Wilhelm Pfannenstiel

Wilhelm Pfannenstiel

Wilhelm Pfannenstiel (1890–1982) was a German gynecologist and SS officer during the Nazi era. He is known for his contributions to the field of gynecology, particularly for the development of the Pfannenstiel incision, a type of surgical incision used in cesarean sections and other abdominal surgeries.

Early Life and Education

Wilhelm Pfannenstiel was born on June 1, 1890, in Munich, Germany. He studied medicine at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where he graduated with a medical degree in 1914. Pfannenstiel served as a military doctor during World War I, gaining significant experience in surgical procedures.

Medical Career

After the war, Pfannenstiel continued his medical career, specializing in gynecology. He worked at several hospitals and medical institutions, eventually becoming a professor of gynecology. His most notable contribution to the field is the development of the Pfannenstiel incision, which is a horizontal incision made just above the pubic hairline. This technique is widely used in cesarean sections and other abdominal surgeries due to its cosmetic and functional advantages.

Involvement with the Nazi Regime

During the Nazi era, Pfannenstiel joined the SS and became involved in various medical experiments and activities. His association with the Nazi regime has overshadowed his medical contributions, and he remains a controversial figure in medical history.

Later Life and Death

After World War II, Pfannenstiel faced scrutiny for his involvement with the Nazi regime. Despite this, he continued to work in the medical field until his retirement. Wilhelm Pfannenstiel died on October 3, 1982, in Munich.

Legacy

The Pfannenstiel incision remains a widely used surgical technique in modern medicine. However, Pfannenstiel's legacy is complicated by his involvement with the Nazi regime, and his contributions to medicine are often viewed through this lens.

See Also

• Gynecology
• Cesarean section
• Nazi human experimentation
• SS (Schutzstaffel)

Related Pages

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
• World War I
• World War II
• Nazi era