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3 Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
3 Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3 Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present.
Answer
One significant difference between surgery in the years c1700–1800 and that in the years c1900–present is the understanding and implementation of anesthesia.
In the earlier period of c1700–1800, surgeries were typically performed without effective pain relief. Surgeons relied on rudimentary methods such as alcohol or restraining the patient to manage pain, leading to a traumatic experience and a higher risk of shock and complications during surgery.
By contrast, from c1900 onwards, the introduction and acceptance of anesthetics, such as ether and chloroform, revolutionized surgical practices. Anesthesia allowed patients to undergo procedures with significantly reduced pain and anxiety, making surgeries safer and more humane. This shift not only improved patient outcomes but also encouraged more complex and invasive surgeries, transforming the landscape of surgical medicine.