Brain surgery saved Russian general who helped defeat Napoleon

"It's a story of how medicine changed the course of civilization," says Mark C. Preul, MD, PhD, and chair of neurosurgery research director at Barrow

Researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute have spent two years and traveled tree continents to discover that a French surgeon by the name of Jean Massot helped save Russia from defeat at the hands of Napoleon.

They looked into the story of famed Russian hero General Mikhail Kutuzov who is credited as the driving force and tactician behind Napoleon's defeat.
General Kutuzovshot was shot in the head on two occasions , in 1774 and 1788 , it was the surgical skill of Jean Massot who operated on the General using techniques that "foreshadowed modern neurosurgery" according to the team.

"We wanted to find out what really happened and basically identify this surgeon who saved Mikhail Kutuzov," Dr. Preul says. "Massot's facts were somewhat buried. He is at the vanguard of surgical technique. He uses incredibly modern techniques that we still use today."

"The other generals thought Kutuzov was crazy, and maybe he was," Dr. Preul says. "The brain surgery saved Kutuzov's life, but his brain and eye were badly injured. However ironically the healing resolution of this situation allowed him to make what turned out to be the best decision. If he had not been injured, he may well have challenged Napoleon and been defeated."

"Although some would say fate allowed the brilliant Russian general, who became the personification of Russian spirit and character, to survive two nearly mortal head wounds, the best neurosurgical technique of the day seems to have been overlooked as a considerable part of Kutuzov's success," the researchers wrote.
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Successful neurosurgery in the 18th century , amazing.
Being shot in the head on two occasions , having brain surgery and surviving in the 18th century , incredible.

a reply to: gortex

Well I had never heard of this before but nice read, thanks for the share!

I try never to use stereotypes but Russians are some tough SOB's and that was a part of that history I never knew or considered so thanks for sharing.

a reply to: gortex

Never heard this before. Neat post