In Lister's study of sepsis after amputations, what proportion of patients died?

• A. 45%-50%
• B. 60%-70%
• C. 10%-15%
• D. 5%-10%

Answer: (A)

Postoperative sepsis was incredibly deadly before antiseptic methods. In Lister’s study on sepsis after amputations, about half of the patients died—roughly 45–50%. This shows how lethal infection of wounds was at the time and why his antiseptic approach mattered so much. It wasn’t just a small risk—the death toll from septic complications was substantial, which is why reducing infection through antisepsis could save many lives. The other options don’t match the historical figure he reported, which sits in that ~45–50% range.