Derek Tacchi: gynaecologist who pioneered laparoscopic surgery

Derek Tacchi was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who advanced his specialty as a doctor, scholar, teacher, administrator, and early adopter of diagnostic innovations. He introduced laparoscopy into clinical practice in the north east of England in the early 1960s and successfully embraced evidence based medicine before it became commonplace, say friends. He also made important contributions to the study of gynaecological and fertility problems and produced a definitive modern history of childbirth in Newcastle upon Tyne.

From 1962 to 1991, Tacchi was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle upon Tyne, and lecturer at Newcastle University.

“The introduction of the laparoscope was very slow in some areas in the early 1960s,” says John Davison, who studied under Tacchi and went on to become a professor in obstetric medicine at Newcastle University. “Derek had foresight and saw the wisdom of using it. He knew he had to be involved in laparoscopy and he searched out who he …