The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-07-08
OPERATION PERFORMED.
His Holiness Relieved By Removal
 of Mucous Matter.

Rome, July Hope Leo has undergone an operation, which he bore with great courage, immediately Showing signs Of improvement after the pleura had been punctured and about 800 grams of liquid had been taken on.
 The operation was to have been per- formed early in the morning, but after conference 1t was decided by the doctors to postpone the hour to 2 o'clock. At this time the operation was performed and announced successful.
 At 2:30 o'clock the offical announcement was made that the operation was over and that the condition of the Pope was much better.
 The operation was performed with pra vase syringe.
 Previous to the operation, Dr. Mazzoni announced that he had given up all hope of saving the Pope's life. This was only fifteen minutes before the operation.
 At 3:45 o'clock the following official bulletin was issued:
 "The test puncture of the pleura has been made and 800 grams of liquid have been taken of A rapid examination showed that some mucous was rattling in the lung which was originally affected.
 The Pope underwent the operation with courage. His general condition is now better and he is resting.
 (Slgned) "Lapponi.
 
 After the operation, Dr. Mazzoni said the danger remained imminent. but the illness from which the Pope was suffer- ing was full of surprises. His Holiness might even live three days longer.
 After a lengthy conference the doctors concluded 1t was advisable to operate for pleurisy. the primary purpose being to ex- plore the affected parts They hoped in- cidentally to draw off the collected fluid.
 When their determination was commu- nlcated to the Pontin he showed no anx- iety. On the contrary he submitted quietly, and said he hoped that good re- suit might come. As the operation was not of a capital nature, nor suggested the use of chloro- form or other anaesthetics. the Pope lay on his bed with his left side exposed be- low the arm pit to the waist.
 Only the two doctors and two personal attendants were within the chamber. The immediate direction of the operation de- veloped 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 cor rosive sublimate was then injected and cocaine was used to deaden the sensa- tion.
 The point of the operation was just be- low the seventh rib and the operation It. self consisted in the insertion of a large pravas needle syringe. This penetrated to the region where the matter had ac- cumulated and by means of suction slow ly drew it off. Under the skillful guid- ance of pr. Mazzoni the operation scarce Iy occupied over four minutes.
 The pope manifested no pain whatever neither was there the slightest quiver of moral dread from the operation. In the language of one of the doctors, the CO., caine so deadened the parts that the pontin 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 pres sure of the liquid on the lung and simul- taneously the doctors could hear air passing through that gone which this morning was declared to be impervious, owing to congestion.
 From a pathological standpoint the free massage of air was considered satisfac- tory. but more so were the results the mental and physical relief which it brought to the Pope. He immediately showed an exhilarated spirit. With a slight smile on his pallid face he whis- pered his thankfulness and bestowed ben edictions On the doctors bending over nim.
 The pontiff even stroked Dr. Mazonni' 8 face in the benevolent way which is char asteristic of him. Then with one hand he reaFranged his position, closed his eyes and in a few minutes passed into a calm, heaIthful sleep.
 The doctors remained by the Pope's ssde, noting the regularity of his breath ing and pronounced the operation to have