Penicillin: Promise, Problems and Practice in Wartime Edinburgh

Abstract

While medical historians have paid ample attention to the introduction of antibiotics and their impact on hospital-based practice during and after the Second World War, the multiple issues surrounding their use in Scottish hospitalsare sorely lacking in current discussions. Drawing on an extensive yet underused range of materials including patient treatment records, oral histories and medical correspondence, this paper explores the introduction of penicillin for civilian treatment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh during the closing stages of the War. It highlights the success of the drug in clinical treatment as well as its shortcomings, offering an alternative view of its initial impact on surgical practice.

Application of 3D Visualization Technology in Preoperative Planning of Giant Goiter

“…Giant goiter refers to the largest diameter of thyroid ≥10cm or goiter with grade III or above [1,2]. Although the vast majority of thyroid giant nodules are benign nodules, because of their huge volume, they are easy to oppress adjacent tissues and organs, which can easily lead to serious complications such as obstruction of blood flow in the head and neck, dyspnea and even suffocation [3], Therefore, surgical resection is urgently needed to relieve the compression of the tumor on the trachea, vascular nerves, etc.…”

Untitled

“…Giant goiter refers to the largest diameter of thyroid ≥10cm or goiter with grade III or above [1,2]. Although the vast majority of thyroid giant nodules are benign nodules, because of their huge volume, they are easy to oppress adjacent tissues and organs, which can easily lead to serious complications such as obstruction of blood flow in the head and neck, dyspnea and even suffocation [3], Therefore, surgical resection is urgently needed to relieve the compression of the tumor on the trachea, vascular nerves, etc.…”