Emil Theodor Kocher (25/8/1841–27/7/1917)—A Swiss (neuro-)surgeon and Nobel Prize winner

Abstract

January 9, 2009 commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Swiss surgeon Emil Theodor Kocher's first performance of the surgical removal of a pituitary adenoma by a trans-nasal approach. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1909 for his work on the physiology, pathology and surgery of the thyroid gland. He was the first Swiss citizen and the first surgeon to ever receive such an award. He was a pioneer and a world leader in the surgical revolution of the end of the nineteenth century. Over a period of 45 years, Kocher developed a considerable activity in various fields of surgery leading to worldwide acclaim and renown. Kocher's most significant contribution to medicine concerned the thyroid and pituitary gland. Additionally, he developed or modified many surgical instruments. In total, he published 249 articles and books, the majority based on his own experimental studies. His devotion to his patients, his mentoring of students, his service and loyalty to his university hospital was widely recognized and came to epitomize what society wants and needs in its medical practitioners as well as providing example and motivation to young doctors.

Key words:

• Emil Theodor Kocher
• Nobel Prize winner
• Surgical procedure
• Neurosurgery
• Pituitary surgery