Obituary for Professor Jiri Snajdauf

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Professor Jiří Šnajdauf, an outstanding physician, pediatric surgeon, teacher, and mentor who profoundly shaped Czech and Czechoslovak pediatric surgery.

At this time of loss, we stand in heartfelt solidarity with our Czech colleagues and share in their grief. Professor Šnajdauf served for many years as Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital. He also held senior academic leadership roles and served as President of the Czech Association of Pediatric Surgeons.

A leading expert in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, he was the first to publish on duodenum-sparing pancreatic head resection in children and introduced an important innovation to the Nuss procedure, significantly improving patient safety. Early in his career, he established a neonatal surgical intensive care unit that contributed to a substantial reduction in newborn mortality from congenital defects in the Czech Republic.

In recognition of his exceptional lifelong contribution, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons (WOFAPS) in 2022. He was the author of numerous professional publications and a devoted mentor to generations of surgeons.

Professor Jiří Šnajdauf will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. His legacy will endure.

Professor Udo Rolle
President