Prophylactic surgery prior to extended-duration space flight: is the benefit worth the risk?

Can J Surg. 2012 Apr;55(2):125-31. doi: 10.1503/cjs.024610.

Abstract

This article explores the potential benefits and defined risks associated with prophylactic surgical procedures for astronauts before extended-duration space flight. This includes, but is not limited to, appendectomy and cholecystesctomy. Furthermore, discussion of treatment during space flight, potential impact of an acute illness on a defined mission and the ethical issues surrounding this concept are debated in detail.

Cet article explore les avantages possibles et les risques définis associés à des interventions chirurgicales prophylactiques (notamment appendicectomie et cholécystectomie) chez les astronautes devant effectuer des séjours prolongés dans l’espace. Le traitement pendant le séjour dans l’espace, les répercussions éventuelles d’une maladie grave au cours d’une mission particulière et les enjeux éthiques entourant la question y sont débattus en profondeur.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appendectomy / methods*
  • Appendectomy / statistics & numerical data
  • Appendicitis / epidemiology
  • Appendicitis / prevention & control
  • Appendicitis / surgery
  • Astronauts / statistics & numerical data
  • Cholecystectomy / methods*
  • Cholecystectomy / statistics & numerical data
  • Cholecystitis / epidemiology
  • Cholecystitis / prevention & control
  • Cholecystitis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Preventive Medicine / methods
  • Primary Prevention / methods*
  • Primary Prevention / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Space Flight*
  • Time Factors