GREAT SURGICAL FEAT.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18409, 16 June 1925, Page 6

GREAT SURGICAL FEAT.

AT SYDNEY HOSPITAL. (FEOJt OCR OWV CORBESPOXDIST.) ' SYDNEY, Juno 5. An account of every unusual surgical operation that is performed docs not sec its way into print. Most surgeons arc content to do their work without publicity, and for those who are not, a benevolent despot of an Association — the B.M.A. —enforces modesty in the name of professional ethics. But occasionally news leaks out of a marvellous operation, and though the name of its performer might be missing, the description of the surgeon's feat is sufficient to set the average layman wondering to what heights of human ingenuity, modern surgery is heading. One such operation was performed- at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital last week.. Part of a young woman's chest "•was laid back, exposing the heart and lung, and a hydatid cyst, which had,, been pressing on the back of the heart and restricting the patient's breathing, was removed. It was an achievement which brought additional proof of the • fact, that skilful feats of surgery can be performed as successfully, in Australia as in those of any other country in tho world; and it proved also that the profession in Australia -is keeping pace with every advancement in modern surgery. The patient was a city waitress,- 30 years of age. At first it was thought' that she was suffering from ii form 'of tuberculosis, but an X-ray examination revealed the cyst at the back' of the heart, and a series of blood tests proved it to be hydatie. It was impossible to tell from the shadow on the X-ray plate whether the, cyst was. attached to tho heart .or not. A special anaosthetic was introduced by means of a tubo in the throat, through which.it was blown at a definite pressure, into the lungs, and the surgeon was-able to-de-termine by his observations during the operation any regulation of- the anaesthetic, .that was necessary., The lung was allowed to collapse, and a section of the chest, including ribs, flesh, and muscles, was laid back, exposing the heart and lung. This was necessary so that, in the event of a haemorrhage occurring, the surgeon could act suddenly and freely to. checkHt.- The'.cyst was found to be-.formed, on tho diaphragm, but its .pressure" was exerted upwards on to the back of the heart. An incision was mane in the cyst, which was', then partly, drained, and. the. surgeon, exploring the sac in-which it had formed, could feel right round-to the back of the heart.. Tubes were placed to drain the cyst-, and. the section': of the chest .was carefully replaced'and. stitched.; This v operation was performed- on Tuesday, of last week. A week, later. the ■ patient stated that she was quite free from pain, and now she is making good progress towards recovery.