Which advancement helped to make surgeries less painful in the late 19th century?

The development of anesthesia was a pivotal advancement in surgical practices during the late 19th century, significantly reducing pain and trauma for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Before the use of anesthesia, surgeries were incredibly painful experiences, often resulting in shock or trauma, and many patients would resist or struggle during operations due to intense pain.

The introduction of ether and chloroform as anesthetic agents allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures while patients were unconscious and unable to feel pain. This not only made surgeries more humane but also enabled surgeons to focus on the procedure itself without the complications that arise from a patient being awake and in distress. Thus, the availability and acceptance of anesthesia fundamentally transformed surgery, making it safer and more effective, fostering advances in surgical techniques and prolonging patient survival rates.

In contrast, while blood typing, the use of antibiotics, and sanitation protocols played crucial roles in the development of modern medicine, they were not specifically focused on reducing the pain experienced during surgical procedures at that time. Blood types were important for safe transfusions, antibiotics greatly improved infection management, and sanitation protocols were essential for preventing infections and improving overall patient outcomes, but none directly addressed the immediate pain associated with surgery like anesthesia did.