Guillaume Dupuytren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guillaume Dupuytren
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| Born | 5 October 1777 Pierre-Buffière, France
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| Died | 8 February 1835 (aged 57) Paris, France
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| Resting place | Père Lachaise Cemetery |
| Known for | Dupuytren's contracture |
Guillaume Dupuytren was a famous French doctor and surgeon. He lived from 1777 to 1835. He was known for treating important people like Napoleon Bonaparte. But he is most famous for describing a hand condition called Dupuytren's contracture, which is named after him. He performed the first surgery for this condition in 1831.
Contents
Early Life and Medical Training
Guillaume Dupuytren was born in a town called Pierre-Buffière in France. He studied medicine in Paris at a new medical school. He was very smart and became a 'prosector' (someone who prepares bodies for study) at just 18 years old.
In 1803, he became an assistant surgeon at a famous hospital in Paris called Hôtel-Dieu, Paris. By 1811, he was a professor of surgery. In 1816, he became the head surgeon at Hôtel-Dieu, a job he kept until he passed away. He is buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
A Busy Surgeon's Life
Dupuytren was an incredibly busy doctor. He visited the Hôtel-Dieu hospital every morning and evening. He performed many surgeries and taught large groups of students. He also gave advice to many patients.
He was known for being very skilled and quick during operations. He was also good at finding solutions to difficult medical problems.
Important Medical Discoveries
Dupuytren was one of the first surgeons to successfully drain a brain abscess. This is a pocket of infection in the brain. He did this using a method called trepanation, where a small hole is made in the skull. He also used this method to help people with seizures.
He also reported a case where a breast cancer tumor seemed to disappear on its own. This is called spontaneous remission.
His Legacy
Dupuytren passed away in Paris in 1835. He left money to create the Musée Dupuytren. This museum is a collection of medical specimens and models.
He was a brilliant teacher and a very skilled surgeon. He was also known for being very strict with his students and other doctors. He wanted everyone to meet his high standards.
Dupuytren in Stories
- A surgeon named Desplein in a story by Balzac is based on Dupuytren.
- His success with brain surgery is mentioned in Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.
- He is also mentioned in Victor Hugo's famous book Les Misérables.
See also
In Spanish: Guillaume Dupuytren para niños
Images for kids
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Guillaume Dupuytren
