Which Is The Oldest Surgery in India?

The Oldest Surgery in India: Legacy of Sushruta – The Father of Surgery

India has a rich history of medical science that dates back thousands of years. Among its many contributions, the field of surgery holds a special place, thanks to Sushruta, often referred to as the “Father of Surgery.” His groundbreaking work, documented in the ancient text Sushruta Samhita, laid the foundation for modern surgical procedures. This article explores the history, techniques, surgical tools, and enduring legacy of the world’s oldest recorded surgeries performed in ancient India.

Who Was Sushruta?

Sushruta was an ancient Indian physician and surgeon who lived around the 6th century BCE (though some sources suggest an even earlier period). He is believed to have been a practicing surgeon in the ancient city of Kashi (Varanasi), which was a hub of learning and culture in ancient India.

His work, compiled in the Sushruta Samhita, is one of the oldest known medical texts and is considered a foundational treatise on Ayurveda (the ancient Indian system of medicine). The text contains detailed explanations of surgical techniques, human anatomy, medicinal plants, and post-operative care, making it a significant contribution to global medical literature.

The Oldest Recorded Surgeries in India

The Sushruta Samhita describes a wide range of surgical procedures that were performed with remarkable precision for their time. Here are some of the most notable surgeries that Sushruta pioneered:

1. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Sushruta’s most famous surgical contribution is Rhinoplasty, or reconstructive nose surgery. This procedure was particularly significant in ancient India, where nose mutilation was a common form of punishment or result of warfare.

Procedure:

  • A piece of skin from the patient’s cheek or forehead was used to reconstruct the nose.
  • The skin flap was shaped and stitched into place using herbal threads treated with antiseptic medicines.
  • Post-operative care involved applying herbal ointments and ensuring a clean environment to prevent infection.

This method became the basis for modern plastic surgery and is still referred to in contemporary surgical techniques as the “Indian Flap Method.”

2. Cataract Surgery

Sushruta described one of the earliest forms of cataract surgery, making him a pioneer in ophthalmology as well.

Procedure:

  • The surgery involved inserting a sharp, curved needle called Jabamukhi Salaka into the eye to remove the cataract-affected lens.
  • After extracting the cataract, the patient was advised to rest and apply herbal eye drops to aid recovery.

Though primitive by modern standards, this procedure was revolutionary for its time and helped restore sight to many.

3. Orthopedic Surgeries

Sushruta also excelled in orthopedic surgery, dealing with broken bones, dislocated joints, and fractures.

Techniques Described:

  • Setting Fractures: Sushruta described methods of aligning fractured bones using wooden splints and tightly bound bandages.
  • Traction: He used mechanical techniques similar to modern traction to correct dislocated bones and spinal deformities.
  • Amputations and Prosthetics: He even detailed procedures for amputating limbs and creating rudimentary prosthetic devices for patients.

4. Abscess Draining and Wound Treatment

The Sushruta Samhita also includes advanced techniques for treating wounds and draining abscesses.

Procedures:

  • Incision and Drainage: Sushruta would make precise cuts to drain infected abscesses, followed by cleaning the wound with antiseptic herbal solutions.
  • Wound Suturing: He used natural threads made from plant fibers, animal sinews, and even ant heads to close wounds.

His emphasis on wound care and hygiene helped reduce the risk of infection, making him far ahead of his time.

5. Cesarean Section (C-Section)

Though less commonly described, the text contains references to primitive Cesarean sections, performed in cases where normal childbirth was not possible. The infant was delivered surgically, and the mother’s wound was sutured with herbal-treated threads.

Surgical Instruments Described by Sushruta

Sushruta’s descriptions of surgical instruments are incredibly detailed, with over 125 surgical tools mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita. These tools include:

  • Scalpels (Mandals)
  • Forceps (Shalaka Yantra)
  • Needles (Suchi)
  • Hooks (Vetasapatra)
  • Saws (Kartari)
  • Probes (Nadiyantra)

The surgical instruments were crafted from materials such as iron, copper, and wood. Their designs closely resemble modern surgical tools, showcasing Sushruta’s advanced understanding of medical technology.

Principles of Surgery in Sushruta Samhita

Sushruta emphasized several important principles of surgery, many of which remain relevant in modern medicine:

  1. Anatomical Knowledge:
    • He insisted that students must dissect cadavers to understand human anatomy thoroughly. This was revolutionary, as most ancient cultures avoided dissection due to religious beliefs.
  2. Pre- and Post-Operative Care:
    • Proper preparation, sterilization of surgical tools, and post-operative wound care were stressed.
  3. Ethics in Medicine:
    • Sushruta emphasized a physician’s duty to act with compassion, integrity, and precision.
  4. Holistic Healing:
    • He believed that surgery should be complemented by herbal medicines, diet, and spiritual practices for complete recovery.

Legacy and Global Influence

Sushruta’s contributions were not confined to India. His works were translated into Arabic as “Kitab-i-Susrud” during the Islamic Golden Age and later reached Europe through Persian and Greek translations. The knowledge from the Sushruta Samhita greatly influenced medieval medicine and even laid the foundation for modern surgical practices.

Conclusion

The legacy of Sushruta and the Sushruta Samhita endures as a monumental contribution to the history of medicine. His pioneering work in surgery, combined with his profound understanding of anatomy and medical ethics, made ancient India a global center of learning in medicine.

Modern surgical procedures, particularly in reconstructive and plastic surgery, owe much to Sushruta’s groundbreaking techniques. His visionary approach to medicine and surgery remains an inspiration, symbolizing the scientific brilliance of ancient India. The story of the world’s oldest surgery in India is not just about historical achievement — it is a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the timeless quest for healing and knowledge.

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