UNIQUE SURGICAL OPEARTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 965, 11 March 1911, Page 4

UNIQUE SURGICAL OPEARTION.

Few serious surgical operations have been performed under such remarkable circumstances and in the face of such difficulties as one that was successfully carried out last month at the little English railway station of Earlestown, near Warrington, Lancashire. A passenger from Warrington fell between the station platform and a moving train in the early morning. The train was immediately stopped, hut the man was found to ibe wedged in such a fashion that it was impossible to extricate him. A medical man was hastily summoned, and he decided that the only possible method of extricating the man and saving his life was by amputating one of his legs. Instruments were brought, and preparations for the operation were begun. There was a little light, and ring of porters stood around holding dim station lamps, while other persons struck matches to assist the surgeon. It was found impossible even to give the sufferer chloroform, and he remained conscious throughout, the operation. His fortitude under these circumstances was admirable. In spite of the cramped position in which the surgeon was compelled to 1 work and the lack of light and appliances, the amputation was quickly and successfully finished, and the man was removed to the hospital.