History of Polish gastrointestinal surgery.

Surgery is the oldest discipline of medicine. The first Poland's University Chair of Surgery was established in the 18(th) century. Surgery that had been until then the domain of barbers became a clinical discipline. In the 19(th) century Polish surgeons were actively involved in the development of gastrointestinal surgery. Most famous among them, J. Mikulicz Radecki and L. Rydygier. They invented novel surgical techniques used for the treatment of many diseases. Their achievements contributed to creating Polish school of surgery, that was further developed throughout the 20(th) century. The progress in gastrointestinal surgery has been continued in the 21(st) century in spite of existing economic barriers.