[Friedrich Rumpf and his contributions to modern gynecologic surgery]

The German gynecologist Friedrich Rumpf from Berlin performed the first radical hysterectomy in Europe. This pioneering achievement is even more remarkable as Rumpf was working in private practice without the support of one of the major Berlin university hospitals. Very few biographical data can be found. Fortunately, his views of gynecologic surgery are expressed in his publications. This aim of this article is to remind us of Rumpf's reflections on surgical technique which are still relevant today and to contribute to Rumpf's memory.