How has brain surgery changed from the past?

	How has brain surgery changed from the past? I have to go in for brain surgery and I'm nervous. Is brain surgery safer now than i was from the past? How much safer? Sources? I have a cyst the surgeons want to drain. Asked By: Jesse Ventura 2016! - 11/29/2010

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Modern surgery developed rapidly with the scientific era. Ambroise Paré (sometimes spelled "Ambrose"[11]) pioneered the treatment of gunshot wounds, and the first modern surgeons were battlefield doctors in the Napoleonic Wars. Naval surgeons were often barber surgeons, who combined surgery with their main jobs as barbers. Three main developments permitted the transition to modern surgical approaches - control of bleeding, control of infection and control of pain (anaesthesia). Bleeding Before modern surgical developments, there was a very real threat that a patient would bleed to death before treatment, or during the operation. Cauterization (fusing a wound closed with extreme heat) was successful but limited - it was destructive, painful and in the long term had very poor outcomes. Ligatures, or material used to tie off severed blood vessels, originated as early as ancient Rome[12], and were improved by Ambroise Paré in the 16th century. Though this method was a significant improvement over the method of cauterization, it was still dangerous until infection risk was brought under control - at the time of its discovery, the concept of infection was not fully understood. Finally, early 20th century research into blood groups allowed the first effective blood transfusions. Pain Modern pain control through anesthesia was discovered by two American dental surgeons, Horace Wells (1815–1848) and William T. G. Morton. Before the advent of anesthesia, surgery was a traumatically painful procedure and surgeons were encouraged to be as swift as possible to minimize patient suffering. This also meant that operations were largely restricted to amputations and external growth removals. Beginning in the 1840s, surgery began to change dramatically in character with the discovery of effective and practical anaesthetic chemicals such as ether and chloroform, later pioneered in Britain by John Snow. In addition to relieving patient suffering, anaesthesia allowed more intricate operations in the internal regions of the human body. In addition, the discovery of muscle relaxants such as curare allowed for safer applications. Infection Unfortunately, the introduction of anesthetics encouraged more surgery, which inadvertently caused more dangerous patient post-operative infections. The concept of infection was unknown until relatively modern times. The first progress in combating infection was made in 1847 by the Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis who noticed that medical students fresh from the dissecting room were causing excess maternal death compared to midwives. Semmelweis, despite ridicule and opposition, introduced compulsory handwashing for everyone entering the maternal wards and was rewarded with a plunge in maternal and fetal deaths, however the Royal Society in the UK still dismissed his advice. Significant progress came following the work of Louis Pasteur and his advances in microbiology, when the British surgeon Joseph Lister began experimenting with using phenol during surgery to prevent infections. Lister was able to quickly reduce infection rates, a reduction that was further helped by his subsequent introduction of the techniques of Robert Koch (such as the Steam Steriliser, which proved more successful than the carbolic acid spray that Lister had been using previously) to sterilize equipment, have rigorous hand washing and a later implementation of rubber gloves. Lister published his work as a series of articles in The Lancet (March 1867) under the title Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery. The work was groundbreaking and laid the foundations for a rapid advance in infection control that saw modern aseptic operating theatres widely used within 50 years (Lister himself went on to make further strides in antisepsis and asepsis throughout his lifetime). and yes it's safer to have the it now. Answered By: me - 11/29/2010

Additional Answers ()

Among the earliest known procedures, is Trepanning. This involves boring holes, sometimes using stone tools, through the skull. Early practitioners adopted this procedure to correct madness, insanity and other mental imbalances. It was thought that by setting free the 'demons' and 'evil spirits' occupying the brain. Brain surgeries were also used to treat epilepsy, headaches, osteomylitis and head injuries, not to mention brain surgeries 'spiritual' and 'magical' purposes. The basic approach in most ancient brain surgery procedures is to remove the portion of the brain that, in the opinion of the practitioner, has been damaged and is failing. This was not entirely illogical in medical terms, as even now, defective or diseased organs are quickly removed from the body to prevent the spread of disease and discomfort. Based on this approach, early surgeons removed the frontal lobes of many mental facility patients, as they considered the lobes to control the mental behavior of individuals. In brain surgery history, modern scientific knowledge about the brain and it's surgical procedures originated to some extent in the works of Hippocrates. Considered as the father of modern medical ethics, Hippocrates' work displayed his excellent knowledge about clinical signs of head injuries, seizures, spasms, contusions, depression and head fractures. Even today, after more than 2000 years of his death, the findings of Hippocrates still form the basis of knowledge about brain studies and surgical interventions. Lobotomies The first consistently practiced brain surgery procedure began on or around 1935 with a procedure called a leucotomy or a lobotomy. It involves cutting the fiber tracts between the thalamus and the frontal lobes by using a special knife. The purpose of this intervention was to provide relief from symptoms like severe depression, psychosis and violent behavior when other forms of treatment had failed. However, this procedure was much abused and many patients were maimed for life. Brain Surgery Today Brain surgery have developed throughout the 20th century to a point where brain surgery is routinely performed with great success. It has continued to develop hand-in-hand with the development of our understanding of the brain, right to this day. Brain surgeons nowadays use lasers to pinpoint minute locations in sensitive areas of the brain and make precise incisions. Also, surgeons make use of robotic tools to automate procedures but more importantly take advantage of the precision of a computer guided device. Brain surgery has come along way since the Neolithic age! Source(s): http://www.brainhealthandpuzzles.com/brain_surgery_history.html http://www.brain-surgery.com/history.html Answered By: Mahan - 11/29/2010

Yes many improvements in the last two decades. Source(s): http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/9245.cfm Answered By: Kent H - 11/29/2010

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	How can we prevent and/or treat video game addiction? Many people (mostly young men and teens) are addicted to video games. this is a serious issue and affects the addicts' health, jobs, relationships and school work. How can we prevent and treat this serious issue? 1 answer - Asked By: imputh - 10/27/2006

	Would you want lots of money or good health for your whole life? Havering lots of money means nice cars, big house, etc.. But no amount of money can give you good health.. (Steve jobs millions of dollars, dies of cancer..) but having good good health means never getting sick, spending more time with your family and other loved ones, etc.. 2 answers - Asked By: Nick - 4/22/2013

	How long does nicotine stay in your urine? I smoke a pack of cigarettes a day. I had smoked for four years and then I quite for over a year and then I started smoking again. I have now been smoking for about 2 and half to three years again. I have applied at a health care job and now I have to take a drug test and nicotine test. I can pass the drug test with no problems but the nicotine test I can't. I have about five to six days before the nicotine urine test. How long does it stay in urine? Is there any way if I quite for now I can pass? Or is there a cleanser for nicotine? 1 answer - Asked By: HopeLessRomantic - 2/19/2013


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

	Is this normal for an interviewer to do this? So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something? 6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012

	What do you say when they ask what you want to be paid? ? Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say? 2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011

	How do I get a job with Dodgy work history and no experience? Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now. 1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012

	Why honesty, hard work and dedication have no place at work? Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust? 1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012

	I have applied for over 100 jobs I have gotten no calls for a job interview, what can i do? As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny. 9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012

	What to wear to a job interview VS a career fair? So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?! 2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012

	What career or jobs can i get after graduating Information Technology? I am currently a 1st year irregular college student taking I.T. I transferred schools and my majors never got credited. But it's okay because i am slowly getting the logics in programming in Java. This next semester i am taking a System Analysis and Design(SADSIGN) and i am getting nervous because even though i am pretty good at logics, i am not that good at coding. But since it is a case study, we will be on group, we will be four i think. Project manager, Analyst, Documentation, and the programmer. I am asking what jobs i can get after graduating I.T. because what if i graduated I.T. and still not that good at coding, i am hoping that there will be a jobs that will require less programming. Like Database manager or in Multimedia or in charge of Network. So is there jobs that doesn't require hardcore programming skills? 2 answers - Asked By: Jay p*e - 5/6/2013

	Which of these careers would I not have a problem getting a job in? Account Executive Hospitality Manager Sales Representative Editorial Assistant Advertising Manager Hotel Manager Personnel Specialist Writer/Author Association Administrator Presenter Special Events Coordinator Political Aide Promotions Manager Speech Writer Consumer Affairs Specialist Sportscaster Public Information Officer Communications Director Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Technical Writer Telemarketing Specialist Customer Service Rep. Fund Raiser Training & Development Specialist Events Planner Flight Attendant Youth Worker Media Manager Recruiter Market Research Analyst Community Action Director Recreation/Attractions Manager Restaurant Manager Campaign Manager Development Director Script Writer Photojournalist Advertising Copywriter Museum Director Greeting Card Writer Production Assistant Actor, Mime Narrator Stage Manager Director Impersonator Make-up Artist Stunt Coordinator Booking Agent Talent Scout Drama Coach Stand-in Playwright Stage Manager Movie Theater Manager 2 answers - Asked By: Jolynn - 4/28/2013

	What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering majors? Can someone tell me te difference between computer science and a computer engineering major. Is it the same? 2 answers - Asked By: Rosalva - 5/6/2013

	Rate my resume please? I'm really having a hard time finding a job. I'm not sure why employers aren't contacting me :( I have about 4 years in expereince ( about 1 year of management) Well, here it is Jon smith Erlanger KY, USA Cell: +1-859-111-1111 E-mail:abc.def@outlook.com OBJECTIVE Obtain a position as a project manager/coordinator allowing me to utilize my administrative, organizational and problem-solving skills with a growing organization to mutually enhance growth of professional development and success. WORK EXPERIENCE ATS Jun 2012 – Apr 2013 Project Manager I: Managed projects development and staff in different divisions to achieve projects goals through practices of planning, executing and analyzing project-related tasks. Duties, responsibilities and contributions to assigned projects include the following: • Prepare and create project scopes, SWOT analysis reports and statements of work as assigned. • Visit anticipated project sites and create assessments for necessary work. • Analyze given scopes to assist engineers into reaching projects’ objectives. • Examine and manage available resources relating to materials and manpower. • Coordinate staff and arrange regular meetings. • Inspect daily operations and quality of products used on premise. • Implement solutions to resolve complex jobs relating to the project. • Manage and ensure that operations are executed in accordance to project scope and SOW. • Review and submit documents for projects deliverables/submittals and create schedules for subcontractors. • Document all events occurred during project life cycle and submit reports to senior management. Assigned Projects: 1- Conference Rooms IT/Multimedia Project Duration: Jun 2012 – Dec 2012 2- Military Base Renovation Project Duration: Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 AT&T / U-verse Division Oct 2011 – Feb 2012 Command Center Agent II: Applied knowledge to solve common and complex related issues to consumer’s services and devices. The position allowed for individual work at minimum supervision and within teams when necessary. Duties of the position included: •Provide phone/virtual support to internal and external customers. •Audit reports submitted by technicians and follow up with customers. •Implement and updated solutions within workflow system (WFE system). •Interact with IT department personnel to resolve common issues. •Provide assistance to first level support agents. •Maintain database and accounts for customers. Cleve’s Connections May 2009 – Nov 2010 IT Specialist: Provided hands-on and virtual administration for all IT related topics and managed sales for all devices and services. This included consulting, providing solutions, and improving efficiency for small businesses in design and security areas. Tasks performed while working included: • Resolve & close all open cases submitted by staff or customers. • Setup and manage user accounts through Active Directory. • Monitor network activities and logs and report system bugs, downtimes or crashes. • On-site maintenance and installation of network equipment and computer hardware/software. • Perform system setup operations and data backups as requested. • Create case analysis and audit reports given by technicians. • On-call support 24/7. EDUCATION • Devry University, Cincinnati OH Bachelor in Management Graduation: 2012 • Cincinnati State, Cincinnati OH Associate in Network Administration Graduation: Transfer 2010 To Andy: What does my Devry have to do with anything? for profit school? I'm not sure what college you graduated from, but in the real world experience weights more than a piece of paper stating you've completed few written assignments and imaginary projects. SMH! 3 answers - Asked By: Zaid I - 5/8/2013

	What jobs can you get from going to an engineering school? The question explains it, i am thinking of going to an engineering high school but of course it will focus on other stuff too but still. What kind of jobs can you get because i dont want to be a mechanic(no offence to any) but please help me! 2 answers - Asked By: hungergameslover - 5/13/2013

	How can l find a job in the pharmacitical field as a sales and marketing manager,in south africa? L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry. 2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005

	What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and an ARNP? Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"? 1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006

	Are there any career in computers that doesn't involve code scripting? 1 answer - Asked By: Big D - 5/3/2013

	I'm an exellent welder/fabricator,does anyone out in Las vegas land have a job for me? 3 answers - Asked By: hubbard_billy - 2/24/2006

	What can you do with a graduate degree in communications? And a BA in criminology? 2 answers - Asked By: Taylor - 5/9/2013

	Job description of supply and logistics manager? I am applying for a job of supply and logistics manager so I need to know more about the this job 1 answer - Asked By: waelasfour - 6/19/2006

	I want to become an Escrow Officer, does anyone know how to go about it? What kind of training will I need? I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated. 2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006

	How could I better prepare myself for a second interview? My second interview is on Monday and I want to be prepared. It's for an assistant controller position. I've already met with the controller and the hr manager. Monday I will be meeting with the president of the company. How could I prepare myself for Monday's interview? Thanks! Any comments would be great! 3 answers - Asked By: Virginia - 6/6/2009

	If someone has a bachelors degree in computer information system, what types of jobs are available for them? What kind of jobs can they look for if they receive "B Grade" in C++ & Java? Also, if no jobs for them are available in the Computer field, can they look for jobs elsewhere? If so, what types of jobs? Lastly, can they become Math Teachers at a High School or teach basic Math or Programming courses in College? 2 answers - Asked By: Blah... - 4/29/2013

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?