What significant result was observed before and after the use of carbolic spray in surgeries?

The significant result observed before and after the use of carbolic spray in surgeries was a marked reduction in death rates among patients. This change is primarily attributed to the introduction of antiseptic techniques by Joseph Lister in the 1860s, who advocated for the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant. Prior to this innovation, surgeries often resulted in high infection rates, which led to numerous post-operative complications and subsequent fatalities.

With the implementation of carbolic spray, which sterilized the air and surgical instruments, the incidence of surgical infections dramatically fell. Lister's methods demonstrated that cleanliness and the prevention of microbial contamination were crucial in surgical practice. Texts from this period note the drastic drop in mortality rates following the adoption of these antiseptic techniques, showcasing their effectiveness in improving patient survival outcomes after surgery.