Sushruta: Rhinoplasty in 600 B.C

摘要

The roots of ancient Indian surgery go back to more than 4000 years ago. Sushruta, one of the earliest surgeons of recorded history (600 B.C.) is believed to be the first individual to describe Rhinoplasty. The detailed description of the Rhinoplasty operation by Sushruta is amazingly meticulous, comprehensive and relevant today. Dear Sir,The historical evidences suggest that plastic surgery originated in India more than two millennia ago and the oldest plastic surgery operation probably relate to nasal reconstruction.Sushruta, an ancient Indian surgeon in 600 BC. is believed to be the first individual to describe Rhinoplasty.Sushruta (also known as the ‘‘Father of Indian surgery'‘ and ‘‘Father of Indian plastic surgery'‘) authored famous ancient encyclopaedic treatise 'Sushruta Samhita' (Sushruta's compendium) and vividly described the technique of Rhinoplasty. ‘Sushruta Samhita' is considered to be the most advanced compilation of surgical practices prevalent in India around two thousand millennia ago. In‘Sushruta Samhita', Sushruta emphasized all the basic principles of plastic surgery and vividly described numerous operations in various fields of surgery with significant contributions to Plastic Surgery 1,2 (Figure-1) .The notable contributions in Plastic Surgery are technique of pedicle flap, repair of ear lobe defects ,repair of traumatic and congenital clefts of the lip, classification of burns ,description of sharp (20 types) and blunt (101 types)instruments, practice of mock operations, cadveric dissection ,use of wine to dull the pain of surgical incisions, code of ethics; however the Rhinoplasty remains the greatest highlight of Sushruta's surgery. The nose in Indian society has remained a symbol of dignity and respect throughout antiquity. In ancient times, amputation of nose was frequently done as a punishment for criminals, war prisoners or people indulged in adultery. The practice of Rhinoplasty slowly started as a result of the need to reconstruct the external nose and later developed to the full fledged science.