Space surgery: a SAGES’ white paper

Space travel is experiencing a renaissance with expanding commercial and international efforts. Space surgery will have growing relevance as mission frequency and distances increase beyond low Earth orbit.

This white paper from the SAGES Space Surgery Task Force raises awareness among the SAGES membership regarding the challenges and opportunities surrounding this emerging field that anticipates surgical care in the most extreme, austere environments.

Innovation in technology and preventive medicine principles will enhance the effectiveness of space surgical care when the need arises. The impact of advancements in space and terrestrial medicine to support space exploration indicates the need for a surgeon to oversee medical/surgical invasive treatment to ensure astronaut health and mission success. Advanced technology, including semi- and autonomous robotic systems, may be a preferred way to deliver this care in the foreseeable future. There is currently a need to develop training curricula and flight-compatible supplies and technology for physicians that deliver surgical care to this special patient population. The protocols and technology developed to address the unique challenges of space travel will provide value for care in space as well as in extreme, austere terrestrial environments on Earth.

Space surgery will continue to evolve as commercial and government programs explore further into space. The SAGES Space Surgery Task Force is favorably positioned to significantly contribute to addressing some capability gaps in delivering surgical care in space.