The forgotten hysterectomy: the first successful abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The history of gynecology and surgery in America has been well documented. However, a landmark operation took place in 1856 that has gone unrecognized in modern surgical texts. CASE: William J. Baker and associates performed the first successful abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 13, 1856. The patient recovered uneventfully and lived for 34 years after her procedure. CONCLUSION: This case has yet to be noted in modern medical history texts. It is important that the accomplishments of Dr. Baker and his associates be recognized among the surgical pioneers of their day.