The Legacy of Dr. Alexandru Eugen Nicolau. A Pioneer of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Romania-
preluare testimoniale ale Romanian Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques RAES
Dear colleagues,
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Alexandru Eugen Nicolau, a beloved and esteemed member of our medical community. Dr. Nicolau’s dedication to the field of minimally invasive surgery was unparalleled, and his contributions to the advancement of this discipline in Romania were instrumental.
Dr. Nicolau’s interest in laparoscopic surgery began in the early 1990s, and he was among the first Romanians to be recognized as a member of the prestigious European Association for Endoscopic Surgery. He was a regular attendee at ARCE and EAES events, where he generously shared his extensive experience and expertise, inspiring countless generations of surgeons . Dr. Nicolau was a surgeon who was passionately devoted to his chosen profession, a colleague, and a true friend to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Nicolau’s medical career was marked by numerous accomplishments. He graduated from the „Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca in 1978 and subsequently completed his surgical internship between 1977 and 1980. He then served as a community physician in 1980-1981 before embarking on his journey as a general surgery resident from 1981 to 1984, emerging as the third-ranked candidate out of 540. He went on to become a specialist doctor between 1984 and 1991 and was promoted to primary physician in 1991. Dr. Nicolau’s dedication to his craft led him to obtain his Ph.D. in 2001, with his thesis focused on the use of laparoscopy in emergency surgery.
Dr. Nicolau’s contributions to the field of minimally invasive surgery in Romania were groundbreaking. In December 1993, he performed the first laparoscopic surgery at the Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, among the initial such procedures in the country (Nicolau, 2023).
He further honed his skills through internships in prestigious medical centers in Belgium and Switzerland, solidifying his status as a pioneer in this field within Romania.
Dr. Nicolau’s legacy extends beyond his impressive surgical accomplishments. He was a dedicated mentor to numerous generations of surgeons, sharing his knowledge and expertise with unwavering enthusiasm. For those who knew him, as well as those who never had the opportunity to meet him, Dr. Alexandru Eugen Nicolau will forever be remembered as a surgeon who embodied the highest standards of professionalism and a tireless advocate for the advancement of minimally invasive surgery in Romania.
RAES Executive Board
