Medical Discovery - Bad Friends Changed Modern Surgery Forever

Do you believe surgeries were that easy right from antiquity? Not really. There was a time when surgery was so fatal that for most patients surgery was not even the last resort. Most people would prefer to die instead of going through under the knife. However, the scenario changes completely thanks to a bunch of spoiled brats and their unusual quest to get high as hell. Their reckless behavior resulted in an accidental medical discovery that just changed the entire medical sector for good and for good.

Influence of ‘Bad Friends’ and Medical Discovery

Back then, there was no formal knowledge of antibiotics and post-operative care. Thinking about going under the knife itself was so nerve-shattering thoughts that quacks were highly regarded as “medical practitioners”. The “mystical powers” of these quacks were rather more desired than qualified medical school graduates. In society, the reason behind that ‘surgery phobia’ was the absence of anesthesia during surgery and absence of proper painkillers immediately after surgery. Especially during the recovery period was far more crucial due to lack of antibiotics. In such a chaotic environment a ground-breaking medical discovery literally changed the horizon of the surgery gradually.

Under such circumstances when even dying patients would run away from surgeons, then one American dentist was observing his bunch of addict friends’ reckless behavior very closely. His friends were using a certain type of ‘knock-out drug’ with alcohol just to get ‘high’. That knock-out drug was so powerful that, it was able to overpower the feeling of severe pain. That budding surgeon found that knock-out drug kind of intriguing. He decided to dig deeper into that unusual drug and its effectiveness.

Believe me, in the world of discoveries even bad friends, can become great influencers. That dentist started visiting more and more such aristocratic parties. He intended to observe the effect of that knock-out drug on his addicted friends (Not a bright example of an ‘ideal friend’ indeed!). He would encourage his friends to use that drug at different doses and then he would observe their behavior. Sometimes, he would even join them to measure how much of that drug was needed to conduct surgeries. After days of studies, he was confident enough about the right dose of that wonder drug. Then he first applied that chemical to a patient and painlessly removed one tooth.

Believe me, in the world of discoveries even bad friends, can become great influencers. That dentist started visiting more and more such aristocratic parties. He intended to observe the effect of that knock-out drug on his addicted friends (Not a bright example of an ‘ideal friend’ indeed!). He would encourage his friends to use that drug and then would observe their behavior. Sometimes, he would even join them to measure how much of that drug was needed to conduct surgeries.

The dentist approached surgeon John Collins Warren about the phenomenal pain-killing ability of that drug. After prolonged contemplation, the duo teamed up at Massachusetts General Hospital on October 16, 1846. Together, they paved the way for modern-day anesthesia technology by using a wonder drug called “Letheon”. They surgically removed a tumor from one of their colleague’s neck. Miraculously, he didn’t complain about pain during the surgery and the entire operating procedure was smooth.

Though later it was clear that Letheon was nothing but Ether. However, nobody ever bothered to mention the contribution of those bad friends. By the way, the name of that dentist was William Thomas Green Morton, the pioneer of modern Anesthesia. The miraculous medical discovery that just changed the healthcare sector forever for good and for good. However, William T.G. Morton never got the recognition he deserved. Rather, his brief 48 years of life were ridden by legal battles with fellow medical professionals.

Brief Biography: William Thomas Green Morton (1819–1868)

William Thomas Green Morton, born in Charlton, Massachusetts, was a pioneering American dentist. He was best known for his groundbreaking discovery of modern anesthesia. Morton’s career began with studies in dentistry and medicine, which eventually led him to Harvard Medical School. During his time as a practicing dentist, Morton was more concerned about his patients’ pain during procedures. His concern for his patients drove him to experiment with various chemicals.

Morton’s key breakthrough came from observing the effects of ether. It was an organic compound used recreationally at aristocratic gatherings to induce euphoria. Morton found that chemical pretty effective as a knockoff drug. Through systematic experimentation, Morton discovered that ether could serve as a powerful anesthetic, capable of rendering patients insensible to pain during surgery. His first major public demonstration of ether anesthesia occurred on October 16, 1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital. In collaboration with surgeon John Collins Warren, they successfully conducted a tumor removal surgery. The successful surgery marked the advent of anesthesia, revolutionizing the field of medicine.

Despite his monumental contribution, Morton’s life was fraught with challenges. He faced numerous legal disputes over the patenting and credit for anesthesia, which ultimately overshadowed his achievements. Morton’s health and finances deteriorated as he battled to secure his legacy. He passed away in 1868 at the age of 49. He left behind a legacy, a groundbreaking medical discovery that reshaped modern surgery and patient care completely.

How Anesthesia Changed the World of Surgery?

The invention of anesthesia ushered in a new era for medicine. It transformed surgery from a terrifying ordeal into a precise and humane practice. Before anesthesia, surgeries were performed quickly and crudely, often causing unbearable pain and shock. It sometimes resulted in the patient’s death. The fear of pain deterred many from undergoing necessary medical interventions. It severely limited the scope of much-needed surgical treatment on time for many patients.

Anesthesia eliminated this barrier by enabling pain-free procedures. This allowed surgeons to operate with greater precision and care on patients. It was not possible for surgeons before the discovery of anesthesia. Complex surgeries that were once deemed impossible became routine. Overall it drastically improved patient outcomes. Anesthesia also extended the duration of surgeries, permitting medical professionals to develop and refine intricate techniques.

The broader impact of anesthesia spans beyond surgery. It facilitated advancements in fields such as obstetrics and saved the lives of many mothers and babies by much-needed cesarean delivery. In the field of orthopedics, it helped to save many lives by much-needed amputation. Even in the field of dentistry, enabling the treatment of conditions previously considered untreatable. Furthermore, the invention of anesthesia contributed to the rise of specialized surgical disciplines. Many believe the discovery of anesthesia established the sterile operating environments, setting the stage for the modern healthcare system.

Today, anesthesia continues to evolve, with safer and more effective formulations tailored to individual patient needs. This remarkable discovery not only alleviated human suffering but also opened the door to medical progress on an unprecedented scale.

Many such beautiful scientific inventions and discoveries are saving countless lives worldwide. Please visit our Stories of Invention section where you will find many such interesting stories of scientific discoveries.