Fmgemciexamabout 6 years ago

Leonid Rogozov, Surgeon

Surgeon removed his own appendix when it burst during an expedition to Antarctica!! In 1961, a twelve man soviet crew was building a new base in the Antarctic. Mindful that being trapped in sub-zero temperatures for months on end required a medical professional to be on hand, one doctor had been assigned to the team. So what happens when the only man capable of performing surgery comes down with a severe case of appendicitis? He does what any reasonable minded person would do. Performs an appendectomy... on himself. The 27-year-old surgeon Leonid Rogozov felt ill with weakness, nausea, elevated temperature and pain in the right lower quadrant, but he instantly diagnosed himself: acute appendicitis. The problem was that he was the only doctor at the station. After the team helped him with preparations, Rogozov laid on the table, positioned himself in a supine position, and made the first incision. He first infiltrated the layers of abdominal wall with 20 ml of 0.5% procaine, using several injections. After 15 minutes he made a 10-12 cm incision. The visibility in the depth of the wound was not ideal; sometimes he had to raise his head to obtain a better view or to use the mirror, but for the most part he worked by feel. The incredible procedure was over in one hour and 45 minutes. Rogozov removed the infected appendix, carefully applied antibiotics, and closed the wound. Two weeks later, he resumed his duties at the base.