The Self-Operated Surgeon: Leonid Rogozov

Leonid Rogozov was a Soviet general practitioner who, during the Antarctic expedition of 1961, performed an appendectomy on himself.

Isolated by harsh weather and with no other doctor within a thousand miles, Rogozov had no choice but to operate on himself or face certain death.

Using a mirror, local anesthesia, and improvised tools, Rogozov successfully completed the surgery in a staggering 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Post-surgery, Rogozov recovered fully and continued his role in the expedition. The feat earned him worldwide acclaim and Soviet honors.

Rogozov's operation remains influential, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and ingenuity in medicine, especially in isolated environments.

Rogozov's self-surgery was not only successful but also performed without any assistance, a feat rarely matched in medical history.