Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Bowel obstruction historical perspective
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Bowel obstruction has been described as far back as 1550 b.c. in ancient Egypt, however, the earliest record of the first successful treatment of small bowel obstruction was in 350 b.c. by Praxagorus.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Discovery
- Bowel obstruction was described in the Ebers papyrus in 1550 b.c. in Egypt.[1]
- Hippocrates was first to diagnose and treat small bowel obstruction.
- The first documented treatment was by Praxagorus in 350 b.c.
- Praxagrous’ treatment involved a fistula created between the skin and bowel that decompressed the obstructed bowel.
References
References
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]