Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024 Apr 5;12(4):e5715.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005715. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Sushruta: The Father of Indian Surgical History

Affiliations

Sushruta: The Father of Indian Surgical History

Tirth Dave et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Sushruta, an ancient surgeon from 600 BCE in Kashi, India, is a pioneering figure in medical history. His innovations in surgical techniques, predating Hippocrates and Galen, have left an indelible mark in the field. This review article focuses on Sushruta's contributions to surgery, particularly his foundational work in plastic and reconstructive procedures. We delve into the Sushruta Samhita, the oldest surgical text, covering essential principles, pathology, anatomy, and surgical management. Sushruta's approach emphasized cleanliness, cadaver dissection, and innovative practices in anesthesia. Our article underscores the enduring impact of Sushruta's work on modern surgical science.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Statue of Sushruta, in Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Some of the tools used by Sushruta that are published in the English translation of Sushruta Samhita in four plates.

References

    1. Kansupada K, Sassani JS. The father of Indian surgery and ophthalmology. Doc Ophthalmol. 1997;93:159–167. - PubMed
    1. Das S. Urology in ancient India. Indian J Urol. 2007;23:2–5. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rana R, Arora B. History of plastic surgery in India. J Postgrad Med. 2002;48:76. - PubMed
    1. Prakash UB. Shushruta of ancient India. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1978;146:263–272. - PubMed
    1. Bender GA. Great Moments in Pharmacy: The Stories and Paintings in the Series, A History of Pharmacy in Pictures. Northwood Institute Press; 1966.

LinkOut - more resources