Riva Michele Augusto, Petrella Francesco, Paladino Maria Emilia
School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
Department of Occupational Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy.
Am Surg. 2025 Jun;91(6):1055-1058. doi: 10.1177/00031348251329486. Epub 2025 Mar 18.
Galen of Pergamon (128-216 AD) is one of the most renowned physicians of antiquity, known for his extensive contributions to various medical disciplines. His early career included treating traumatic injuries, which developed his knowledge of human anatomy and surgical techniques. The aim of this work is to analyze the contributions of Galen to the history of pediatric surgery. Galen's work in pediatric surgery is notable for its detailed case reports and methods, such as using healing poultices. He emphasized the necessity of surgery only when required, criticizing colleagues who endangered patient safety. Galen's writings also provide unique insights into the health of children in Imperial Rome, offering information not easily found in other sources. His meticulous approach to patient care and willingness to adapt treatments based on age and condition highlight his advanced medical understanding. In conclusion, Galen's impact on surgery extended into the Middle Ages and beyond, making his works essential for anyone interested in the history of surgery and particularly in the history of pediatric surgical practices.
帕加马的盖伦（公元128 - 216年）是古代最著名的医生之一，以其对各种医学学科的广泛贡献而闻名。他早期的职业生涯包括治疗创伤性损伤，这使他对人体解剖学和外科技术有了深入了解。这项工作的目的是分析盖伦对小儿外科史的贡献。盖伦在小儿外科方面的工作以其详细的病例报告和方法而著称，比如使用治疗药膏。他强调仅在必要时才进行手术的必要性，批评那些危及患者安全的同行。盖伦的著作还为罗马帝国时期儿童的健康状况提供了独特的见解，提供了其他来源不易找到的信息。他对患者护理的细致入微以及根据年龄和病情调整治疗方法的意愿，凸显了他先进的医学理解。总之，盖伦对外科手术的影响一直延续到中世纪及以后，他的著作对于任何对手术史，尤其是小儿外科手术实践史感兴趣的人来说都是必不可少的。
