[Comments on obstetrics in the 19th century. Joachim Friedrich Henckel (1712-1779): the first cesarean section in a living patient in Berlin 225 years ago].

Dr. Joachim Friedrich Henckel, surgeon at the Charité in Berlin reported in "De sectione caesarea" on probably the first operation of a caesarean section along the linea alba on a living woman. He performed this operation in Berlin in 1769. The child survived. Although the mother's health was good at first, she died probably due to Peritonitis. This operation attracted so much attention in Berlin at that time that king Fredric II. appointed Henckel as professor of surgery and Court Councellor. Later Dr. Henckel became director of the Charité.