In Memoriam: Professor Jacques Hamou

We remember with deep respect and admiration Professor Jacques Hamou, a visionary physician and pioneer whose work revolutionized the field of hysteroscopy. His legacy lives on in the lives of countless patients and the hands of generations of gynecologists he inspired.

Professor Hamou was more than a skilled physician—he was a trailblazer who saw possibilities. His continuous reach for innovation combined with his engineering and surgical acumen created modern hysteroscopy. This achievement moved the treatment of intrauterine pathology to its natural transcervical route, avoiding the transuterine incisions and allowing for delicate work in the endometrial cavity. Hysteroscopic septum resections, polypectomies, submucosal myoma treatments, adenomyosis treatments, and the endoscopic treatment of intrauterine anomalies began with his work. With relentless curiosity and innovation, he developed the Hamou I Microcolpohysteroscope, a groundbreaking 5 mm instrument that opened the door to performing hysteroscopy safely and effectively in an office-based setting. What once required a hospital stay could now be done in a clinic, changing the standard of care around the world.

Thanks to his ingenuity, hysteroscopy became not only more precise but also safer and more comfortable for women. He refined techniques and instrumentation to make procedures less invasive, more adaptable, and more accessible, bringing compassionate care into everyday gynecological practice.

Professor Hamou was also a gifted teacher and patient mentor. His seminal book on hysteroscopy and microcolposcopy became a foundational text, educating generations of physicians globally. More than a technical guide, it was a source of inspiration—encouraging a new wave of minimally invasive surgeons to embrace hysteroscopy and carry it into daily practice.

Dr. Hamou’s impact on women’s health is immeasurable. Through his innovations, teaching, and leadership, he has left a legacy of safer, more compassionate care. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.