Joseph Lister: Father of Modern Surgery

Abstract

Joseph Lister was a British surgeon who pioneered antiseptic surgery and preventive healthcare. He is a well-known medical scientist and experimental pathologist. While John Hunter revolutionized the science of surgery, Joseph Lister revolutionized the art of surgery. His investigation into wound infection and bacteriology elevated his operating techniques to a new level. Lister’s findings, inferences, and methods transformed surgery in the medical world. He made numerous contributions, including the introduction of carbolic acid (modern-day phenol) as a sterilizer for surgical tools, sutures, patient skin, surgeons' hands, and wards. By decreasing the risk of post-operative infections and increasing patient safety during surgery, Lister earned the title of the "father of modern surgery." This work reviews material from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other sources to provide a theoretical analysis of Lister's contributions to surgery.