The Incredible Stories Behind 50+ Iconic Historical Photos

Taking Matters Into His Own Hands

When you think of epic DIY projects, does performing your own appendectomy come to mind? Well, for Soviet surgeon Leonid Rogozov, it sure did. Stranded in Antarctica in 1961 and feeling the unmistakable signs of appendicitis, Rogozov faced a choice: operate or potentially perish.

With no other option, he prepped himself for surgery like a true badass, sterilized his tools, and got to work on his own belly. He even trained his team to take over if he passed out—talk about a trust exercise! Remarkably, the operation was a success, and Rogozov lived to tell the tale.

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