ABSTRACT

Surgical case taking is a critical clinical skill that forms the foundation for accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning. Despite advancements in imaging and interventional diagnostics, the art of eliciting a comprehensive history and performing a focused examination remains central to surgical practice. Studies have consistently shown that a well-taken history contributes to the majority of correct diagnoses even before investigations are conducted. In the context of Shalyatantra, Acharya Sushruta emphasized the necessity of understanding both the patient (Rogi) and the disease (Roga) before initiating any surgical intervention. Methods: This narrative review draws upon classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Sushruta Saṃhita, along with contemporary clinical literature and educational frameworks, to outline a structured and integrative approach to surgical case taking. The four primary domains discussed are demographic profiling, clinical history, examination and diagnosis, and treatment planning. Results/Discussion: A detailed case history helps in localizing pathology, identifying comorbidities, understanding psychosocial influences, and formulating differential diagnoses. Examination findings and investigations build upon this to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and guide appropriate surgical or conservative management. Integrating Ayurvedic principles—such as Dashavidha Parikṣha and Doṣa-Vikṛti analysis—enhances personalization of care, especially in pre- and post-operative phases. Conclusion: Surgical case taking is not merely an administrative task, it is the first therapeutic act. When approached systematically and holistically, it sharpens clinical judgment, guides operative decisions, and ensures safer, more effective, and patient-tailored outcomes. Keywords – Surgical case taking, Sushruta ,Rugna-Pariksha, Shalyatantra