The life of Rudolf Nissen: advancing surgery through science and principle

History of surgery: Pioneers of esophageal pathology, anatomy, and surgical technique

Eponyms are prominently featured in medical terminology to describe pathologies, anatomical structures, or procedural techniques. Despite their common use, the historical names behind these terms are frequently overlooked. This article explores several well-known eponyms of the esophagus, highlighting the individuals whose accomplishments and contributions have helped shape the field. An extensive literature search via PubMed and online biographical accounts was carried out to examine the origins and historical context of these eponyms. Historical accounts were identified and selected that were relevant to each eponym. Each individual's early life, professional life, and the origination of each eponym were identified and presented. It is important to recognize the individuals behind the terms and appreciate their lasting impact on the knowledge of the esophagus, diseases that affect it, and the management of those diseases.

Pioneering orthopaedic trauma surgery in Turkey: Burhaneddin Toker (1890-1951), the stormy 1930s, and refugees running from Nazism

Orthopedic surgery, the medical discipline that deals with diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system has been considered a distinct medical discipline in the west since the beginning of the twentieth century. However, in Turkey, the acceptance of musculoskeletal traumatology as an integral part of orthopedic surgery actualized as late as 1961. Previously, orthopedic trauma patients were usually treated in general surgery departments. Dr. Burhaneddin Toker, a true pioneer, changed this conduct of the time in Turkey. He transformed Cerrahpaşa Hospital, then a municipality hospital today the well-known Cerrahpaşa Medical School of Istanbul University, to a trauma center. He pioneered systematic surgery of the musculoskeletal injuries, created a separate service for musculoskeletal traumatology, trained many surgeons in this field, wrote textbooks, and reported his clinical experience in scientific publications. This study examines the biography of Burhaneddin Toker and how he was able to further medical training in Turkey with a focus on Turkey in the stormy 1930s, the way the young republican government under Atatürk's leadership handled educational issues, and the refugee scientists who found a safe haven in Turkey fleeing Nazism.

Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome for Elderly Patients undergoing Curative Oncological Resection for Gastrointestinal Malignancies

BACKGROUND

The incidence of gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, with approximately 20% of these cases in people over 80 years of age. Due to pre-existing comorbidities, this onco-geriatric population often presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles on PubMed was performed to determine the predictive ability of screening tools and their components regarding the occurrence of adverse outcomes in elderly onco-surgical patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

RESULTS

Surgical procedures in this patient cohort, particularly complex resections, may result in increased morbidity and mortality. The decision to treat an elderly patient with curative intent requires sound clinical judgment based on knowledge, consideration of objective parameters, and experience. These patients could potentially be optimized for surgery with the improvement of nutritional and overall performance status as well as with stabilizing comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Various geriatric assessment and screening tools have been developed to identify risk factors to assist the surgeon and the interdisciplinary team in treatment planning, including the Frailty Assessment Score, Timed Up and Go test, nutritional status, and Activities of Daily Living test. It is important to emphasize that transparent and open communication between the treating surgeon and the patient is crucial in that the patient fully understands the implications of the treatment plan.

Tales from previous times: important eponyms in pediatric surgery

The use of eponyms in medicine has a long and captivating tradition, which applies to pediatric surgery as well. Unfortunately, even though these eponyms are widely used, oftentimes the fascinating personalities and lives behind these names remain unrecognized or underappreciated, especially among residents, fellows and younger-generation pediatric surgeons. Therefore, in this article, we review 15 names that are frequently used as eponyms in modern pediatric surgery and hereby enlighten the personalities behind them. Given their particular frequency, we choose the following eponyms: Ramstedt pylorotomy, Nissen fundoplication, Murphy's sign and sequence, McBurney's sign and incision, Meckel's diverticulum, Kasai portoenterostomy, Ladd's procedure, Morgagni and Bochdalek hernia, Ravitch operation, Nuss procedure, Hirschsprung disease, Swenson pullthrough, Peña procedure and Wilms tumor. A detailed description of the historical importance of these personalities and their contribution to our field is given. Without the appropriate historical background, it is difficult for the current younger and next generation pediatric surgeons to grasp the full spectrum of the ongoing progress in our field. Therefore, our article conveys not only important insight into the past, but also provides young surgeons with an important historical perspective essential to understand the current and future developments in modern pediatric surgery.