Successful Drainage of an Extradural Abscess in 1667: Prince Rupert's trephination

Abstract

The technique of the successful drainage of Prince Rupert's extradural abscess in 1667 has been reconstructed by putting together the details from several contemporary documents. The operation is shown to be a rational and well planned procedure in the context of the times, and not the lucky outcome of a desperate desire to try something dramatic.

Key Words:

• Head injury
• trephining
• brain abscess
• epidural
• Prince Rupert
• history of medicine
• 17th century