History of surgery

History of Surgery

The History of Surgery (pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrdʒəri/) is a vast and complex field of study that traces the development and evolution of surgical practices and techniques throughout human history. The term "surgery" is derived from the Greek word "cheirourgia", which means "hand work".

Prehistoric and Ancient Times

The earliest evidence of surgery dates back to the prehistoric era, where trepanation (the practice of drilling holes into the skull) was performed as a form of primitive neurosurgery. In ancient Egypt, surgical techniques were documented in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical texts.

Greek and Roman Era

The Hippocratic school of medicine in ancient Greece made significant contributions to the field of surgery. The Roman physician Galen further advanced surgical knowledge, particularly in the area of anatomy.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, surgery was often performed by barbers, who were known as barber surgeons. The Islamic Golden Age also saw significant advancements in surgery, with physicians like Al-Zahrawi and Ibn Sina making notable contributions.

Modern Era

The modern era of surgery began in the 19th century with the introduction of anesthesia and antiseptic techniques. The 20th century saw further advancements with the development of minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Medical history
• Timeline of surgery and surgical procedures

External Links

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on History of surgery
• Wikipedia's article - History of surgery

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