Charles Heber McBurney (1845 - 1913)

Abstract

Amal e, 19 years-of-age, presented with a 1-day history of anorexia, pain, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever. The pain was initially located in the epigastric region and migrated to the right lower quadrant. Examination revealed tenderness upon one finger palpation over McBurney's point. The patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis followed by full clinical recovery. Dr. Charles Heber McBurney's name is synonymous with the diagnostic sign, landmark and technique for the surgical management of the inflamed vermiform appendix (appendicitis). His surgical prowess extended to pioneering an operative approach to the management of impacted common bile duct stones, the surgical technique for inguinal hernia repair and the management of dislocation of the humerus resulting from a fracture. 1 Dr. McBurney was born on February 17, 1845. He received his undergraduate and graduate educations from Harvard University where he received both his AB (Artium Baccalaureus, i.e., Bachelor of Arts) and AM (Artium Magister, i.e.,