Pioneering Surgery for Space Missions

Advanced surgical care is essential for long-duration space missions beyond Earth, especially for complex cases.

  • Surgical skills remain effective in reduced gravity when operators, patients, and instruments are secured.
  • Robotic surgery shows promise but faces obstacles including size, weight, and crew training needs.

Surgeons must prepare for unique challenges of operating in space, focusing on compact, multifunctional systems.

  • AI-driven technologies will enhance decision-making and communication in the space environment.

Review by Khanna R, Li Y (…) Dasgupta P et 13 al. in Br J Surg

© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd.

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