In a remarkable display of medical skill and foresight, Dr. Ephraim McDowell conducted the first recorded ovariotomy in December 1809 in Danville, Kentucky. The patient, a woman named Jane Todd Crawford, had been afflicted by a massive abdominal tumor, weighing an astonishing 22 pounds. At the time, surgical remedies for such conditions were limited, and the prevailing medical wisdom often leaned towards fatalism in the face of such daunting cases. McDowell, however, was resolute in his approach, believing that surgical intervention could provide a solution where none seemed to exist.

The procedure was conducted in McDowell's office, reflecting the limited but growing acceptance of surgery as a viable option for treating gynecological issues. Despite the substantial risks involved, McDowell proceeded with the operation, excising the tumor through an incision in the abdomen. The successful removal of the tumor not only saved Crawford's life but also set a precedent for future abdominal surgeries. This pioneering surgery was a pivotal moment that reshaped surgical practices and attitudes towards women’s health.

Following the operation, McDowell's work gained recognition, and he became a key figure in the development of gynecological surgery. The success story of Jane Todd Crawford, who not only survived the operation but lived for many years afterwards, underscored the possibilities of surgical innovation. McDowell’s contributions laid the foundation for future advancements in women’s health and surgery, marking an important turning point in medical history.