PLASTIC-SURGERY OF THE FACE IN BYZANTIUM IN THE 4TH-CENTURY

Oribasius was an eminent Byzantine physician who lived in the fourth c entury. His greatest contribution to medical history was his anthology of all important medical works of his time, entitled Synagogue Medica e. This complete medical encyclopedia of his era consisted of more tha n 70 volumes. A significant part of this work has been lost. What rema ins, however, allows us to glimpse the surprising richness and knowled ge of ancient medicine. Chapters 25 and 26 of the original 42nd book o f Oribasius are of specific interest to the plastic surgeon, because t hey deal with reconstruction of facial defects. Reconstructive procedu res for defects in the eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, nose, and ears are described. Advancement flaps are suggested for the reconstruction, and recommendations are made about debridement, flap design, and thicknes s of flaps. It becomes obvious from these texts that Greek. Roman, and Byzantine surgeons had the knowledge and experience to perform severa l reconstructive procedures of the face and nose. This knowledge was p assed to the Arabs and then to Western Europe in the 15th century; and became part of the foundation for modern plastic surgery.