When Was Modern Surgery Invented?
Modern surgery was invented sometime in the 1600s or 1700s. Before then, the earliest known records of surgical procedure were written down in ancient Greece. Sushruta Samhita, one of the most prominent ancient surgeons, was also one of the most well-known. Another was Dr. Ambrose Pare. These men are important in the history surgery because they invented and developed the techniques we use today.
Ancient Greeks
The Ancient Greeks laid the foundation for modern surgery. They believed that mind and body should be in perfect harmony. The ancient Greeks were also concerned about health and physical activity.
Hippocrates, a physician and founder of modern medicine, laid the foundation. He challenged the old theories about the human body’s function. He also invented many medical devices throughout his career. These include the traction hook, the tooth forceps, and a variety of probes.
Hippocrates also wrote several books on diseases. Each book was full of advice and arguments about how to treat and prevent diseases. This led to the creation of gold standards for diagnosing, treating and preventing illness.
Hippocrates formulated a system for classifying diseases. The ancient Greeks sought natural cures rather than relying upon religious superstitions and supernatural cures.
They also used plants as stimulants. Many plants were thought to have narcotic qualities. For example, celery was thought to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Greek physicians also recorded the geographic location of their patients. They also kept track of the patient’s habits, diet, and mood swings. As a result, they were capable of creating a detailed picture regarding their patients’ health.
Sushruta Samhita
The Sushruta Samhita, a comprehensive text about surgical techniques and methods in ancient India, is available. It covers a wide range medical techniques and specialties including surgery, midwifery, and plastic surgery.
Sushruta was the father of surgery in ancient India. He invented many surgical techniques, including laparotomy, cataract surgery, and skin grafts. His work includes a detailed description for over 300 surgical procedures.
He believed that a person with a balanced body and mind is healthy. Proper nutrition and rational, positive thinking were key to optimal health.
He taught his pupils on various experimental methods. Each student was required to take a solemn oath before beginning their training. They were expected not to leave the hospital for more than six years.
After graduation, a student was required to undergo several years of practice. In order to gain experience, the surgeon was encouraged to perform surgeries on gourds, clay pots and watermelon.
A surgeon must have self-confidence and courage. He should be able to resist stress and should be aware of his strengths and weaknesses.
The duties of a surgeon include the supervision and training of non-surgeons and professional trainees. All areas of surgical care should be concerned about safety and quality.
Andreas Vesalius
Over the past 100 years, modern surgery has made significant advances. These developments have changed the face of surgical care and improved patient outcomes. They have also reduced the risk for patients undergoing surgery.
Before the industrial revolution, humans had already developed techniques for removing tumors, repairing fractures, and performing various other surgical procedures. However, the advent of anesthesia and antibiotics in the late nineteenth century made surgery safer and more effective. Surgery is now a scientific discipline with technology playing a central part.
The history of modern surgery can be divided into three main periods. The Medieval Period spanned the period between the thirteenth century and the sixteenth century. The introduction of the barber-surgeon, a new type if craftsman, marked this period. Barber-surgeons would pull teeth, cut hair, and perform simple operations.
The Renaissance saw the introduction new methods of dissection. Andreas Vesalius was a key figure in this period. He dissected many human body parts. His work helped to correct many of the misconceptions that were engendered by Galen’s writings.
Surgery used hot oil to treat injuries in the sixteenth century and seventeenth century. They also used syringes for incisions with wine.
Ambrose Pare
Ambroise Pare, a French surgeon, was responsible for many innovations in the field of surgery. Many consider him the father of modern surgical practice. His writings have had a great impact on the medical profession.
Pare developed the technique of tying blood vessels during an amputation to avoid hemorrhaging. Pare also advocated the use ligatures to prevent infection and control bleeding. This procedure was an important breakthrough in surgical practice, but it was not without its complications.
He was an army surgeon and served for thirty years. In 1552, he was appointed as the surgeon for King Henry the Second. He was known for his kindly treatment of soldiers.
He was present at the death of King Henry II. Pare was known for his strong faith while he was still alive. Pare was also a smart businessman, who owned several houses and was the founder or a number of businesses.
After his death, Pare’s writings were reprinted. They circulated throughout Europe and were translated into English by Thomas Johnson.
Although his work is dated, his texts are interesting and warrant study. The ten books include records of advances in medical practices. These documents give insight into an era filled with superstition and medicine.
Dr. Ridley
Sir Harold Ridley is credited with creating the first successful artificial lenses for a patient with cataracts. His work was a precursor of the intraocular (or IOL) lens. It is a powerful technology that has helped millions of people.
Many eye surgeons and cutting-edge thinkers considered inserting foreign material into the eyes of patients. But, as Dr. Ridley noticed, patients’ eyes did not reject the windshield material from RAF Spitfires. He believed it would be possible for a cataract patient to have their internal lens replaced with PMMA, which is a chemically sterilized plastic.
In 1949, he performed the first IOL operation in London. This procedure used ultrasonic vibrations in order to break down the cataract into smaller sections. These particles were then removed using a small probe.
It was met with resistance when Ridley’s research into this new technology was made public. Ridley was forced to decrease his efforts in subspecialties.
However, he continued to develop his work on IOLs, performing more than 1,000 in the 1970s. He also started a foundation to assist the poor. It was funded by his parents’ inheritance.
Laughing gas
A type of gas called nitrous oxide can produce a sensation of pleasure when inhaled. It is used in medicine.
Joseph Priestley produced the first nitrous oxide in 1772. Joseph Priestley called it a ‘laughinggas’ and suggested its use in surgical operations.
Gas demonstrations were a common form of entertainment in the 1830s. Showmen would demonstrate the gases and invite the audience members to inhale them. They would soon notice the hallucinations and euphoria associated with the substances.
In the 1800s, nitrous dioxide was a popular recreational drug. Horace Wells, a dentist in England, had thought about using it for dental surgeries. His nitrous oxide safety presentation was not accepted by other dental professionals.
ether was used in surgery by the end of the 18th century and was even offered as an alternative to alcohol. However, ether was not the most effective anesthetic available.
Laughing gas was not actually invented until the late 1700s, and it was not widely used in dentistry for 50 years. Even then, it became a favorite pastime for medical students.
During the 18th century, gases were frequently exhibited in traveler’s medicine shows and carnivals. Some of these events even included a demonstration of nitrous oxide and ether.
Telesurgery
Many advances have been made in the field of surgery. Modern surgical technologies have made procedures easier, more accurate and more sanitary. They also speed up the recovery process for patients.
Before the industrial revolution surgical techniques were invented by humans. These techniques were used to treat broken bones and wounds, abscesses and boils, among other conditions. Surgeons used forceps, probes, clamps, and saws.
Trepanation was the first surgical procedure. This was an emergency procedure for a head injury. Trepanation was believed to be able to treat epileptic seizures, migraines, as well as mental illness. There were many problems with this method. One problem was the absence of anesthetic agents. Another was that surgeons could not overcome bleeding and pain.
Surgery remained a relatively obscure science in the early modern period. During the 20th century, there were a few significant surgical advances. By the late 19th century, the mortality rate of surgical patients had dropped significantly.
In the nineteenth century, surgeons became more aware of infection control. They began sterilizing surgical instruments and used ligatures to control bleeding.
By the twentieth century, the technology behind these advances had become more affordable and easier to use. Today, there are robotic arms that can be used by surgeons to assist with various surgical procedures.
