The Sushruta Samhita is the oldest surgery manual in existence – over 2000 years old. I have a copy of the multi-volume series (in Sanskrit, w/ English translation). Nasal reconstruction for trauma or cancer is still performed the same way. https://twitter.com/tiinexile/status/1247416238730391553

The British adopted India’s surgical techniques, and for years it was thought that the British had pioneered facial reconstruction surgery. However a review of British Colonial records in India showed that they learned the techniques from Indian surgeons.

Sushruta, son of Sage Visvamitra, was the first to describe the anatomy of the human being, first to insist on training stitching techniques using fruits & vegetables. His methods of "battle field surgery" were the most scientific of the time. His instruments were so detailed.

He was the first to have done cataract surgery 2000 years ago! He used an instrument called "Jabamukhi Salaka" to loosen the lens in the eye, and push the cataract out of the field of vision.