Carl Gussenbauer: Pioneer in Pancreatic Surgery

Abstract

Carl Gussenbauer (1842-1903), known for many contributions to surgery, should also be noted prominently in the list of pioneers of pancreatic surgery. His successful performance of external drainage for a pancreatic cyst in 1882 was the first planned pancreatic operation. Although pancreatic surgery had been developed in animal models during the seventeenth century, surgery of the human pancreas was practically nonexistent owing to the dismal results seen with incidental pancreatic operations done early in the nineteenth century. Gussenbauer's procedure was a significant advance, representing a safe and effective solution to the pancreatic cyst problem. Gussenbauer's external drainage procedure remained the gold standard for treating pancreatic cysts until the 1920s and was still a widely practiced therapeutic option until the 1950s. With his discipline, insight, and innovative thought, Gussenbauer initiated the modern era of pancreatic surgery.

Pancreatic pseudocystwith stent placement in the background of narcotic use: a case report

“…Pancreatic pseudocyst management has tended towards watchful waiting [ 3 , 8 , 9 ]. The first planned operation of a pancreatic cyst was in 1822 in Prague by Carl Gussenbauer [ 1 ]. He palpated an 8.5 × 22 cm swelling in the epigastrium of a 40 year old man who recently drank 7 liters of beer.…”

“…Back then, pancreatic pseudocysts were diagnosed by physical exam [ 1 ]. Consequently, cysts had to be quite large before they could be found.…”

“…Even with the help of an upper GI series, introduced in 1910 [ 10 ], any cysts discovered were big, and spontaneous resolution was thought to be rare (less than 10%). As a result, most that were discovered were drained [ 1 ].…”

“…Pancreatic pseudocysts have been recognized for over 185 years [ 1 ]. Today most are alcohol related and more than half are thought to resolve spontaneously [ 2 ].…”

Pseudocyst Pancreas with Delirium in a Married Alcohol Dependent Male: A Rare Presentation

“…Pancreatic pseudocysts have been recognized for over 185 years [1] and may arise in association with acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pancreatic duct obstruction. Today clinically, most cases are alcohol-related disorders, and more than half are thought to resolve spontaneously.…”