Dr. Theodor Billroth and the first laryngectomy.

This short historical vignette gives details of a courageous surgical feat performed by Dr. Theodor Billroth. Long before the advent of modern medical and surgical knowledge, and without the aid of today's advanced medications and instruments, he undertook the first known successful laryngectomy on a human 105 years ago, and five years later he performed the first hemilaryngectomy. In addition to being an outstanding surgeon, Dr. Billroth was also an accomplished musician.