Ethyl chloride anaesthesia for removal of tonsils and adenoids.

Date:
c.194?
  • Film

About this work

Description

This film starts with intertitles explaining that the techniques shown in the film on children under12 have been in place for a few years before the film was made. A girl is given an injection by a nurse and then the children about to have the operation, dressed in their surgical clothing, are shown in the playroom, talking to the nurse. A child comes in to the surgical room holding a teddy bear. It is noted that the child is not restrained in anyway. The child is anaesthetised (open drop technique) and then eased onto the table. The operation proceeds; using the reverse guillotine method. Blood is absorbed with a sponge, then the patient is gently tilted so that any surplus goes into a basin. Next, the adenoids are removed in the right lateral position. A lot of dilute blood is in evidence in the basin in the aftermath of the operation. The child is taken to the recovery room.

Publication/Creation

UK : King George Hospital, c.194?

Physical description

1 film reel (6 mins) : silent, color

Notes

This film is acetic and stored in fridge B.
This film, although not explicitly stated, is an important historical record showing the sensitive treatment of children pre- and post- operatively by the ENT surgeon, Mr J. C. Hogg (later Sir Cecil Hogg K.C.V.O, Aurist to the Queen) and his team. Mr. James D. Hogg, donor of the film to the Wellcome Library and son of J.C.Hogg, reported that John Challis, the anaesthetist was well-known for his amenable bedside manner and was reputed to give children a sixpence before surgery. Although this is not shown, the children shot together in the playroom, sitting on the floor and holding their teddies, provides evidence that efforts were made to make them at ease and tackle any anxieties.

Creator/production credits

Credited to J.C. Hogg (ENT surgeon) and John Challis (anaesthetist) and produced by Stanley Schofield at King George Hospital, Ilford.

Copyright note

Unknown.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • Location Access
    Closed stores
    4952F
    Can't be requested

    Note

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