Dupuytren’s Enterotome

Description: Dupuytren’s Enterotome is a device which was invented by Baron Guillaume Dupuytren in 1813 as a solution to complications involving the surgical repairs of artificial anuses and intestinal fistulas. For correct use, the surgeon would apply the blades of the enterotome to either end of the bowel intended to be divided and leave it for about eight days until the accidental connection of the bowel was separated. The artificial anus would then be closed and normal digestion and peristalsis could return. Although the theory did not seem to have any flaws in writing, this consistent pressure on the bowel caused extreme pain to the patient and often failure of the operation. As stated in Joseph H. Warren’s A Practical Treatise on Hernia (1882), “This [Dupuytren’s] method is not in all cases trustworthy, and may be extremely dangerous to life.” Interestingly, this specific enterotome is a rarity which belonged to a Dr. Panas of France who is cited as a main contributor to the improvement of the application of the device in the early 19th century.

Origin: Circa 1820; Paris, France