Report on the Gynecological Department of the Peter and Paul Hospital for 1896

The gynecological department that had existed for many years in the Petropavlovsk hospital until 1896 did not, according to modern concepts, have an independent character, since, for reasons not subject to close examination, it was impossible to operate in it. With a few exceptions, all patients who needed surgical aid were transferred to the surgical department. Thanks to the efforts and cares of the Chief Physician A.O. Metzler, since March 1896, the gynecological department has at its disposal an operation and instrumentation that leaves little to be desired and meets all the requirements of anti- and asepsis. It is obvious how essential the latter circumstance is for the separation. Of course, the name of such an operator as K.P.Dombrovsky), who was in charge of the surgical department, attracted at one time quite a few operational cases. On the other hand, however, many patients were frightened by the transfer to an unfamiliar department and another patient, who could be relieved of her suffering with the help of an operation, left the hospital without operational benefits. At present, the appearance of recovering from surgery makes it easier for this or that patient to undergo surgical treatment. I am far from thinking to bow before the operative polypharmacy, but still I cannot but admit the fact that, given the present state of our knowledge, the center of gravity should be shifted to the operative part of gynecology.