With regard to prostate operations: The vast majority of surgeons sever (or by other means disconnect) some of the seminal ducts; moreover, they do this even before the actual operation. ...
It is a matter of speculation whether a majority of surgeons would agree not to disconnect seminal ducts at all, but most would certainly agree that any disconnection take place only after the treatment. ...
It should be added that if there were surgeons who would be willing to testify publicly that they had successfully carried out prostate surgery without disconnecting the spermatic ducts, this would almost certainly influence other surgeons to do likewise.
Publicity of this kind is worthwhile even if the results [of this publicity will] possibly be limited. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXIII, p. 309)
... Moreover — and this is of primary importance:
It is possible to have this operation[36] performed [either] in a manner that is permissible according to the Shulchan Aruch, or in a manner [that is not permissible according to the Shulchan Aruch]. If you alert the doctor to this and ask him [to perform the operation in the permissible manner,] he will do so.
(I believe that this particular doctor was asked in similar circumstances by many individuals to perform this operation in a permissible manner; he knows the issues, and he has fulfilled the request.)
(From a letter of the Rebbe, dated Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, 5731)
... Surely there is truth to the statement ... that you performed surgery on the prostate
without severing the spermatic duct, not even at the conclusion of the procedure. No doubt you are presently performing the procedure in this manner as well.
If this is the case, then it would be worthwhile for you to publicize this in all the medical journals, as this is of great importance to all, since — for example — the doctors in the United States say (and have convinced many rabbis as well) that the ducts must be severed.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XV, p. 149)
... When I wrote in my previous letter about the difference between [performing surgery of the prostate] according to Jewish law, etc., [or performing it in a manner that may be contrary to Jewish law,] I did not mean to imply the negation of performing such surgery if a specialist deems it to be necessary. Rather, my intent was to demonstrate the various ways that this surgery could be performed — that there are those surgeons who do not sever the duct at all. ...
Moreover, many doctors who do sever the seminal ducts do so after having performed the most crucial aspect of the surgery, at which time there is already a necessity (in their opinion) [to then sever the ducts in order] to prevent complications. This is far different from beginning the surgery with severing the ducts.
I would also like to add [the following]: There are some surgeons who, when performing bladder surgery, will cut and sever in areas close to the incision for the previously mentioned reason of preventing complications. They do this as well in those areas that may be problematic according to Jewish law. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XX, p. 218)
... In a similar vein, there are many cases of treatment to lower an undescended testicle into the scrotum; there is also a test to determine where the second testis is to be found; and so on.
These situations too are sometimes treated by surgical intervention, which often involves explicit Scriptural prohibitions against severing and disconnecting [seminal organs],[37] even though this can be performed using alternative techniques that are entirely permissible.
The problem here is that parents do not know that these situations raise halachic questions that call for consultation with a competent Rav.
Moreover, some qualified Rabbanim are not aware of the particulars outlined above. In this subject, too, appropriate publicity will no doubt help people avert unwitting transgression.
The above-mentioned remarks also apply to the treatment of scrotal hernia, which involves adults as well as minors. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXIII, p. 310)
I am in receipt of your letter of Tuesday,
Parshas Matos-Masei, [5712], in which you describe the state of your health and that a doctor recommends that you have surgery [for your ulcer].
With regard to ulcers in general: Doctors most often treat ulcers through diet and mental and physical rest. Understandably, then, this [manner of treatment] is preferable to surgery.
However, since you write in your letter that your ulcer has bled on a number of occasions — which seems to indicate that you have been suffering from ulcers for quite a long time — and that it is difficult for you to maintain the diet, etc., you should therefore consult with two specialists in this field and follow their directives.
As to whether you should travel to Rochester, [Minnesota,] to have the surgery performed there [at the Mayo Clinic]: I see no need for this, as there are competent surgeons in Chicago, so why drag yourself needlessly to a distant location [and] spend extra money, etc.
May G-d grant the consulting doctors the wisdom and insight to make the correct decision, thus bringing from potential to actuality the ruling of the Torah that "the Torah granted permission (which also means the power) for the healer to heal." ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. VI, p. 221)
... You write about the state of your health and the varied opinions of the doctors, [some of whom recommend surgery]:
In general, there is something here that I fail to understand; it is well known in this country that ulcers can be treated by diet, if the diet is strictly observed.
The benefit of such treatment is not only to decrease the pain, but also to heal the ulcer. The medications that are given are in addition [to a proper diet] and are provided in order to hasten the healing process, to strengthen one's health, and to make up for any vitamin deficiency and the like caused by the diet.[38]
Since you mention nothing about the above in your letter, it may be worthwhile to find out more about this and speak again with the doctor who is treating you.
And after all, man is to employ natural means [to accomplish healing]. May G-d send you His "healing words" and heal you through the correct treatment and the appropriate doctor. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXII, p. 92)
... P.S. After writing the above, I received your notification by telephone regarding the course of treatment that your doctors have suggested, and you ask my advice:
As known, one of the most important factors in [healing] ulcers is tranquility and peace of mind — something that depends almost entirely on the patient.
I therefore suggest that you strengthen your bitachon in G-d, the "Healer of all flesh and Performer of wonders."[39] You can accomplish this by reading and then pondering deeply selected selections [of books] that deal with this subject, such as the [section] Shaar HaBitachon in the book Chovas HaLevavos (from Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Pekudah) and the like.
Additionally, it is well established that a proper diet is effective in such an instance, [i.e., in helping to heal an ulcer] — I believe it is effective in all instances [of an ulcer,] the difference being only in its degree of efficacy.
Therefore, since your situation has been ongoing for some time and the surgery is not urgent, I would suggest that you first try the two solutions mentioned above and see to what degree they ease the situation.
In any event, the auspicious time of the month of Adar begins in only three weeks. In the interim you can assess the results of the two methods suggested above, after which you should again consult with your doctors.
In order to minimize your worries as quickly as possible, I am sending this letter via Special Delivery.
(From a letter of the Rebbe)
I am astonished by your question as to whether to become entangled in surgery for reducing the size of the stomach; surgery whose effects are not yet (adequately) known, etc.! And the only reason for this is that the person is overweight?!
This is totally out of the question.
(Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXXVI, p. 309 [40])
... You write in your
pidyon nefesh for ... that a doctor declared that he should have an operation, but he decided against it. In my opinion, he should find at least one doctor who is in agreement with him [that an operation is not necessary].
(Mikdash Melech, Vol. I, p. 220 [41])
Notes:
- (Back to text) Prostate surgery.
- (Back to text) See Shabbos 110b on Vayikra 22:24.
- (Back to text) It is worth noting that the Rebbe's letters in this book concerning ulcers were all written before the discovery of H. pylori-induced ulcers, as well as Histamine H-2 acid reducers and Proton pump inhibitors.
- (Back to text) From the text of the "Asher Yatzar" blessing, from Berachos 60b.
- (Back to text) From a letter of the Rebbe, dated 8 Kislev, 5743.
- (Back to text) From a letter of the Rebbe, dated 24 Shvat, 5713.
Kidney Stones