300% Death Rate — This Surgeon Killed Three People While Operating On One Person

The only surgery in history with a 300% mortality rate.

Jesse

• Published in News
• November 9, 2024

In an era when surgery was more a test of endurance than skill, one man stood out for his unmatched speed. Dr. Robert Liston, born in 1794, was no ordinary surgeon.

Before the era of anesthesia, where patients had to endure every cut and stitch fully conscious, Liston’s speed was life-saving. His motto was simple: the faster the surgery, the better the chance of survival. And so, he became famous, not just for saving lives, but for doing so in record time.

He firmly believed that slower procedures increased the likelihood of patients succumbing to shock or blood loss. So, by accelerating surgeries, he was able to save more lives.

Liston’s rapid hands were almost miraculous. He could amputate a leg in just under three minutes, a feat that brought awe to observers. It's no wonder he was nicknamed "The fastest knife in the West End."

Unfortunately, his speed came at the cost of precision. He infamously performed a surgery that resulted in the death of three people.

Liston was known for more than just his talent with a scalpel; he was fiercely protective of his patients. He was a man of conviction who never shied away from calling out other doctors if he thought they were being reckless or cruel.

This dedication earned him a mixed reputation: admired by some and feared by others. He wasn’t just a surgeon; he was a fighter, willing to have physical confrontations with his colleagues if it meant ensuring the best care for patients.

While medical science has come a long way, Liston’s legacy is truly something that endures.

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Liston’s operating room was a whirlwind of motion. He embraced speed as a life-saving strategy

Liston’s Amputation Instruments, featuring Long Knives and Forceps

These are some amputation knives used by Dr. Robert Liston

Interestingly, only one-tenth of patients died under Liston’s care. While this figure might seem alarming by today’s standards, in his era, it was viewed as nothing short of miraculous.

Liston wasn’t one to shy away from showing off his skills; in fact, he often performed surgeries in public, where spectators could witness his skill live. Before starting, he would invite the crowd to count the minutes out loud as he raced against time to complete the procedure.

However, speed came with its risks. At times, Liston’s rapid movements led to unintended consequences, including injuries to otherwise healthy body parts.

In one infamous incident, he accidentally removed a patient’s testicles. He is also known for what has been dubbed the only surgery with a "300% mortality rate."

During this particular operation, Liston severed the finger of his assistant and nicked the coat of a spectator. The onlooker, convinced he had been fatally wounded, died from shock. Tragically, both the patient and the assistant succumbed to sepsis shortly after.

Surgeries before the advent of anesthesia were a terrifying experience for patients

Liston achieved several remarkable milestones throughout his career. Notably, in 1846, he became the first to use 'ether' during surgery, marking a significant turning point in European medical history.

Although American dentists had already been experimenting with ether as an anesthetic, Liston’s use in a surgical setting was groundbreaking. The procedure’s success laid the foundation for what we now recognize as the advent of anesthesia in Europe.

While 'ether' was hailed as a 'miracle drug' at the time, it was far from flawless. Yet, its introduction was a crucial stepping stone that paved the way for the advanced anesthesia we rely on today.

Jesse