Advances in Surgery

• Who discovered that steam sterilized surgical tools better than acid?

  German scientist Robert Koch
• What is the main difference between antiseptic and aseptic surgery?

  Aseptic surgery ensures no germs are present.
• What does antiseptic surgery involve?

  Killing germs before they infect wounds.
• What does aseptic surgery involve?

  Sterilizing equipment and clothing with steam.
• How possible was aseptic surgery during World War I?

  Conditions led to several compromises.
• Who was Harold Gillies?

  A surgeon known for facial reconstruction.
• What type of surgery did Harold Gillies develop?

  Plastic surgery using skin grafts.
• How was surgery performed by Gillies viewed during the war?

  It was pioneering and experimental.
• What significant advance followed the work of Harold Gillies?

  Development of antibiotics to prevent infections.
• Why were there many head injuries in World War I?

  Trenches were open to shrapnel from above.
• What happened to head injuries after steel helmets were introduced?

  Head injuries increased due to survival rates.
• Who was a pioneer of early brain surgery during World War I?

  Harvey Cushing.
• What did Cushing observe about patients operated on quickly?

  They were more likely to survive.
• What was the general survival rate for brain surgery in World War I?

  50 percent.
• What was Cushing's survival rate for brain surgery?

  71 percent.
• What technique did Cushing use to avoid brain swelling?

  Local anesthetic to keep patients awake.
• What did Cushing do to prevent infection during surgery?

  He irrigated the brain with saline solution.
• What was the relationship between antiseptics and aseptic techniques during the war?

  Antiseptics were used alongside aseptic techniques.
• What was the significance of the advances made during World War I?

  They had a significant impact on peacetime surgery.
• What specific techniques did Harvey Cushing develop for brain surgery?

  Quick operations and careful observation.