Fashionising.com > Fashion Forums > Current / World Affairs
Surgeon removes brain tumor w cordless drill
A BRITISH brain surgeon used an inexpensive cordless drill to remove a tumour from a fully conscious woman - and it was even caught on film.
Leading neurosurgeon Henry Marsh used a 9.6 volt Bosch drill which cost him £30 ($65) to perform the emergency operation on Marian Dolishnys head while travelling through the Ukraine.
UK newspaper the Daily Telegraph reported that Mr Marsh was unable to find a suitable anaesthetist so his patient was only given a local anaesthetic to cope with the pain.
When the cordless drills battery went flat, Mr Marsh was forced to finish the operation by hand and saved Ms Dolishnys life, the newspaper said.
Mr Marsh said he kept talking to his patient throughout the surgery to make sure he wasn't causing any brain damage.
I'm not recommending that we should all use Bosch do-it-yourself drills in England, but it shows how with improvisation you can achieve a lot, Mr Marsh said.
I couldn't bear to stand by and do nothing.
A Ukrainian doctor told me I couldn't do anything to help but I wasn't prepared to accept that.
The 58-year-old Londoner travels to the eastern European country twice a year to perform unpaid surgeries.
Documentary-makers from the BBC were following Mr Marshs latest visit to the Ukraine at the time of the surgery.
The documentary, The English Surgeon, will be broadcast in the UK on March 30.
Leading neurosurgeon Henry Marsh used a 9.6 volt Bosch drill which cost him £30 ($65) to perform the emergency operation on Marian Dolishnys head while travelling through the Ukraine.
UK newspaper the Daily Telegraph reported that Mr Marsh was unable to find a suitable anaesthetist so his patient was only given a local anaesthetic to cope with the pain.
When the cordless drills battery went flat, Mr Marsh was forced to finish the operation by hand and saved Ms Dolishnys life, the newspaper said.
Mr Marsh said he kept talking to his patient throughout the surgery to make sure he wasn't causing any brain damage.
I'm not recommending that we should all use Bosch do-it-yourself drills in England, but it shows how with improvisation you can achieve a lot, Mr Marsh said.
I couldn't bear to stand by and do nothing.
A Ukrainian doctor told me I couldn't do anything to help but I wasn't prepared to accept that.
The 58-year-old Londoner travels to the eastern European country twice a year to perform unpaid surgeries.
Documentary-makers from the BBC were following Mr Marshs latest visit to the Ukraine at the time of the surgery.
The documentary, The English Surgeon, will be broadcast in the UK on March 30.
I suppose if it was an emergency and he had the knowledge (and the tools!) it was necessary.
I just hope this doesn't lead to DIY work at home by people who don't want to go to a surgeon.
It does make sense though, with the local anaesthetic; the brain itself does not have sensory neurons so the local would have been suitable for the skin. Other surgeries on the brain are also done with local to see how what the surgeons are doing are affecting the patient. The worst thing would be hearing the drilling itself for the patient and resisting the urge to move out of the way!
I just hope this doesn't lead to DIY work at home by people who don't want to go to a surgeon.
It does make sense though, with the local anaesthetic; the brain itself does not have sensory neurons so the local would have been suitable for the skin. Other surgeries on the brain are also done with local to see how what the surgeons are doing are affecting the patient. The worst thing would be hearing the drilling itself for the patient and resisting the urge to move out of the way!
Leave A Comment
Create a Fashionising.com account to leave a comment or login.