Susruta, an ancient Indian surgeon who flourished around the 6th century BCE. Revered as the “Father of Indian Medicine” and the “Father of Plastic Surgery,” Susruta’s contributions to the field remain unparalleled, shaping the foundations of modern surgical techniques and leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of medical practice.
Susruta, an Ancient Plastic Surgeon Summary
Susruta was an ancient plastic surgeon. He learnt surgery and medicine at the feet of Divodasa Dhanvantari in his hermitage at Varanasi. Later he became an authority in both surgery and the other branches of medicine.
Once a stranger came to him. He was bleeding from his disfigured nose. Susruta took him into his room. He washed his face with water and the juice of a medicinal plast. He offered him a mug of wine. Later he started his operation. He cut a strip of flesh from the stranger’s cheek. Later he bandaged the cut in the cheek. Later he inserted two pipes into his nostrils and transplanted the flesh to the disfigured nose. Next, he dusted the nose with powdered liquorice, red sandalwood and an extract of Indian barberry. He enveloped the nose in cotton, sprinkled some refined oil on it and finally put a bandage. Thus he completed the operation.
What Susruta did is not greatly different from what a plastic surgeon would do today So, today Susruta is recognised as the father of plastic surgery, all over the world. Susrata was born in the sixth century B.C. He was a descendant of sage, Viswamitra. He was the first physician to advocate the caesarian operation. He told his pupils that one could become a good physician only if one knew both theory and practice.
Conclusion:
Susruta’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of medical knowledge and his unwavering commitment to patient well-being have earned him a place among the most influential figures in the history of medicine.