In 1961, Leningrad surgeon Leonid Rogozov became one of the most famous people in the USSR, second only to Yuri Gagarin in popularity. During the first wintering in Antarctica, he independently removed his own inflamed appendix. This event became known worldwide. Rogozov left for Antarctica on the diesel-electric ship "Ob" on November 5, 1960, taking a suitcase full of books. The ship arrived at its destination in December. In total, the expedition consisted of 13 people. In addition to his primary duties, Rogozov also served as a meteorologist and driver, unloaded cargo, and participated in construction. After nine weeks of preparatory work in the Schirmacher Oasis (an ice-free area in the central part of Princess Astrid Coast), the new Soviet Antarctic station – Novolazarevskaya – was opened on February 18, 1961. In the fourth month of wintering, the doctor felt unwell. On April 29, 1961, Rogozov noticed alarming symptoms: weakness, nausea, fever, and pain in the lower right part of the abdomen. Rogozov tried conservative treatment – fasting, cold, and rest – but by the next day realized that surgical intervention was necessary. However, there was no one available to perform the surgery, nor was there the possibility of an urgent flight to the USSR. Rogozov found himself in a very difficult situation. He had no choice but to perform the operation himself. None of the other polar explorers had medical knowledge. Therefore, the operation was particularly difficult for Rogozov. He began his unique operation late in the evening on April 30, 1961. He was assisted by two helpers. Engineer-mechanic Zinoviy Teplinsky held the mirror at the feet of the patient doctor, while meteorologist Alexander Artemyev handed him the necessary instruments. Rogozov began working in a lying position with a slight tilt to the left side. After the anesthetic injection, he made a 12 cm incision with a scalpel. He worked without gloves, sometimes by touch alone, and sometimes looking in the mirror. Discovering the inflamed appendix, Rogozov removed it and administered an antibiotic. Half an hour into the operation, he developed severe dizziness and weakness. After each action, he had to take a 20-second break to catch his breath. The operation lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and was successfully completed.