Cosmetic Surgery Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cosmetic Surgery, including details on microsurgery, reconstruction, techniques, risks.

SH08 AL-ZAHRAWI - THE FATHER OF SURGERY.

Ahmad Z

St. Thomas’ Hospital, Middlesex, United Kingdom.

A pioneer in all fields of surgery, Al-Zahrawi developed numerous original techniques as well as instruments. He published the first ever surgical encyclopaedia entitled "At-Tashrif". His way of thinking and practice of surgery inspired many subsequent great surgeons. As a result of his imperious work and contribution to surgery, he has been given the title of 'Father of Surgery', and provided yet another beacon of light in the dark ages. In his many papers and manuals, he describes various operations and procedures which had never been recorded before. Some have described him as the first ever plastic surgeon, notably for his attention to and methods of incision, use of silk thread suture to achieve good cosmesis. He describes what is thought to be the first attempt at reduction mammaplasty for the management of gynaecomastia. He gives detailed descriptions of other basic surgical techniques such as cautery and wound management. The aim of this paper is to highlight and remind us of the invaluable contributions made by this remarkable pioneer in the field of surgery, which have acted a preamble for many techniques and procedures used in the field of plastic surgery.

Published 10 May 2007 in ANZ J Surg, 77: A83.
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