Ovariotomy instruments
Date
1864
Description
This boxed set of instruments was selected and sent from England by Tracy's mentor, Sir Thomas Spencer Wells (1818 – 1897), the surgeon who developed the successful procedure of operating to relieve women with ovarian tumours. Tracy corresponded with him from Melbourne and learnt the technique, operating successfully for the first time in 1864.
Tracy’s success rate ultimately exceeded Spencer Wells’, with only four deaths from twenty operations, performed both in the Lying-in Hospital and in private homes; this despite never having seen the operation performed.
When presented to the hospital in 1963 the set contained pins and thread, scalpel and bistoury, scissors, Spencer Wells’ pedicle needle and needle holder, a vulsellum forceps, Adams’ double sharp hook for raising the peritoneum, Spencer Wells’ pedicle clamps with detachable handles and most interestingly, one form of Spencer Wells’ ovariotomy trocar and cannula. Regrettably the trocar and cannula have been removed from the case at some time and are now lost, although there are photographs of it in the collection.
The case is made of wood, possibly cedar, the exterior is highly polished; it has a hinged(brass) lid, and there is a small inlaid metal plaque on the top of the case inscribed: “Richard / Thos Tracy / MD”. The case is locked by two latches and hooks, one of each on either side; the inside is made of wood and is carved to accommodate each instrument.
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