摘要
Background:Ancient Egypt might be considered the cradle of medicine.The modern literature is somewhat too enthusiastic regarding the procedures given an Egyptian origin.The aim of the current paper is to briefly analyze the claims regarding urological and genital surgery in Egypt,in order to decide what the Egyptian actually do,and what has incorrectly been ascribed to them.Methods:The original sources as well as the modern literature was reviewed regarding surgery in ancient Egypt.Results:There is only one source indicating a urological procedure for medical indications in the Egyptian material.The Ebers papyrus can be interpreted as describing a surgical treatment for hydrocele.The sources are more abundant regarding male circumcision,while female circumcision is mainly documented from a later period.The suggestions that castration and lithotomy were performed are based on a lack of understanding of the sources.Conclusion:The ancient Egyptians did possibly treat hydrocele with a minor surgical procedure,but there are no indications in the sources that other urological procedures were performed.Circumcisions were common,but were not performed on a medical indication.These findings are in line with the general level of Egyptian surgery.
