THE HISTORY OF ABDOMINAL SURGERY: THE EVOLUTION OF AN ESSENTIAL BRANCH OF MEDICINE

Abdominal surgery, one of the most complex and demanding branches of modern medicine, has undergone a long and difficult journey from its origins to the sophisticated techniques used today. Surgical interventions on the abdominal cavity involve addressing vital organs such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, or spleen. The article traces the evolution of abdominal surgery from antiquity to the 20th century, focusing on the significant progress made in each period. In antiquity, abdominal surgery was rare and risky, limited by a lack of anatomical knowledge, anesthesia, and antisepsis. Egypt, Greece, and Rome made modest contributions to the treatment of hernias and other abdominal traumas. In the Middle Ages, abdominal surgery was influenced by Islamic medicine, particularly the works of Al-Zahrawi. Significant progress came in the 19th century, when the discovery of anesthesia by William Morton and antisepsis by Joseph Lister revolutionized surgical practices. The 20th century brought another revolution with the development of laparotomy and later laparoscopic surgery, which significantly reduced complications and recovery time for patients, laying the foundation for modern surgery.