Scandinavian Surgical Society: The Oldest International Surgical Society in the World

Scandinavian Surgical Society (SSS), Nordisk Kirurgisk Förening, founded in 1893, is the oldest international surgical society in the world. The purpose of the society is to promote scientific and clinical work as well as education in the field of surgery in the Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Nordic co-operation has long traditions in the medical field. The surgical development through the surgical communities and the long-term co-operation between the Nordic surgeons have affected the patient care and development of surgery throughout the Nordic region. An overview and a historical glance of the surgical communities in the Nordic countries from the 18th century are described as well as activities in the SSS from the beginning of 1893 to these days.