In memory of Professor Johann (Johann) Mikulich-Radetzky (1850– 1905) — the largest world-famous abdominal surgeon and student of Theodor Billroth (on the 150th anniversary of the Vladimirov–Mikulich operation)

This article outlines the key milestones in the life and work of the outstanding master of European surgery, Professor Johann Mikulich-Radetsky. It analyzes his career progression and scientific achievements during various periods of his life. The osteoplastic resection of the foot was proposed by I. Mikulich in 1873 for tuberculosis of the ankle joint and tumors of the heel. The operation involves the removal of the talus and calcaneus bones along with the distal part of the tibia and fibula at the level of the arch of the ankle joint. It should be noted that V.D. Vladimirov’s priority in this bone-plastic operation was established in surgery due to the intervention of Professor N.V. Sklifosovsky, who spoke on this matter in print (1882, nine years after I. Mikulich’s operation) and at a medical congress in Copenhagen (1884). It is noted that I. Mikulich was the first to use iodoform for wound disinfection in practice. He proposed using thread gloves with an external seam, which he changed several times during surgery. Additionally, I. Mikulich invented an original method for preparing a surgeon’s hands before surgical intervention. He is considered the founder of oncological resections of the stomach. It is shown that he was the first to successfully suture a perforated gastric ulcer and developed a technique for pyloroplasty, which is still used today. The scientific ideas of Johann Mikulich-Radetsky have been widely disseminated and developed in the works of his students.

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