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100 years of paediatric surgery in Sydney
Insights
Surgical practices have evolved dramatically, moving from rudimentary techniques and high infection risks to modern methods ensuring early diagnosis and confident repair of pediatric conditions. This progress significantly improves outcomes for children with congenital or acquired deformities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Surgical innovation
- Medical history
Background:
- Early surgical interventions were limited by anesthesia, antisepsis, and diagnostic capabilities.
- Conditions like tuberculous hip disease and complex congenital deformities had poor prognoses.
- Pre-anesthetic and pre-antibiotic eras posed significant risks for even basic procedures.
Abstract:
From urgent tracheotomy by gas or candelight; from fear of laparotomy because of infection; from excision of the hip joint for tuberculous disease; from carbolizing fragments in fractures; from a despairing acceptance of deformed hearts and heads and bowels; and from alcohol, chloroform and ether dripped on a mask--to teaching that ensures early diagnosis; to the confident repair of major damage or deformity in all systems from birth through childhood; with skilled support before and after operation--is a spectacular story!