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The world’s first surgeon from India was Sushruta, who lived in the ancient city of Varanasi (also known as Benares) in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. Sushruta is believed to have lived around 600 BCE, and is known for his pioneering work in the field of surgery. He wrote the “Sushruta Samhita”, a text on medicine and surgery that is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive works on these subjects. The “Sushruta Samhita” includes detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery, plastic surgery, and the extraction of bladder stones. Sushruta’s contributions to the field of surgery have been widely recognized and celebrated, and he is often referred to as the “Father of Indian Surgery.” The text is written in Sanskrit and is divided into several sections or books, which cover a wide range of medical topics, including surgery, anatomy, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
The most famous section of the “Sushruta Samhita” is the Uttaratantra, which is devoted to surgery. It contains detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, such as the removal of tumors, the treatment of fractures, and the extraction of bladder stones. The text also includes information on anesthesia, surgical instruments, and post-operative care.
In addition to the Uttaratantra, the “Sushruta Samhita” contains the Sutrasthana (which covers general principles of medicine), the Sharirasthana (which deals with anatomy and physiology), and the Nidanasthana (which discusses diagnosis and prognosis).
The “Sushruta Samhita” is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive works on medicine and surgery, and its influence can be seen in the development of medical traditions not only in India, but also in other parts of the world. It is still studied and referenced by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, as well as scholars of medical history and ancient Indian culture.
