T H E E N D C O M M U N E

The Ordeal of Leonid Rogozov

In 1960-1961, Leonid Rogozov was the only licensed doctor present on a Soviet Antarctic expedition. While stationed at the Novolazarevskaya Station, he developed appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). The condition is a medical emergency and demands immediate attention. Trapped inside the station due to extremely hostile weather, with violent blizzards allowing no planes to either land or lift off, Rogozov had to perform the necessary appendectomy surgery on himself. The symptoms retreated and he later returned to his medical duty after 2 weeks.