Discover published sets by community

Developed by Joseph Lister in the 1860s, this technique drastically reduced infections by using carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, leading to the practices of asepsis and antiseptics used widely in surgery today.

Landmark advancement with the discovery of blood groups by Karl Landsteiner in 1901, enabling the safe transfer of blood and saving countless lives during surgeries and after traumatic injuries.

Limb salvage surgery has become an alternative to amputation in some cancer cases, preserving limb function with advancements in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Innovated by pioneers like Alfred Blalock and Michael DeBakey, cardiac surgery has progressed from first attempts in the 19th century to complex procedures such as bypasses and heart transplants.

Used as a life-saving measure in the face of injury or disease, amputation techniques have advanced from crude methods to surgical procedures aiming at preserving function and facilitating prosthetic use.

Developed from ancient techniques with major improvements in the 18th century, cataract surgery has restored vision to millions, with innovations like the intraocular lens and phacoemulsification.

An ancient surgical procedure for removing bladder stones, which has evolved from a perilous and painful operation to more sophisticated methods such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

With a history dating back to ancient India, skin grafting has evolved significantly, with techniques like split-thickness and full-thickness grafts aiding in the recovery of burn victims and surgical reconstructions.

First successful removal of an inflamed appendix by Charles McBurney in 1885, leading to one of the most common and lifesaving surgical procedures today.

Developed and refined over centuries, sutures are used to close wounds and promote healing, with materials ranging from natural fibers in ancient times to modern synthetic options.

With the first successful kidney transplant in 1954 by Joseph E. Murray, organ transplantation has transformed the lives of patients with organ failure, though challenges like rejection and organ shortages remain.

Once a common procedure for treating tonsillitis, the tonsillectomy has declined in frequency due to better understanding of treatments and the risks of surgery, illustrating the evolution of medical decision-making.

Ancient techniques in India were recorded in the Sushruta Samhita, with significant advancements during World War I by Harold Gillies, leading to modern reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

First successful public demonstration in 1846 by William T.G. Morton using ether, changing surgery from a traumatic experience into a more humane medical practice.

A critical technique in the treatment of breast cancer, the radical mastectomy was refined by William Stewart Halsted in the late 19th century, though later modified due to its invasiveness.

Introduced in the late 20th century, robotic surgery allows for precision and minimally invasive procedures, revolutionizing operations such as prostatectomies and cardiac valve repair.

Although referenced in ancient texts, the procedure became more successful in the 19th century with the advent of antiseptics and anesthesia, now a common surgical technique to deliver babies when necessary.

Advancements like the operating microscope and neuroimaging have allowed for precise interventions in the brain, contributing to successful treatments of tumors, aneurysms, and other conditions.

Developed as a treatment for obesity, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has shown success in weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.

The development of artificial organs and implants, like pacemakers and artificial heart valves, has extended the lives of patients with organ failure or dysfunction, showcasing the intersection of medicine and technology.

Developed in the late 20th century, LASIK employs laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, resulting in widespread adoption for vision correction.

Developed in the late 20th century, this minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and has reduced recovery time and risk of infection, revolutionizing many types of surgeries.

One of the oldest surgical procedures, dating back to Neolithic times, involving drilling or scraping a hole into the skull, often performed for medical and spiritual reasons.

The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 and its subsequent use in surgery has significantly reduced the risk of postoperative infections and complications.