Hermann Schloffer

Hermann Schloffer (1868–1937) was an Austrian surgeon known for his significant contributions to the field of surgery. He was born on November 19, 1868, in Innsbruck, Austria, and died on June 13, 1937, in Vienna, Austria.

Early Life and Education

Schloffer was born into a family of physicians. He studied medicine at the University of Innsbruck and later at the University of Vienna, where he graduated in 1892. He then trained under Theodor Billroth, a pioneer in the field of abdominal surgery, at the Vienna General Hospital.

Career

In 1897, Schloffer became an assistant at the surgical clinic in Innsbruck. He was appointed as a professor of surgery at the University of Graz in 1902, where he served until 1910. He then moved to the University of Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), where he worked until 1928. He spent the last years of his career at the University of Vienna.

Schloffer is best known for performing the first successful transsphenoidal surgery for the removal of a pituitary tumor in 1907. This groundbreaking procedure marked a significant advancement in the field of neurosurgery. He also made notable contributions to the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases and appendicitis.

Legacy

Schloffer's innovative surgical techniques and his dedication to improving patient outcomes have left a lasting impact on the field of surgery. His work continues to influence modern surgical practices, particularly in the areas of neurosurgery and endocrine surgery.

References

• Hermann Schloffer and the history of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. Neurosurgical Review, 2007.
• Hermann Schloffer (1868–1937): pioneer in thyroid surgery. Journal of Medical Biography, 2012.