James Rutherford Morison (1853–1939): Surgeon’s surgeon

Abstract

Although the term Morison pouch is used in general surgical practice, radiology, and anatomy, little is written and known regarding the life of the eminent surgeon for whom it is named after. James Rutherford Morison, one of the most successful British surgeons, a fearless and practical operator, was remembered for his invaluable contributions in fields of surgery and anatomy. Three-quarters of a century ago, he described the surgical anatomy of the right posterior intraperitoneal subphrenic space which has been known as Morison pouch and pointed out that this space has importance for the surgical treatment of gallstones and the postoperative drainage in biliary surgery. During World War I, Morison contributed a mixture that was comprised of bismuth, iodoform, and paraffin paste with single dressing for sepsis in traumatic war wounds which was used widely and was very successful. The present paper reviews the life of the James Rutherford Morison (1853–1939) and his contributions to the practice of surgery and anatomy.