Trepanning, also called trephining, is one of the oldest known forms of surgery. From the Greek word trypanon, which means to drill or bore, surgeons historically used flint, obsidian, metal, or shells to either scrape, cut a square, or drill a circlet of holes into their patient's skull.

What was trepanning used for?

In ancient times, trepanation was thought to be a treatment for various ailments, such as head injuries. It may also have been used to treat pain. Some scientists also think that the practice was used to pull spirits from the body in rituals. Many times, the person would survive and heal after the surgery.

Can you survive trepanation?

As a tendency, the survival rate appears to be relatively high from the Neolithic to Late Antiquity but then decreases until Pre-Modern times. The 78% survival rate in Late Iron Age Switzerland indicates that the surgery was often performed successfully.