Levatrici e ginecologia: un caso milanese del 1888

This paper will debate a case of ovaroclasia, an experimental operation practiced by Professor Porro towards the end of the Nineteenth century, with the aim to obtain the same results of an ovariectomy or of a Battey's operation. The practice is presented as an alternative to the then estabilished Battey’s operation, which provided the eradication of both the ovaries. In his ovaroclasia Porro imagines and then executes a systematic compression of the ovaries, leaving them in place after having caused their functional disorganization. It’s important to highlight the activity of the Gynecological and Obstetric Unit of the “Ospedale Maggiore” of Milan, at the time directed and re-organized by Luigi Mangiagalli (1850-1927), supported by Professor Porro. There the Head physician was assisted by other doctors and helpers, but the assistance and support to pregnant women, to women in labour, to women who had just given birth, and to gynecological patients was provided by midwives. There were three midwives, each one was assigned to a sector with different duties, and one of them was specifically designated to the gynecological department. As already said, the ovaroclasia was imagined as a replacement of the intervention of Battey and of the ovariotomy, which consisted in the removal of a cyst or a tumor from the ovary. It’s possible to appreciate the role of the midwife in the Nineteenth century by reconstructing the history of these gynecological operations. In the text of Domenico Peruzzi (1816?/1819?-1908), entitled “Sull’ovariotomia, considerata nella sua storia, indicazioni, controindicazioni e prognosi, processo operativo, cura successiva, e statistiche” (1873) a description is given of the skills required to a midwife to provide pre and post surgery assistance to women with gynecological diseases. A comparison of the current situation of the employment of midwives in Clinica Mangiagalli (Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano) and the reality of the Nineteenth century under the management of Luigi Mangiagalli in the same hospital is also made. To conclude an analysis is given concerning the midwife’s modern figure, her professional profile (DM 740/94) and the current legislation particularly with respect to her tasks in Italy.