Joseph Lister

Revolutionized surgery by introducing antiseptic techniques, drastically reducing post-operative infections

Joseph Lister, a British surgeon and pioneer of antiseptic surgery, made a monumental difference in medical history by transforming surgical practices. Before Lister’s innovations, post-operative infections like sepsis and gangrene were rampant, often leading to mortality rates as high as 50%. Inspired by Louis Pasteur’s germ theory, Lister hypothesized that invisible microorganisms caused infections. In 1865, he began using carbolic acid to sterilize wounds, instruments, and surgical environments. This reduced infection rates dramatically, saving countless lives.

Lister’s methods faced skepticism initially, but by the 1870s, his antiseptic approach became standard. He also developed absorbable sutures and surgical drainage techniques. His work laid the foundation for modern aseptic surgery, influencing everything from operating room protocols to sterilization of medical devices. Today, Lister is celebrated as the father of modern surgery.