Surgical Techniques in Ayurveda (Shalakya Tantra-Ent) Mentioned by Acharya Sushruta

Abstract

In this article, we've covered the ENT surgery methods and techniques that Acharya Sushruta detailed in his famous book, the Sushruta Samhita. The founder of the Sushruta Samhita, Acharya Sushruta, is hailed as the "Father of Surgery" and "Father of Plastic Surgery." An essential component of Ayurveda is Shalakya Tantra, which focuses on the analysis and treatment of conditions affecting the mouth, nose, ears, teeth, throat, head, and eyes. Shalakya Tantra is described as "Shalakayah Yatkarma Shalakyam, Tat Pradhanam Tantram Shalakyam" by Acharya Dalhana. It denotes a location where Shalakas (instruments resembling rods) are utilised for therapeutic purposes. The Shalakya Tantra branch of Ayurveda deals with these instruments and how to employ them for therapeutic purposes. It can be found in numerous Ayurvedic treatises today. Sushruta Samhita contains the majority of the Shalakya Tantra, but it is also found here in fragmented form. Detailed discussions of surgical tools (yantras), various incision kinds, various suturing and bandaging techniques (bandha), fracture reductions, foreign body extraction techniques, etc. are contained in the Sushruta Samhita (about 600 BC). He also brought up the utilisation of reconstructive (Sandhana) surgery by Vaidyas even during the colonial era. Acharya gave a comprehensive explanation of ENT surgery procedures that are largely applicable and actual. Acharya Sushruta noticed that a number of fractures and dislocations connected to ENT can be treated. Today, many of the foreign body removal techniques he described are virtually same to those utilised then. Many conventional surgical techniques are still useful today.These interventions can be a tremendous help in learning new and cutting-edge practises with the help of contemporary advances. Our simple goal in writing this paper is to shed light on all the Shalakya Tantra subjects that are mentioned throughout Sushruta in various places.