The Antarctic Doctor Who Operated on Himself

In 1961, Soviet doctor Leonid Rogozov, stranded at a remote Antarctic base, developed acute appendicitis. With no way to evacuate and facing certain death if untreated, Rogozov performed a self-appendectomy, guiding two assistants and operating on himself in excruciating conditions. His survival led to stricter medical screening for polar explorers and inspired mandatory appendectomies for future isolated missions, including space travel.

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