From theory to surgery

Pirogov chose surgery as his specialty, but during his four years at Moscow University he was present at only two operations and did not perform any himself. He practically started his study as a surgeon at the University of Dorpat.

His doctor’s thesis (1832) was dedicated to the ligation of the ventral aorta. In this important work Pirogov tried not only to improve the technical procedure of operation but also to explain how the body reacts to it.

In 1847 he developed a theory of the action and use of anaesthetic and, before using it on a patient, tested it on himself. From July to November that year he was active as a surgeon in the field hospitals in Caucasus and introduced the use of anaesthetic through the rectum. Pirogov also originated the intravenous administration of ether as an anaesthetic. He was the first surgeon to use anaesthesia in a field operation.

From 1848 he conducted an important investigation of cholera, based on almost 800 sections.

Pirogov’s work during the Crimean War is of such importance that he is considered to be the founder of field surgery. Pirogov was the first to use the plaster cast in field conditions. He conceived the technique of plaster casting in 1851 while observing the work of a sculptor.

At that time Pirogov also developed a new method for amputation of the foot, known as the “Pirogov’s amputation”.

Pirogov was the first doctor in Russia who used nurses to care for the wounded in the field, and organized the training of nurses.

In 1851-1854 Pirogov created his famous anatomical atlas, Topographical anatomy of the human body (“Anatomia topographica, sedionibus per corpus humanum”).

Thanks to the efforts of N. I. Pirogov surgery was placed on a scientific basis.

POST-TEXT ASSIGNMENTS

Exercise 7. Answer the questions:

1. Did Pirogov get sufficient skills as a practical surgeon during his studies at Moscow University?

2. What was his doctor’s thesis dedicated to?

3. Why is Pirogov considered to be the father of field surgery?

4. What did Pirogov test on himself before using on a patient?

5. What did Pirogov develop while observing the work of a sculptor?

6. What disease did Pirogov investigate?

7. When did Pirogov create his famous anatomical atlas?

Exercise 8. Use verbs in brackets in correct forms. Translate the sentences:

1. N.I.Pirogov (to be) a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of sciences (1847).

2. Pirogov (to be) a heavy smoker and (to die) of cancer.

3. To prevent wound infection Pirogov (to use) substances which (to be) still in use today.

4. Pirogov (to treat) Giuseppe Garibaldi for an injury to his foot.

5. In 1840 the minister Kleinminchel (to invite) Pirogov to work in St. Petersburg.

6. Later Pirogov (to test) and (to begin) using another anaesthetic – chloroform.

7. The Pirogov Museum (to exist) in Vinnitsa now.

Exercise 9. Tell what in Pirogov’s life and activities seems the most impressive and extraordinary.

TEST

1. Pirogov is the founder of ...

1. the German University of Dorpat

2. ether

3. field surgery

4. the Pirogov Museum

5. the ligation of the ventral aorta

2. Pirogov became a professor at the age of …

1. 14 years

2. 16 years

3. 20 years

4. 26 years

5. 30 years

3. Pirogov was the first to use … in field conditions.

1. the anatomical atlas

2. his doctor’s thesis

3. the ligation of the ventral aorta

4. the plaster cast

5. cholera

4. Pirogov was the first doctor in Russia to use nurses …

1. to test ether as an anaesthetic

2. to care for the wounded in the field

3. to treat Giuseppe Garibaldi

4. to create his famous anatomical atlas

5. to investigate cholera

5. Pirogov developed a new method for amputation of the …

1. Foot

2. Hand

3. Finger

4. ventral aorta

5. rectum

6. Thanks to the efforts of Pirogov surgery …

a) was established

b) was developed as a theory

c) explained how the body reacts to it

d) was placed on a scientific basis

e) was used by nurses

7. He … a paper on the problems of pedagogy.

1. Write

2. to write

3. wrote

4. writing

5. have written

8. Pirogov … a superintendent of schools .

1. Appointed

2. was appointed

3. appointing

4. to appoint

5. was appointing

9. … his studies at Moscow University Pirogov was present at only two operations.

1. after

2. before

3. for

4. during

5. on

10. Pirogov argued … the education of the poor, non-Russians, and women.

1. on

2. for

3. against

4. of

5. from