Unearthing Ancient Surgical Prowess
In a remarkable discovery, archeological remains have unveiled the practice of brain surgery by ancient doctors in the Inca Empire during the 15th century. These skilled surgeons would chip out a piece of the skull, remove part of the brain, and cover the opening with a metal plate. A recent study has compared the survival rates of Inca brain surgery with cranial surgeries performed during the American Civil War, and the findings are nothing short of astonishing.
The Development of Inca Cranial Surgery
The study, conducted by bioarchaeologists John Verano and Anne Titelbaum, along with neurologist David Kushner, analyzed the success rates of trepanation over time. With Peru’s abundant well-preserved ancient skulls, the researchers examined the edges of the trepanned holes. If the edges showed significant healing, the surgery was considered a success. The analysis encompassed different periods of Peruvian trepanation, revealing a progression in surgical skill.
During the period between 400 B.C.E. and 200 B.C.E., only 40 percent of the 59 examined skulls showed signs of survival. However, the survival rate increased to 53 percent among the 421 skulls dated between 1000 C.E. and 1400 C.E. In the Inca period (1400 C.E. to 1500 C.E.), an impressive 75 to 83 percent of the 160 examined skulls exhibited signs of successful healing.
Comparing Survival Rates: Inca Trepanation vs. Civil War Skull Surgery
In a striking comparison, the study found that the mortality rate for skull surgery during the American Civil War ranged from 46 to 56 percent, significantly higher than the survival rates of the Inca Empire. This raises the question of how ancient Peruvian surgeons achieved outcomes that surpassed those of their 19th-century counterparts.
According to Kushner, the technique of Inca surgeons evolved over time. They learned to avoid areas of the skull that would cause excessive bleeding, realized the survivability of smaller holes over larger ones, and crucially, performed shallower surgeries to avoid perforating the brain’s protective membrane, the dura. Multiple trepanation holes found in some skulls indicate that certain patients even survived repeated surgeries.
Factors Behind Inca Surgical Success
While the reasons for the Inca’s surgical success remain partly unknown, it is evident that they had effective methods to prevent infection. In contrast, infections plagued Civil War surgeries due to the lack of sterilization and unhygienic practices. Additionally, the Inca may have employed anesthesia, possibly utilizing coca leaves or other substances, although the exact details remain elusive due to the absence of written records.
A Legacy of Ingenuity and Skill
The archeological remains of ancient Inca brain surgery shed light on the remarkable achievements of their skilled surgeons. Through centuries of practice, the Inca developed surgical techniques that resulted in higher survival rates compared to the surgical practices of the American Civil War era. The study highlights the complex factors contributing to the Inca’s success, including their understanding of infection control and the refinement of surgical methods. This exploration of ancient cranial surgery serves as a testament to the ingenuity and medical prowess of the Inca civilization.
