Joseph Lister

• What was a major problem in surgery before Lister?

  Infection was a significant problem
• Why did surgeons not keep their surroundings clean?

  They lacked understanding of germs
• Who discovered tuberculosis?

  Simpson
• What did Lister study to understand infection?

  Infected wounds
• How did Lister relate germs to food decay?

  He theorized germs caused fresh food to rot
• What chemical did Lister use to clear bacteria from wounds?

  Carbolic acid
• What was the outcome of Lister's first operation using carbolic acid?

  The wound healed cleanly
• What steps did Lister develop to prevent infection?

  • Spray carbolic acid in the air
  • Use carbolic acid on wounds
  • Maintain cleanliness during surgery
• Where did Lister publish his results?

  In The Lancet
• Why did antiseptic surgery not become popular quickly?

  Science behind it wasn't fully understood
• What was a common argument against carbolic spray?

  It dried out skin and smelled odd
• How did Lister's approach differ from scientific proof?

  He focused on encouraging use over proof
• What was the key change in surgery attitudes due to Lister?

  Surgeons recognized safe surgery as their duty
• What advancements were made in surgery by 1900?

  • Instruments were steam cleaned
  • Operating theatres were scrubbed
  • Rubber gloves and gowns introduced
  • Face masks used during operations
• What is aseptic surgery?

  It removes germs from the operating room
• What was the main goal of aseptic surgery?

  No germs could enter the wound
• How did Lister's work influence future surgical practices?

  • Established importance of cleanliness
  • Led to development of aseptic techniques
  • Encouraged further research on infection prevention