Neurosurgery in Egypt: A historical journey from papyri to the digital age

Abstract

The aim. Toconduct acomprehensive historical andanalytical review ofthedevelopment ofneurosurgical thought and practice in Egypt in the context of global historical epochs: from the Ancient World to the Modern Era.

Materials and methods. Based on the analysis of primary historical sources (Edwin Smith Papyrus), data from the scientific literature on the history of medicine, and modern organizational and statistical reports, a systematic retrospective review was performed. The historical-genetic method was used to identify continuity and key transformations.

Results. The development of neurosurgery in Egypt is presented within four periods. First period – Ancient World (IV millennium BC – V century AD): formation of empirical foundations (Edwin Smith Papyrus) and translation of knowledge through the Alexandrian School into ancient medicine. Second period – Middle Ages (V century – end of XV century): preservation of theoretical heritage in the Arab-Islamic medical tradition amid practical stagnation. Third period – Modern History (end of XV century – beginning of XX century): influence of European medical schools under Ottoman rule, laying the foundations of modern education (Kasr-el-Ainy School, 1837). Fourth period – Modern Era (mid-XX century – present): formation of the specialty through the efforts of pioneers (S. Boktor, O. Serour), institutionalization (Egyptian Society of Neurosurgeons, 1967), technological modernization and integration into the global community.

Conclusion. The evolution of neurosurgery in Egypt was intermittent, directly dependent on the political and cultural context of the epochs. The modern stage is characterized by overcoming the historical gap: while maintaining a colossal practical workload, there is an active introduction of high technologies and the strengthening of the leading positions of Egyptian neurosurgeons in the Middle East and Africa region.