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Ahmed Shafik (sexologist)

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Ahmed Shafik
Born10 May 1933 (1933-05-10)
DiedOctober 31, 2007(2007-10-31) (aged 74)
Resting placeCairo, Egypt
NationalityEgyptian
Alma materCairo University (Faculty of Medicine) '57
Known forResearch in anatomy, physiology and surgery
SpouseDr. Olfat El-Sibai
AwardsEgyptian State Prize for Science and Arts, 1st Class (1977), four time nominee for Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Harvard University Ig Nobel Prize (2016)
Scientific career
FieldsGeneral surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Urology, Andrology, Sexology Proctology and Anatomy
InstitutionsAhmed Shafik Hospital, Al Kasr Al Ainy
Thesis Adrenocortical Function in Stress Conditions  (1962)
Websitewww.ahmedshafik.com

Ahmed Shafik (10 May, 1933 – October 31, 2007) was an Egyptian surgeon and prolific researcher, best known for his groundbreaking work in colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, as well as his contributions to sexual health research. Shafik's dedication to advancing surgical techniques and understanding human physiology made him a prominent figure in the medical field.

Early life and education

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Shafik was born on May 10, 1933, in Menoufia, Egypt. He graduated with honors from Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine in 1957, receiving his MD in 1962. Following his initial medical training, Shafik joined Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine, where he held various academic and clinical positions, culminating in his appointment as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Experimental Research in 1990. His dedication to both surgical practice and experimental research positioned him as a pioneering figure in Egypt and internationally.[1]

Contributions to surgery

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Shafik was instrumental in advancing colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, with his innovations in these areas leaving a lasting legacy.[2] In 1964, he introduced the cutaneous uretero-ureterostomy urinary diversion (Shafik I), a procedure for reconstructing the urinary system in patients with compromised bladder function.[2] Later, in 1967, he performed the first bladder transplant, pioneering a significant milestone in urology and setting the stage for further developments in organ transplantation.[3]

Following his work on urinary diversion, Shafik developed the perineal ileo-urethral neo-bladder (Shafik II), an advanced reconstructive technique that preserved bladder function for individuals with severe pelvic trauma or bladder cancer.[3] His articles discussing these procedures and findings are published under the names "Shafik I" in The Journal of Urology and "Shafik II" in the British Journal of Urology (BJUI) and other medical literature, marking his distinct contributions in medical records.[1]

In 1991, Shafik identified pudendal canal syndrome, a painful condition resulting from compression of the pudendal nerve.[4] Recognizing the syndrome's clinical implications, he introduced surgical decompression as a treatment, significantly advancing approaches to chronic pelvic pain management and establishing a foundation for further research into pelvic nerve disorders.[4]

Shafik's research extended beyond traditional surgical topics; he became known for his innovative studies on how external factors affect physiology and behavior.[5] In 2016, he was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for his unique study on the effects of different textiles (polyester, cotton, and wool trousers) on the sexual activity of rats.[5] His research demonstrated that polyester-induced static electricity could negatively impact reproductive health, providing insights into how fabric types might influence human physiology as well.[5] In addition to this animal study, he conducted further research examining the contraceptive efficacy of polyester in inducing azoospermia (a reduction in sperm count) in men, findings that were published in Contraception and European Urology.[6][7]

Throughout his prolific career, Shafik authored over 1,000 peer-reviewed articles and reviews, covering a wide array of topics in anatomy, physiology, and experimental surgery.[1] His commitment to experimental and clinical studies laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of colorectal and urinary tract diseases, as well as the impact of external factors on physiological health.[1]

Awards and recognition

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Ahmed Shafik received numerous accolades throughout his career.[8] In 1977, he was awarded the Egyptian State Prize for Science and Art, First Class, for his exceptional contributions to medical research and surgical innovation.[8] He was also honored with honorary fellowships from institutions such as the Italian Academy of Coloproctology and the Société Nationale Française de Coloproctologie.[8] His influence extended internationally, notably as a founding member and President Elect of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) from 2004 to 2006.[8]

Death

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On October 31, 2007, Ahmed Shafik died of cardiac insufficiency in Paris, France.[9]

Legacy

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Shafik's innovative techniques in surgery, particularly in colorectal and pelvic floor procedures, continue to be referenced and adapted in modern practice. His dedication to advancing both theoretical and practical medical knowledge left a profound legacy in Egyptian and global medicine, inspiring surgeons and researchers worldwide to pursue comprehensive approaches to patient care and scientific exploration.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d http://www.ahmedshafik.com/About.htm
  2. ^ a b Shafik, A. (2008-12-05). "Cutaneous Uretero-ureterostomy". British Journal of Urology. 40 (5): 568–573. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410x.1968.tb11851.x. ISSN 0007-1331.
  3. ^ a b "Hinmanʼs Atlas of Urologic Surgery". Aktuelle Urologie. 49 (04): 307–307. August 2018. doi:10.1055/a-0636-4960. ISSN 0001-7868.
  4. ^ a b Shafik, Ahmed (August 1997). "Endoscopic Pudendal Canal Decompression for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence due to Pudendal Canal Syndrome". Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. 7 (4): 227–234. doi:10.1089/lap.1997.7.227. ISSN 1092-6429.
  5. ^ a b c "Past Ig Winners". improbable.com. 2006-08-01. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
  6. ^ Shafik, Ahmed (May 1992). "Contraceptive efficacy of polyester-induced azoospermia in normal men". Contraception. 45 (5): 439–451. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(92)90157-O.
  7. ^ Shafik, Ahmed (1993). "Effect of Different Types of Textiles on Sexual Activity". European Urology. 24 (3): 375–380. doi:10.1159/000474332. ISSN 0302-2838.
  8. ^ a b c d "founders – ISUCRS". www.isucrs.org. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
  9. ^ "Professor Ahmed Shafik (1933–2007)". Techniques in Coloproctology. 11 (4). Springer: 372–74. 2007. doi:10.1007/s10151-007-0385-3. S2CID 36494092.
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