This is how to do surgery in space:
Surgical emergencies are in fact one of the main challenges when it comes to human space travel. But over the last few years, space medicine researchers have come up with a number of ideas that could help, from surgical robots to 3D printers.
[...] As well as distance, the extreme environment faced during transit to and on Mars includes microgravity, high radiation levels and an enclosed pressurised cabin or suit. This is tough on astronauts’ bodies and takes time getting used to.
[...] For a crew of seven people, researchers estimate that there will be an average of one surgical emergency every 2.4 years during a Mars mission. The main causes include injury, appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation or cancer. Astronauts are screened extensively when they are selected, but surgical emergencies can occur in healthy people and may be exacerbated in the extreme environment of space.
[...] One problem was that, during open surgery, the intestines would float around, obscuring the view of the surgical field. To deal with this, space travellers should opt for minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as keyhole surgery, ideally occurring within patients’ internal cavities through small incisions using a camera and instruments.
[...] Bodily fluids will also behave differently in space and on Mars. The blood in our veins may stick to instruments because of surface tension. Floating droplets may also form streams that could restrict the surgeon’s view, which is not ideal. The circulating air of an enclosed cabin may also be an infection risk. Surgical bubbles and blood-repelling surgical tools could be the solution.
Researchers have already developed and tested various surgical enclosures in microgravity environments. For example, Nasa evaluated a closed system comprising a surgical clear plastic overhead canopy with arm ports, aiming to prevent contamination.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Muad'Dave on Friday July 24 2020, @11:15AM (2 children)
When in doubt, rip it out. That's always been my mantra on matters surgical. Neither the appendix nor gallbladder are required equipment; rip 'em out preemptively on deep space astronauts.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday July 24 2020, @01:51PM (1 child)
I'm with you on the appendix, but the gallbladder? One can certainly argue that there is little to no difference between an individual with appendix and one lacking it. AFAICR, there /is/ such a difference between individuals with and without gallbladder (consider at least https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallbladder#Gallbladder_removal [wikipedia.org] ).
(Score: 2) by ElizabethGreene on Friday July 24 2020, @04:50PM
Your gallbladder has a useful function. The very serious risk of permanent untreatable IBS and dumping syndrome are not to be ignored.