[Edouard Kufferath (1853-1909), eminent figure of past gynaecology and obstetrics at the ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles)].
Edouard Kufferath (1853-1909) came from a German family of musicians. He was appointed as professor of obstetrics for 20 years and was Rector of the ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) in 1905-1906. He was the first in Belgium to apply strict aseptic rules in obstetrics and to obtain hence a drastic reduction of maternal and newborn mortalities consecutive to puerperal fever. He improved the technique of symphyseotomy and invented a new method of labour induction. The type of obstetrical forceps that he conceived was known by his name and remained widely used by obstetricians in Brussels during at least six decades before the diffusion of the Swedish vacuum extractor. The exceptional quality of Kufferath's teaching was unanimously recognized. He became also active as communal Counsellor of the City of Brussels. Unanimously admired and respected, he prematurely passed away from a tongue cancer at the age of 55 years, covered with official honours.
Leroy
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f.leroy@scarlet.be
Kufferath
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D001530:Belgium; D006176:Gynecology / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000266:history*; D014495:Universities