Encyclopedia/1. The Cosmos & The Natural World/6. Medicine & Human Biology • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
This timeline traces the evolution of surgical innovations and anesthesia from ancient trepanation to modern robotic surgery, highlighting key breakthroughs, pioneering figures, and global contributions that transformed medicine.
Chronological Storyline (44 Milestones)
6500 BCE
Earliest Known Trepanation
Evidence of trepanation (skull drilling) found in France, indicating early surgical procedures for head injuries or spiritual purposes. #surgery #neolithic
Earliest Known Trepanation By Hieronymus Bosch - www.rijksmuseum.nl : Home : Info : Pic, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11077174
3000 BCE
Ancient Egyptian Surgical Papyri
The Edwin Smith Papyrus describes surgical techniques for wounds, fractures, and tumors, showcasing early systematic medical knowledge in Egypt. #surgery #ancientmedicine
Ancient Egyptian Surgical Papyri By Jeff Dahl - Edited version of Image:EdSmPaPlateVIandVIIPrintsx.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2854143
1500 BCE
Sushruta Samhita: Ayurvedic Surgery
Indian physician Sushruta compiles the Sushruta Samhita, detailing plastic surgery, cataract removal, and surgical instruments. #surgery #ayurveda
Sushruta Samhita: Ayurvedic Surgery By Unknown author - Image: http://collections.lacma.org/sites/default/files/remote_images/piction/ma-31972784-O3.jpg Gallery: http://collections.lacma.org/node/170472 archive copy at the Wayback Machine, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32452002
400 BCE
Hippocratic Oath and Surgical Ethics
Hippocrates of Kos establishes ethical standards for physicians, including surgeons, emphasizing patient care and professionalism. #surgery #ethics
200 CE
Galen's Surgical Experiments
Roman physician Galen performs animal dissections and describes surgical anatomy, influencing medicine for centuries. #surgery #anatomy
Galen's Surgical Experiments By Georg Paul Busch (engraver) - The Lancet, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40855568
600 CE
Chinese Surgical Anesthesia with Mafeisan
Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo uses mafeisan, a herbal anesthetic, for abdominal surgery, pioneering anesthetics. #surgery #anesthesia
Chinese Surgical Anesthesia with Mafeisan By Unknown author - http://members.shaw.ca/jiuwan4/HuaTuo.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1250948
1000 CE
Al-Zahrawi's Surgical Encyclopedia
Islamic physician Al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis) publishes Kitab al-Tasrif, a comprehensive surgical text with illustrations and techniques like cauterization. #surgery #islamicmedicine
1160 CE
School of Salerno Surgical School
The Medical School of Salerno in Italy revives surgical training, combining Greek, Roman, and Islamic knowledge. #surgery #medieval
School of Salerno Surgical School By Unknown author - fol. 317v, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=354555
1210 CE
Guglielmo da Saliceto's Surgical Treatise
Italian surgeon Guglielmo da Saliceto writes a practical surgery manual, emphasizing careful dissection and wound care. #surgery
Guglielmo da Saliceto's Surgical Treatise By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9806555
1300 CE
Chauliac's Chirurgia Magna
French surgeon Guy de Chauliac compiles the influential Chirurgia Magna, standardizing surgery in medieval Europe. #surgery #history
Chauliac's Chirurgia Magna By Unknown author - Fielding Hudson Garrison, An introduction to the history of medicine: with medical chronology, bibliographic data, and test questions London & Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1914., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8104966
1543 CE
Vesalius' De Humani Corporis Fabrica
Andreas Vesalius publishes accurate anatomical drawings, revolutionizing surgical understanding of the human body. #anatomy #surgery
Vesalius' De Humani Corporis Fabrica By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=457251
1745 CE
Separation of Surgeons and Barbers in France
The French Academy of Surgery officially separates surgeons from barbers, elevating surgery as a profession. #surgery #history
Humphry Davy notes nitrous oxide's painkilling effects, suggesting its use in surgery. #anesthesia #chemistry
Humphry Davy Discovers Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia Potential By Thomas Phillips - one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the "sweat of the brow" doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions. As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6364758
Oct 16, 1846 CE
First Public Demonstration of Ether Anesthesia
William T.G. Morton successfully uses ether anesthesia for a dental extraction at Massachusetts General Hospital, the 'Ether Dome'. #anesthesia #surgery
First Public Demonstration of Ether Anesthesia By Kenneth C. Zirkel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157417813
Nov 1, 1847 CE
James Young Simpson Introduces Chloroform Anesthesia
Scottish obstetrician James Young Simpson uses chloroform for childbirth, popularizing its use in surgery and obstetrics. #anesthesia #childbirth
James Young Simpson Introduces Chloroform Anesthesia By Unidentified photographer - Frontispiece of Sir James Young Simpson and Chloroform (1811-1870) (Henry Laing Gordon), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4896130
1867 CE
Joseph Lister Introduces Antiseptic Surgery
Joseph Lister uses carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments, drastically reducing infection rates. #surgery #antisepsis
Joseph Lister Introduces Antiseptic Surgery By Unknown author - Weltrundschau zu Reclams Universum 1902, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9647607
1881 CE
First Successful Gastrectomy by Theodor Billroth
Theodor Billroth performs the first successful partial stomach removal (Bilroth I), pioneering gastrointestinal surgery. #surgery #gastroenterology
First Successful Gastrectomy by Theodor Billroth By Theodor-Billroth.jpg: Fotograf Erich Conrad derivative work: Materialscientist - This file was derived from: Theodor-Billroth.jpg:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20209116
1885 CE
William Halsted Develops Radical Mastectomy
William Halsted introduces the radical mastectomy for breast cancer, emphasizing meticulous technique and hemostasis. #surgery #oncology
William Halsted Develops Radical Mastectomy By John H. Stocksdale - http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/images/B14034, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18705261
1895 CE
Discovery of X-Rays by Wilhelm Röntgen
Wilhelm Röntgen discovers X-rays, providing a diagnostic tool for surgeons to visualize bones and foreign objects. #radiology #surgery
Discovery of X-Rays by Wilhelm Röntgen By Erwin Hanfstaengl - https://global.museum-digital.org/singleimage?imagenr=2399678, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=182243188
1904 CE
First Successful Blood Transfusion by Alexis Carrel
Alexis Carrel pioneers vascular suturing and performs early blood transfusions, advancing surgical ability to preserve organs. #surgery #transfusion
First Successful Blood Transfusion by Alexis Carrel By Unknown author - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ggbain.34418.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2837993
1905 CE
Harvey Cushing Revolutionizes Neurosurgery
Harvey Cushing develops surgical techniques for brain tumors and uses blood pressure monitoring, founding modern neurosurgery. #neurosurgery #surgery
Harvey Cushing Revolutionizes Neurosurgery By Unknown author - https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0027585.html This file comes from the Wellcome Collection, a website operated by Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation based in the United Kingdom. Refer to Wellcome blog post (archive).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33621104
1920 CE
Development of Local Anesthesia by Procaine
German chemist Alfred Einhorn synthesizes procaine (Novocaine), enabling localized numbing for minor procedures. #anesthesia #dentistry
Development of Local Anesthesia by Procaine By Manuel Almagro Rivas - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47519254
1944 CE
First Use of Penicillin in Surgery
Penicillin becomes widely available for surgical wound infections, dramatically reducing postoperative sepsis. #antibiotics #surgery
First Use of Penicillin in Surgery By Yikrazuul - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7348509
1950 CE
First Kidney Transplant by Richard Lawler
Richard Lawler performs the first successful human kidney transplant in the US, though the organ failed later. #transplantation #surgery
First Kidney Transplant by Richard Lawler By Unknown author - National Library of Medicine, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114188683
Dec 23, 1954 CE
First Successful Living-Donor Kidney Transplant
Joseph Murray performs the first successful kidney transplant between identical twins, leading to the Nobel Prize. #transplantation #surgery
1960 CE
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine Developed by John Gibbon
John Gibbon develops the heart-lung machine, enabling open-heart surgery. #cardiacsurgery #innovation
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine Developed by John Gibbon By Unknown author - http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101441395, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89545994
1963 CE
First Successful Liver Transplant by Thomas Starzl
Thomas Starzl performs the first successful human liver transplant, paving the way for organ transplantation. #transplantation #surgery
First Successful Liver Transplant by Thomas Starzl By BillCramer - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147252801
1964 CE
Fogarty Catheter for Clot Removal
Thomas Fogarty invents the balloon embolectomy catheter, revolutionizing vascular surgery for blood clot removal. #vascularsurgery #innovation
Dec 3, 1967 CE
First Human Heart Transplant by Christiaan Barnard
Christiaan Barnard performs the first human-to-human heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa. #transplantation #cardiacsurgery
First Human Heart Transplant by Christiaan Barnard By IPPA photographer - This file is available from Dan Hadani collection of the National Library of Israel. link to the source:Heart transplant pioneer Barnard here on Visit., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142422502
1972 CE
CT Scan Introduced by Godfrey Hounsfield
Godfrey Hounsfield invents the CT scanner, providing detailed cross-sectional images for surgical planning. #radiology #surgery
CT Scan Introduced by Godfrey Hounsfield By Unknown author - http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101441444, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71023819
1985 CE
First Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by Erich Mühe
Erich Mühe performs the first laparoscopic gallbladder removal, initiating minimally invasive surgery revolution. #minimallyinvasive #surgery
1987 CE
First Coronary Stent Implanted
Ulrich Sigwart implants the first coronary stent, transforming interventional cardiology and vascular surgery. #cardiology #stent
First Coronary Stent Implanted By BruceBlaus. When using this image in external sources it can be cited as: Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33041225
1990 CE
da Vinci Surgical System Patent
The da Vinci Surgical System is patented, enabling robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery with enhanced precision. #roboticsurgery #innovation
da Vinci Surgical System Patent By Nimur at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3158337
1998 CE
First Successful Hand Transplant
A team in France performs the first successful hand transplant, marking a milestone in reconstructive surgery. #transplantation #reconstructive
2000 CE
FDA Approves da Vinci Surgical System
The FDA clears the da Vinci Surgical System for general laparoscopic surgery, launching robotic surgery. #roboticsurgery #FDA
2005 CE
First Face Transplant by Bernard Devauchelle
Bernard Devauchelle leads the first partial face transplant on Isabelle Dinoire in France. #transplantation #reconstructive
First Face Transplant by Bernard Devauchelle By US army staffman - http://www.army.mil/article/71538/Natick_plays_major_role_in_face_transplants/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26960400
2008 CE
Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)
Surgeons perform the first NOTES procedures, accessing the abdomen through natural orifices to avoid scars. #minimallyinvasive #surgery
Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) By No machine-readable author provided. Acuadrad assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3365987
2012 CE
3D Printing Used in Surgical Planning
Surgeons begin using patient-specific 3D-printed models for complex reconstructive and orthopedic surgeries. #3dprinting #surgery
2014 CE
First Bionic Eye Implant for Retinitis Pigmentosa
The Argus II retinal prosthesis (bionic eye) is implanted, restoring partial sight to blind patients. #ophthalmology #bionics
First Bionic Eye Implant for Retinitis Pigmentosa By Edesjardins19 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69626516
2015 CE
FDA Approves Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
The MitraClip device for mitral valve repair is approved, expanding minimally invasive cardiac interventions. #cardiacsurgery #minimallyinvasive
FDA Approves Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair By Hellerhoff - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45345611
2017 CE
First In-Utero Surgery for Spina Bifida
Surgeons perform successful fetal surgery for spina bifida, reducing postnatal complications. #fetalsurgery #neurosurgery
First In-Utero Surgery for Spina Bifida By Francois I. Luks, MD - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8714932
2019 CE
First Successful Penile Transplant in the US
A team at Johns Hopkins performs the first total penile and scrotum transplant in a military veteran. #transplantation #reconstructive
2020 CE
First Robotic Surgery via 5G Network
A surgeon in China performs the first remote robotic surgery using a 5G connection, enabling telesurgery. #roboticsurgery #telemedicine
2022 CE
First Pig-to-Human Heart Transplant
David Bennett receives a genetically modified pig heart transplant, a xenotransplantation milestone. #xenotransplantation #cardiacsurgery
First Pig-to-Human Heart Transplant By Jansen of Lorkeers S, Gho J, Koudstaal S, van Hout G, Zwetsloot P, van Oorschot J, van Eeuwijk E, Leiner T, Hoefer I, Goumans M, Doevendans P, Sluijter J, Chamuleau S - S1 Video from Jansen of Lorkeers S, Gho J, Koudstaal S, van Hout G, Zwetsloot P, van Oorschot J, van Eeuwijk E, Leiner T, Hoefer I, Goumans M, Doevendans P, Sluijter J, Chamuleau S (2015). "Xenotransplantation of Human Cardiomyocyte Progenitor Cells Does Not Improve Cardiac Function in a Porcine Model of Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure. Results from a Randomized, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial". PLOS ONE. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0143953. PMID 26678993. PMC: 4683045., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46153841
