Mohammed Hussain Al Saadi (“Abu Alaa”)

Short abstract

Pioneer of general and hepatic surgery in Iraq

Mohammed Hussain Al Saadi pioneered many procedures and introduced modifications to a number of surgical methods, including the perineal prostatectomy and treatment of liver hydatids. He was also the first surgeon in the Middle East to separate Siamese twins successfully. He established the surgical department in Basra as one of most recognised and respected departments in the Middle East, attracting patients from southern Iraq, the Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia. He also contributed to many surgical textbooks and published a range of papers on surgical diagnosis and treatment.

Figure 1.

After qualifying in 1941 he trained in Baghdad for three years before transferring to Basra. He was determined to modernise the surgical department at the Basra Royal Hospital and provide the best treatment possible to the local community. His achievement in transforming the department during the 1950s and 1960s from one with basic facilities and little nursing or intensive therapy support was remarkable. He was considered to be the first in Basra to introduce good clinical practice both on the wards and in theatre, while also improving postoperative care.

Professor Al Saadi's dream was to become a leading force in the training and education of young doctors in Iraq, and he became instrumental in the founding of Basra Medical College. Although he was humble, he was also a very frank man and was forthright in his assessment of facilities and human abilities. His remarks sometimes seemed controversial and used to land him in trouble with the authorities, but he always meant to educate and protect his patients.

His surgical skills were seen as second to none and many honours came his way from royal colleges, societies, and universities. He was granted a fellowship by the American International College of Surgeons in 1974.

Professor Al Saadi had a passion for large American cars, and was famous for his number plate, “Basrah 1.” He travelled the world both for leisure and to keep up to date with surgical techniques.

He leaves two children.

Mohammed Hussain Al Saadi, former professor of surgery school of medicine, Basra, Iraq, and president Iraqi Society of Medicine (Basra chapter) (b 1919; q Baghdad 1941, MSc, FRCS), d 28 January 2005.