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Published on: February 10, 2023
[Bladder stone surgery in antiquity]
Haakon Lindekleiv1, Paal André Skjaerpe, Jan Due
1Kirurgisk avdeling Institutt for klinisk medisin Det medisinske fakultet Universitetet i Tromsø 9037 Tromsø
Summary
Bladder stones caused urinary retention, a common issue historically and in tropical regions. Ancient surgical techniques for bladder stones, like lithotomy and lithotripsy, are explored through Celsus' writings and Pompeii findings.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Ancient Urology
- Archaeological Medicine
Context:
- Bladder stones and urinary retention were significant health challenges before the 20th century.
- Surgical interventions such as lithotomy and lithotripsy have ancient origins.
- Catheterization provided an alternative for urinary retention when surgery was not feasible.
Purpose:
- To translate and analyze Aulus Cornelius Celsus' treatise on bladder stones from 'De Medicina'.
- To compare historical surgical methods with archaeological evidence from Pompeii.
- To examine the evolution and enduring principles of bladder stone treatment.
Summary:
- The article presents a translation of Celsus' work on bladder stones, a condition prevalent historically and in tropical regions.
- It details ancient surgical techniques (lithotomy, lithotripsy) and catheterization for urinary retention.
- The study highlights the continuity of some surgical principles in modern urology.
Impact:
- Provides insights into ancient medical practices and their relevance to contemporary urology.
- Connects historical texts with tangible archaeological evidence, enriching our understanding of past diseases.
- Offers a historical perspective on the management of bladder stones and urinary retention.
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