Abul Qasim al-Zahrawi and his surgical work: a comprehensive review with unani instruments and clinical evidence

Abul Qasim al-Zahrawi (936–1013 CE), widely known as Albucasis, is regarded as the founder of operative surgery and a central authority in Ilm ul-Jarahat within Unani medicine. His encyclopedic treatise Kitab al-Tasrif li-man ‘ajiza ‘an al-ta’lif, particularly its surgical section, represents one of the earliest systematic and illustrated accounts of surgical techniques, instrumentation, and wound management. The Indian Urdu translations of this work have preserved its authenticity and ensured its continued relevance. This review article synthesizes classical knowledge from Kitab al-Tasrif with Indian Unani literature, incorporating authentic clinical statements, standardized Unani terminology, and detailed descriptions of surgical instruments (Aalat-e-Jarahat) and their applications. Al-Zahrawi’s contributions encompass cauterization, suturing, wound management, lithotomy, orthopedic procedures, obstetric interventions, and the design and application of specialized surgical instruments. His systematic approach to operative procedures and emphasis on anatomical knowledge, precision, appropriate instrumentation, and postoperative care demonstrate the sophistication of medieval Islamic surgical practice. His work continues to represent an important historical foundation for the development of surgery and remains relevant to the teaching and preservation of Unani surgical knowledge.