightest quiver
from moral dread Of the operation. In
the language of one of the doctors, the CO.
caine so deadened the parts that the
Pointiff felt no more than slight pin
prick.
So soon as the liquid was drawn off
by the suction needle the patient felt
great relief. owing to the removal of the
pressure of the liquid on the lung, and
simultaneously the doctors could hear air
passing through that zone which this
morning was declared to be impervlous,
owing to congestion. From a pathological
standpoint, the free passage of air was
considered satisfactory, but more so we're
the results. the mental and physical re-
lief which it brought to the Pope He
! Immediately showed an exhilarating spirit.
With a slight smile on his pallid face
ba whisnered his thankfulness and be-
slowed benedictions on the doctors bend
ing over him. The Pointiff even stroked
DR.. Mazzoni,s face, in the benevolent way
which is characteristic of him. Then with
one hand he rearranged his position,
closed his eyes and in few minutes
passed into. calm, healthful sleep.
| The doctors remained by the Pope's side,
noting the regularity of his breathing,
| and pronounced the operation to have
been in every way successful and leav-
| inc no perceptible adverse results.
| Dr Mazzoni assisted by DR.. Lapponi's
son WIN i also a doctor, has just finished
fine ANALYSIS Of the liquid extracted from
the pope's pleura. The color is orange
rad and It is prevalently composed OF
blood ,,,ith coagulated fibrine without p;ls
| what IS feared is reproduction of serum
| in the nleura, in which case the operation
will be repeated in about two days
DIR. Mazzoni has been besieged by rela
ltives and friends of the Pope and by
journalists inouiring as to the result of
| tho oneration and his prognosis of TIE
disease To the Associated Press corre-
spondent he said:
ssWber one considers that the Pope
sbould he dead by this time the unex-
,actad nav happen and there is still hope
His resisting so long and maintaining per-
fect mciditv of mind means that notwth-
standing the pneumonia, the affection OF
the kidnevs and the difficulty of breath
ing there is no poisoning of the blood.
between being at the point of death and
,.t,rn;no 10 what His Holiness is tonight.
tbare i certainly such a difference as to
n,.rr,,;+ tbe most optimistic views. To
:, overly understand the change which has
taken. place it must be considered that