Abstract:Hagiographical texts of the Byzantine period contain a significant number of miraculous treatments of several diseases of the ear, nose and throat. The comparison of the conservative treatments referred to as well as the often concealed surgical interventions of these texts with those known from the medical texts of the eminent Byzantine physicians, lead the writers to conclude that a series of real treatments were carried out in the churches or in the Xenones (hospitals) of Byzantium.
“…It is likely that he referred to the well-described operation in Paul’s writings. He may have used an incision of the membrane which blockaded the external auditory canal with a straight, sharp-pointed bistoury (in Greek: μαχαιρίδιον and in Latin: scalpellus), followed by removal of the remains with various circular movements, described as a “hammer whop.” 16,17 In this way, innovative physicians such as Paul paved the way for future surgeons, demonstrating some techniques that were in use up until the 19th century. 18 Figure 3.Saint Theodore of Sykeon Greek Orthodox Russian Mount Athos Byzantine Christian Icon (left side).…”
Diseases of the ear have been recorded and treated since ancient times. Ex-votos have been offered to heal deafness. Noninvasive treatments have evolved into minor, and later more advanced, surgical techniques to treat head and neck issues. Paul of Aegina (ca 625-690 ad) perfected his medical skills in the School of Alexandria in Egypt. His medical encyclopedia, Medical Compendium, described a broad series of surgical operations, including a chapter “On the atresia of the auditory canal,” which vividly described a surgical technique to open the ear canal. This surgery is particularly interesting, as it exceeds the limits of resection and amputation known at that time and describes a novel surgical technique. His innovative methods paved the way for future surgeons.
“…It is likely that he referred to the well-described operation in Paul’s writings. He may have used an incision of the membrane which blockaded the external auditory canal with a straight, sharp-pointed bistoury (in Greek: μαχαιρίδιον and in Latin: scalpellus), followed by removal of the remains with various circular movements, described as a “hammer whop.” 16,17 In this way, innovative physicians such as Paul paved the way for future surgeons, demonstrating some techniques that were in use up until the 19th century. 18 Figure 3.Saint Theodore of Sykeon Greek Orthodox Russian Mount Athos Byzantine Christian Icon (left side).…”
Diseases of the ear have been recorded and treated since ancient times. Ex-votos have been offered to heal deafness. Noninvasive treatments have evolved into minor, and later more advanced, surgical techniques to treat head and neck issues. Paul of Aegina (ca 625-690 ad) perfected his medical skills in the School of Alexandria in Egypt. His medical encyclopedia, Medical Compendium, described a broad series of surgical operations, including a chapter “On the atresia of the auditory canal,” which vividly described a surgical technique to open the ear canal. This surgery is particularly interesting, as it exceeds the limits of resection and amputation known at that time and describes a novel surgical technique. His innovative methods paved the way for future surgeons.
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