title: Willard Parker's 1841 orbital operation.
abstract: There are few records detailing the techniques and tribulations of early American surgeons who dared venture into the treacherous recess of the human orbit. The authors present a recently discovered letter written by a young woman who in 1841 underwent an orbital operation performed by the prominent New York City surgeon, Willard Parker. The letter details the patient's experiences in an era without anesthesia or antibiotics, and her subsequent development of conjunctival adhesions.
authors.affiliation: Oculoplastic and Orbit Service, Kansas Eye Center, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Albert
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D014481:United States; D014956:Writing