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History of Pediatric Surgery in Spain
1Virgen de la Arrixaca Children's Hospital, Carretera Madrid-Cartagena, 30120 Murcia, Spain.
Insights
This article traces the history of pediatric surgery in Spain, highlighting key figures like José Ribera y Sans and major surgical advancements. It also examines the impact of the Spanish Civil War and the establishment of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- 19th-century Europe saw significant advancements in pediatric care and surgery.
- Spanish children were a particularly vulnerable population group during this era.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key historical events in the development of pediatric surgery in Spain.
- To highlight pioneering surgeons and their contributions.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of pediatric surgery in Spain.
- Analysis of significant surgical milestones and societal impacts.
Main Results:
- José Ribera y Sans is recognized as the father of Spanish pediatric surgery.
- Key milestones include the first Ramstedt pyloromyotomy and successful esophageal atresia repair.
- The Spanish Civil War negatively impacted the specialty's progress.
Conclusions:
- The establishment of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Surgery marked a significant organizational advancement.
- The inclusion of female surgeons like Dr. Guadalupe Pérez-Lafuente reflects evolving inclusivity in the field.
Abstract:
During the 19th century, Spanish children represented one of the most vulnerable population groups in Europe. Pediatric surgery and children care both showed an improvement at an international level. This article aims to summarize the most relevant events in the history of pediatric surgery in Spain. José Ribera y Sans is considered as the father of the specialty in Spain, as well as a group of pioneer surgeons who, mainly in Madrid and Barcelona, created a pediatric surgical concept throughout Spain. Important milestones in Spain are described, such as the first Ramstedt pyloromyotomy or the first successful esophageal atresia repair. We discuss the effects of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) on the development of pediatric surgery and particularly, the case of a pediatric surgeon who was judged after the war. Finally, the foundation of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Surgery and the membership of the first Spanish female pediatric surgeons such as Dr. Guadalupe Pérez-Lafuente is reviewed.
