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Prophylactic surgery prior to extended-duration space flight: is the benefit worth the risk?
Chad G Ball1, Andrew W Kirkpatrick, David R Williams
1Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. ball.chad@gmail.com
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.
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