Dancing Through Life

rubylipstick1:

Scary Old School Surgical Tools

• Cervical Dilator (1800s)
  This instrument was used to dilate a woman’s cervix during labor, with the amount of dilation measured on the scale by the handle. Such dilators fell out of favor because they often caused the cervix to tear. 
• Ecraseur (1870s)
  This ecraseur was used to sever hemorrhoids and uterine or ovarian tumors. The chain was looped over the mass and tightened using the ratchet, stopping the circulation of blood to the area.
• Hysterotome/Metrotome (1860s-90s)
  This hysterotome or metrotome was used to amputate the cervix during a hysterectomy.
  
• Vaginal Speculum (1600s)
  Specula have been used for thousands of years to allow doctors better vision and access to the vaginal area (or other body cavities) by expanding after insertion. This 17th century European example, which appears to use a cranking motion to expand, is more ornate and intimidating than most.