Research on the Principles and Techniques of Surgery of Genital System in Islamic Medicine (The Second to Twelfth Century AH)

Knowledge of Surgery is one of the milestones in Islamic civilization. The purpose of this study was to find principles and proven techniques used by Muslim surgeons, third to twelfth century AH. The present study, enjoying a historical approach, used a descriptive analysis method with matching samples. The findings of the study revealed that, during this period, some of the principles and techniques utilized, being accepted from the East to the West of Muslim world, were quite prevalent. Muslim surgeons had clear and distinct understanding of diseases of the genital system. The basic principles of Islamic surgery comprised the precaution, recovery and treatment, prevention of bleeding and suturing, along with having specialized knowledge of synthetic drugs and medicinal plants. Surgical techniques included: cauterizing, cutting and splitting. In all these steps, it was necessary for the surgeons to be equipped with specialized knowledge of a variety of surgical tools, such as cicatrix, scissors, hooks and knives and the way to use them.