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Published in: World Journal of Surgery 10/2004

01-10-2004 | Surgical History

Medicine’s Greatest Gifts to Surgery

Authors: Nancy D. Perrier, M.D., Michael S. Boger, M.D., Pharm.D.

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 10/2004

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Abstract

Dr. Robert Graves and Dr. Henry Plummer are immortalized by the thyroid diseases bearing their names. Dr. Graves’ clinical lectures and Dr. Plummer’s “goiter lunches” were considered medical masterpieces; they introduced novel concepts in physical diagnosis that helped surgeons determine when to operate on patients with thyrotoxicosis. Dr. Plummer’s observations with perioperative iodine administration helped lower the mortality associated with thyroidectomy—at that time a treacherous operation—to make it one of the safest operations in history. Their fascinating discoveries laid foundations for thyroid surgery today. They truly are among medicine’s greatest gifts to surgery.
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Metadata
Title
Medicine’s Greatest Gifts to Surgery
Authors
Nancy D. Perrier, M.D.
Michael S. Boger, M.D., Pharm.D.
Publication date
01-10-2004
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 10/2004
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-004-7558-2

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