On the results of operations for carcinoma of the larynx : with an analysis of 37 cases / by Henry T. Butlin.

  • Butlin, Henry T. (Henry Trentham), 1845-1912.
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: On the results of operations for carcinoma of the larynx : with an analysis of 37 cases / by Henry T. Butlin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    MR. BUTLIN'S OPERATIONS FOR CANCER OF THE LARYNX Twenty years ago operations for cancer of the -larynx were in bad repute. The operation which was generally practised was complete removal of the larynx. The mor¬ tality due to the operation was very heavy, and there was scarcely a single patient who had survived and remained well for three years after it. The condition of those patients who recovered was, too, not such as to encourage operators or patients. From a study of the pathology of carcinoma of the larynx in the early eighties, I came to the conclusion that KrishabeFs division of the disease into intrinsic and extrinsic had much to recommend it, and that the atten¬ tion he had drawn to the great difference in the course of the disease according to whether it originated in the intrinsic or extrinsic parts of the larynx might be of practical value. I then suggested that, in the immediate future, operations for cancer of the larynx should be prac¬ tised only for c< intrinsic carcinoma, which is still limited to the larynx.” My suggestion was approved by my friend, Sir Felix Semon, who placed the first case of the kind which came under his care in the hands of Professor Hahn for operation. Half the larynx was removed in that case. It was not until the year 1886, that Semon brought a patient to me for operation. In that case I also removed half the larynx. The patient recovered from the operation, but died of recurrence about two years later.