The doctor who operated on himself: How Soviet surgeon Leonid Rogozov removed his own appendix in Antarctica

In brief

In April 1961, surgeon Leonid Rogozov found himself in a dire situation in Antarctica when he developed acute appendicitis. Stranded at a remote Soviet research station, he realized that evacuation was impossible. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, he performed surgery on himself with local anesthesia, assisted by two colleagues, successfully removing his appendix. This incredible act is celebrated as a…