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Harrowing Halloween

The Taming of the Bladder Stone


This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.

Over the centuries, patients had particularly dreaded diagnosis of bladder stone. Left in the body a bladder stone could be fatal and the operation of lithotomy was also a long, painful, life threatening procedure. St Thomas' Hospital surgeon - the bodysnatching, turban-wearing William Cheselden - took the challenge to improve surgical procedures for removal of the stone. Without either anaesthetic or antiseptic techniques, he could remove a stone in under a minute. Nine out of ten Hospital patients survived his 'High Operation for the Stone', a success that the Hospital would maintain for the next 100 years. Hands on a human bladder stone!

(Not recommended for children under 12.)

Where

Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret
9a St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY
infowhat's on @map

£6; conc £5; child £3.50; family (2+4) £13.90

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This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.
 
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