Surgery Through Time

Surgery Through Time

Prehistory

• Trephining - removing a segment of skull.
• Carried out to let out evil spirits
• We know some people survived, because there is evidence of bone regrowth on some skeletons.

Egyptians

• Good at practical first aid
• Some surgical instruments - only surface surgery
• Some evidence of cautery - burning closed wounds
• No anaesthetics, only herbal antiseptics like willow, so high levels of infection.

Greeks

• Good at practical first aid - lots of wars
• Also learned about setting broken and dislocating bones
• Did dissections, but didn't perform surgery in the body
• No anaesthetics, only herbal antiseptics - high risk of infection.

Romans

• Good at practical first aid - battles and gladiators
• Good at surface surgery - removing tumours near skin
• New surgical and midwifery instruments
• Developed Caesarian section - although mother ALWAYS died.
• No evidence of successful internal surgery - no anaesthetics, only herbal antiseptics.

Middle…