BOGUS OPERATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15557, 14 March 1914, Page 2 (Supplement)

BOGUS OPERATIONS.

AN AMERICAN DISCLOSURE Sous amusement and much consternation have been aroused in New York by the publication, recently of the circumstances attending a well authenticated appendix Operation.The president of a well-known Amori can company was taken suddenly ill at his home at Long Island, and tie family physician was 'called. "Appendicitis, gravely announced' the physician, after examination, "atypical case; very typical." " Impossible," ejaculated the patient, "my appendix was removed three years ago. ""Appendicitis," replied the ♦physician, " I have handled too many cases to bo mistaken."

"But, doctor," said the patient, -"the operation for appendicitis was performed by two eminent surgeons of New York, and, cost me £350. There's no doubt about that."

In spite of this, the family physician could not be shaken in his conviction that the patient was suffering, from inflamed appendix, and insisted that surgery was necessary to relieve him The patient's condition grew worse, and he finally consented to go to hospital. An operation was performed, and his appendix in a bottle was shown to the patient: as soon after his recovery from the effects of ether as possible. 9 '• The patient was naturally indignant, and is now bringing an action against "eminent surgeons" for alleged misrepresentation he seeks to recover payment of £350 and damages. Incidentally, other persons who have undergone appendix operations have become alarmed as to whether they have received their money's worth, and are writing to the newspapers voicing their views, and also raising questions relating to- "medical etiquette," which, in this case, has not prevented disquieting disclosures. D

It is complained by some indignant writers that doctors do not take their patients sufficiently into their confidence, which seems established, and one remedy suggested for general application is that all prescriptions for medecine be written in plain English. This proposal is not new in America, but is oDposed by medical organisations, allopathic and hommpathic alike.