A theoretical review on Shalya Tantra (Surgery) methodology in Ayurveda

Abstract

Sushruta was known as the first ever surgeon to develop cosmetic surgery and know a father of plastic surgery. Sushruta Samhita is only complete Textbook which deals with the problems of practical surgery in details.Sushruta wrote the ‘Sushruta Samhita’ as an instruction manual for physicians to treat their patients holistically. The most popular physician of Ayurveda, Acharya Charaka, also recommended Shalya Tantra to treat certain diseases that needed immediate attention; for example, Bhagandar, Arsha, Mudhgarbhaetc. Instruments used in Shalya tantra, as described in Ayurvedic texts, which were made mainly from wood, stone, broad leaves, branches of trees and various other natural materials. The unique way of naming any surgical tools after the animals or birds are adopted even today. Yogya, training was given to any medicos to build prior to actual surgery. A very elaborative description was given in Sushrutsamhita about surgical types, instruments, suturing, Bandhan, informed consent, Shalyagar which is still a standard method in each of these.