Who introduced modern surgical aseptic techniques in the 19th century?

The introduction of modern surgical aseptic techniques in the 19th century is primarily attributed to Joseph Lister. He recognized the importance of preventing infections during surgical procedures, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. Lister implemented the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic during surgeries, drastically reducing the incidence of postoperative infections and significantly improving patient outcomes. His work laid the foundation for sterile surgical practices we still adhere to today.

In contrast, while Louis Pasteur made significant contributions to microbiology and demonstrated the germ theory of disease, he did not focus specifically on the implementation of aseptic techniques in surgery. Robert Koch is known for his work in bacteriology and for formulating the postulates that established a methodology for linking specific pathogens to diseases, but he did not develop surgical asepsis. Edward Jenner is celebrated for the development of the smallpox vaccine, a breakthrough in vaccination and immunology, but he did not contribute to surgical techniques. Thus, Joseph Lister's pioneering efforts in establishing aseptic protocols earned him recognition as a key figure in modern surgery.