Development of medicine by the 20th century

• Aseptic surgery


  Progress made:

  • Surgeons wore rubber gloves, surgical gowns and masks that had been sterilised
  • All surgical instruments were steam sterilised to kill all bacteria
  • Operating theatres and hospitals were continuously cleaned

  Limitations:

  • Hard to follow principles due to conditions on the Western Front
• X-rays


  Progress made:

  • Diagnosis could be made before surgery
  • Could identify metal 'foreign objects' (e.g shrapnel)

  Limitations:

  • Took 90 minutes which was too long
  • Patients could lose hair or suffer from burns
  • Exposure to x-rays was harmful
• Blood transfusion/Blood storage


  Progress made:

  • 1900 - Karl Landsteiner discovered blood groups
  • His discovery meant blood transfusions could take place

  Limitations:

  • Blood would clot as it left the body so it would block the tube
  • Danger of infection from unsterilised equipment
  • Blood may not be compatible with blood of the recipient