Reinhold v. Spencer

Appellant, a physician and surgeon, undertook to treat respondent, who was suffering with acute pneumonia, and in the course of treatment it became necessary to perform an operation known as “tapping the lungs.” Appellant, assisted by a nurse, performed the operation, using novocaine by means of a hypodermic syringe to deaden the pain. A small opening was made in the pleural cavity of respondent to permit drainage of pus accumulated therein. The usual treatment seemingly was followed by inserting a tube into the cavity through the small opening to provide drainage. The operation was…