1. Surgical Techniques:
- Ancient Egyptians performed surgeries, primarily for practical reasons such as treating injuries, abscesses, or removing tumors. They used a range of surgical instruments, such as scalpels, knives, forceps, and sutures (stitches).
- Trephination, the drilling of a hole in the skull to relieve pressure or remove foreign objects, was practiced to treat head injuries.
2. Bandages and Wound Dressing:
- Egyptians excelled in wound care and bandage techniques. They used various materials for bandages, including linen, cotton, and papyrus.
- Bandages were applied tightly to promote healing and prevent infection, and they also used ointments and powders made from natural substances to aid healing.
3. Setting Broken Bones:
- Ancient Egyptians were proficient in treating bone fractures and dislocations. They developed a technique called "splinting," where they would immobilize broken bones using splints made of wood, leather, or reeds.
- The splints were carefully fashioned to fit the specific body part and were often decorated with intricate patterns.
4. Anesthesia:
- Evidence suggests that ancient Egyptians used various substances, such as opium and mandrake, for pain relief during medical procedures. These plants have analgesic and sedative properties.
5. Medical Texts:
- The Edwin Smith Papyrus, dating back to around 1600 BCE, is one of the earliest known surgical texts. It describes various injuries and their treatments, including detailed instructions for suturing wounds and setting fractures.
6. Medical Specialization:
- Ancient Egyptian society had specialized doctors for different medical fields. There were doctors specializing in dentistry, ophthalmology, gynecology, and internal medicine.
7. Mummification Techniques:
- The extensive knowledge gained through mummification contributed to the development of medical practices. The techniques used in preserving bodies provided insights into anatomy and physiology.
Despite these advancements, it is important to note that ancient Egyptian medicine was still limited by the knowledge and technology available at that time.