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Elective Amputation: From the 18th Century to 1846

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A History of Limb Amputation

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If, in this period, progress was accomplished in overcoming blood loss during major operations, life-threatening haemorrhage remained a constant phobia of postamputation surgery, especially above the elbow and knee, whilst measures to control stump infection made virtually no headway. Indeed, the fear of disabling and lethal sepsis with inability to relieve pain remained significant obstacles to major surgical procedures until the mid-19th century, when anaesthesia and chemical sterilisation introduced scientific surgery. In principle, amputation depended on mastery of anatomical detail, speed and improved instrumentation. For some, at this time, less crippling alternative procedures began to emerge.

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(2007). Elective Amputation: From the 18th Century to 1846. In: A History of Limb Amputation. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-509-7_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84628-443-4

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