How did the introduction of anesthesia change surgical practices?

The introduction of anesthesia fundamentally transformed surgical practices by allowing for painless surgeries. Prior to the advent of anesthesia, surgical procedures were excruciatingly painful, leading to considerable physical distress for patients and often causing them to refuse necessary operations. With the ability to administer anesthesia, surgeons could perform operations without causing pain, significantly improving patient comfort and reducing trauma associated with surgery.

This shift not only encouraged more people to seek surgical treatment but also enabled surgeons to undertake more complex and invasive procedures that would have been impossible to perform on an unconscious or distressed patient. In essence, anesthesia expanded the boundaries of what could be done in surgery and contributed significantly to advancements in medical procedures during this period.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impact of anesthesia on surgical practices. While it is true that surgeries may have become longer due to the necessity of preparation and recovery from anesthesia, this is a secondary effect and not the primary reason for its introduction. Sanitation was an essential practice that became even more emphasized during the same period, especially following the work of pioneers like Joseph Lister. Finally, anesthesia did not decrease the number of surgeries performed; rather, it increased the willingness of patients and the capacity of surgeons to carry out operations.