Evolution of ancient techniques of reconstructive surgery from Sushruta to modern day: w(h)ere is the evidence?

Abstract

Abstract The evolution of surgical procedures from the primeval period to modern day has acclimatized according to the contemporary sphere and needs, but acknowledgement to the original contributor is an ethical principle that should always be kept in mind. Sushruta, popularly known as the father of plastic surgery, has provided a noteworthy input in developing the concepts of reconstructive surgery, but a thorough comparative analysis is not found in the available literary evidences. An extensive literature search imbibing conventional and contemporary materials was performed for this comparative analysis, followed by a meticulous search for the available documented evidences in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Tremendous references regarding plastic, reconstructive, or cosmetic surgery including the procedural methodology are found in ancient classical Ayurvedic texts, which is typically followed by the modern era’s techniques. Sandhana Karma principles include traditional approaches to wound care, such as suturing, treating fractures and dislocations, applying bandages, controlling bleeding, using skin flaps and grafts, and performing anastomosis. The results are illustrated through comparative analysis in the article. Sushruta surely is the father of plastic surgery since the ancient techniques are no less than the contemporary ones, and thus its evolution can be claimed with the evidences mentioned herewith.