Alexis Victor Moschcowitz 1865–1937

Abstract

Moschcowitz was born April 25, 1865, in Giralt, Hungary, and emigrated to the United States at the age of 15. He received a degree in pharmacy in 1885 and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, graduating in 1891. He ultimately jointed the staff of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City and later

During the first World War, Moschcowitz was a consultant chief in the Surgeon General's Office in Washington, D.C. His research as a number of the Empyema Commission resulted in a lower mortality rat from empyema in the army. He was retired as a colonel.

He contributed extensively to the surgical literature, and in 1907 reported an inguinal approach to femoral herniorrhaphy—this has since some to be known as the Moschcowitz operation.

To those familiar with the procudures for rectal prolapse, the Moschcowitz operation is the eponym used to describe the technique of serial purse-string sutures to obliterate the pouch of Douglas. This “classic” paper is here reprinted. While the author incorrectly states that the condition is due to a pelvic floor hernia, he does resport success with his operative approach. He also suggests that a “plastic or fixation” at the time might improve results.

Moschcowitz died December 21, 1937, from a myocardial infarction, at the age of 68.