Sir Denis Browne, the father of modern pediatric surgery

Abstract

Sir Denis John Wolko Browne (1892-1967), while not the first in the British Isles to devote his entire surgical practice to pediatric surgery, is accepted as "the father of pediatric surgery in the United Kingdom." He made contributions to operations as varied as tonsillectomy, pyloromyotomy, and hypospadias repair, and provided fundamental insights into the proper treatment of club foot, congenital dislocation of the hip, and cryptorchidism. He introduced the transverse laparotomy incision, primary repair of congenital intestinal obstruction, and the end-to-back anastomosis for intestinal atresia, techniques so commonly used that it is difficult to think of pediatric surgical operations done any differently. In addition, he invented the elegant Denis Browne retractor that remains in use today, one of the few eponymic instruments known by its originator's first and last name. He was among the founders of the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons, one of the first professional organizations in the field, and served as its first president. His legendary status was enhanced by an acerbic temperament that often surfaced in an outspoken and uncompromising advocacy on the behalf of the proper care of children. A larger-than-life figure in pediatric surgery, Browne's legacy is so wide-ranging and enduring that his unofficial title has been broadened to "the father of modern pediatric surgery."

Keywords: British association of pediatric surgeons; Congenital positional deformities; History of pediatric surgery; Sir Denis Browne.