J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2025; 86(S 01): S27-S32
DOI: 10.1055/a-2558-3343
Original Article

Brain Tumor Surgery in Germany around 1950, According to the Tönnis School

Werner E. K. Braunsdorf
1   Clinic of Neurosurgery and Spinal Surgery, MVZ-Neurochirurgie, Klinikum Magdeburg gGmbH, Magdeburg, Germany
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Abstract

Comparing experiences with brain tumor surgery in the early decades of the 20th century, dominated after the World War I mostly by US/American neurosurgeons, the influences at that time in Europe with establishing an autonomic neurosurgery and the disruptions during World War II, killing and forced displacement of Jews, left-wing policies of neurosurgeons, and the absurd enforcement of fascistic medicine led to a stagnation in the development of this cut-off German country. Therefore, it is not surprising that the background, techniques, and ideas of neurosurgery in Germany at the time of the founding of the German Society of Neurosurgery did not differ significantly from those of the pre-war period.



Publication History

Article published online:
21 May 2025

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