Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–c1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1

One significant difference between surgery in the years c1700–c1800 and surgery from c1900 to the present is the advancement in surgical techniques and anesthesia.

In the earlier period (c1700–c1800), surgeries were often performed without proper anesthetics, leading to immense pain for patients. Surgeons primarily relied on alcohol and opiates to dull pain, which were insufficient for major surgeries. The lack of effective pain management often resulted in high fatalities due to shock from pain, infection, or blood loss.

In contrast, by the 20th century, particularly post-World War I, there was a significant advancement with the introduction of general anesthesia and antiseptic techniques. This allowed surgeries to be performed safely and efficiently, drastically reducing mortality rates and improving patient recovery times. Techniques like the use of ether or chloroform provided a way for patients to undergo surgeries without experiencing pain, marking a pivotal shift in the practice of surgery and patient care.