GAMBLE WITH DEATH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 268, 7 February 1941, Page 2

GAMBLE WITH DEATH

SERIOUS OPERATION FOR YOUNG SYDNEY DOCTOR

Willi tiie odds of survival heavily against him, a young Sydney doctor lay for the best part of two hours under a local anaesthetic on the operating table at Prince Alfred Hospital while a iMacquarie Street specialist removed a brain tumor as big as an orange. So unconcerned was the patient during, his long ordeal that he talked with the operating staff and asked to see the tumor when it was removed. His request was reTused. Making an incredible recovery and showing little evidence of shock, he telephoned to some of his friends the day following the operation. It is generally conceded that the removal of such a large tumor ranks among the most significant operations ever performed here. Gamble With Death It was a gambit witli death, and the surgeon won, but not until many tensely anxious moments had been endured during the delicatc and dangerous undertaking. When the local anaesthetic was administered, fragile and intricate instruments electrically operated and guided by the surgeon removed a large section of the frontal bone. Then came the most difficult job. It was soon apparent that the tunior was a large one. Swiftly but surely the surgeon worked to remove the foreign growth that encrusted the brain. Gradually Ihe tumor was removed from its base, and with it, inevitably, came vita)' tissue, leaving the young doctor with less brain than he had before. And all the time the patient was conscious. But shock was reduced to a minimum. Doctors interviewed by 'The Sun' said the operation was "brilliant." That the patient had made such a speedy recovery was also remarkable."