Authors
Dr. DeWayne Derryberry
Idaho State University
Objective
Use results from a 1860’s sterilization study to determine if there is evidence that the sterilization process reduces deaths when amputations are performed.
Background
“In the 1860s the notion that there were millions of tiny invisible organisms responsible for infection and death seemed a little odd. We should pause for a minute and appreciate how bizarre this claim was at the time. Much of what we now take for granted sounds quite implausible, on first hearing. We should not be surprised if the germ theory was initially met with much skepticism.
“Nevertheless, if the germ theory is true, there is an advantage in sterilizing surgical instruments between operations. In fact, Joseph Lister, a surgeon, performed one of the first natural experiments to demonstrate the power of antiseptics (a solution of carbolic acid and water), presumably in killing these mysterious germs.”
– From Lord Joseph Lister: The Rise of Antiseptic Surgery and the Modern Place of Antiseptics in Wound Care, David Leaper. European Wound Management Association, 17th annual conference. May 2-4, 2007.
The Task
Lister worked in a hospital where amputations were performed. The hospital performed 35 amputations with 16 deaths immediately before instituting sterilization of instruments, and 40 amputations with six deaths immediately after the institution of sterilization.
Is there evidence that the sterilization process reduces deaths when amputations are performed? If sterilization is effective, can we quantify the level of effectiveness?