Abstract | March 15, 2024

Ancient Surgery: Bridging Millennia in Modern Practice

Mahant Malempati, BS, Medical Student, 3rd Year, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA

Learning Objectives

  1. Historical Roots Appreciation: Understand and appreciate the historical foundations of modern surgery, challenging the misconception that surgical evolution is exclusive to recent centuries, and recognizing the significant contributions of ancient civilizations.
  2. Ancient Surgical Practices Insight: Explore the anatomical and surgical innovations of ancient Egypt, China (Hua T’o), and India (Susruta Samhita), highlighting their impact on modern surgical principles and challenging the perception of surgical methods as exclusively modern.
  3. Patient-Centered Care Continuity: Examine the convergence of ancient and modern surgical values, emphasizing the enduring commitment to patient-centered care. Explore the teachings of Susruta, recognizing the timeless ethos of treating patients as family throughout the history of surgery.

This article challenges the misconception that surgical evolution is confined to recent centuries, uncovering the rich history of ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, and India that significantly influenced modern surgical foundations. Examining texts, burial sites, and artifacts, the study reveals the profound impact of these civilizations on contemporary surgical methods, challenging Eurocentric perspectives. Embedded in the medical traditions of ancient Egypt, China, and India, surgical interventions were driven by necessity and innovation, stretching back thousands of years.

Ancient Egypt’s advanced anatomical understanding is evident in mummification practices, showcasing meticulous skill and raising questions about widespread medical knowledge. The Ebers Papyrus details cardiovascular conditions and surgical strategies, underscoring the integration of anatomical understanding into medical practices. The Edwin Smith Papyrus outlines standardized surgical procedures, challenging the perception of surgical methods as exclusively modern.

Despite China’s hierarchical society, surgical luminary Hua T’o pioneered anesthesia and abdominal procedures, showcasing surgical contributions despite societal biases. Ancient India’s Susruta Samhita, with over 300 surgical procedures, highlights the depth of knowledge and sets a precedent for surgical literature, emphasizing innovation shared across epochs.

Ancient surgeons, with rudimentary tools, demonstrated remarkable skill in intricate procedures. Ancient and modern surgical values converge on patient-centered care, emphasizing a timeless commitment to patient well-being. Acknowledging ancient roots becomes imperative as surgical technology evolves, enriching our understanding of the surgical journey and highlighting the seamless interplay of ancient wisdom and modern innovation in contemporary practice.

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