Galen's Surgical Legacy: Treating the Children in Ancient Rome.

This article focuses on the contributions of Galen of Pergamon (128–216 AD), a prominent ancient physician, to the history of pediatric surgery. It highlights Galen’s detailed case reports and surgical methods, including wound treatment with healing poultices and selective use of surgery only when necessary, reflecting his advanced understanding of pediatric care in Imperial Rome. The text discusses specific pediatric surgical cases, such as chest and abdominal injuries, and Galen’s emphasis on hygiene and non-surgical management of conditions like bladder stones in children. Additionally, Galen’s observations on congenital malformations provide valuable insights into ancient recognition of pediatric disorders. His work influenced surgical practices well into the Middle Ages, making it significant for the study of the history of pediatric surgery.