Video: Kurt Semm – Innovator and Teacher of Laparoscopic Surgery

Introduction: Many prominent researchers and surgeons enabled the development from diagnostic laparoscopy to laparoscopic surgery. Kelling, Veres, Hopkins, Storz, Palmer, Frangenheim and many others shaped the development. Kurt Semm was the most important innovator who contributed in many ways to the advancement and proliferation of modern laparoscopy.

Material and methods: Literature study of academic and non-academic publications, image scans, video digitization of available materials and audio interviews were employed to assemble an overview of the achievements and methods of Prof. Kurt Semm.

Results: A 6 minute video was produced, sketching the achievements of Kurt Semm with an emphasis on the need to teach laparoscopic methods by means of courses and dry lab training. The alternative surgical approaches made possible through innovations in instruments, techniques and devices are described. Initial peer dissent, extensive research and educational efforts are discussed.

Abb. 1: Portrait

Conclusion: A historical review provides an interesting insight into issues still relevant today. The combination of medical research and industrial innovation enabled surgeons and gynecologists like Kurt Semm to transform laparoscopy from a diagnostic tool into the most widely used surgery of today. New methods will always be met with skepticism and it is necessary to provide research, courses and training to establish these methods.