Surgery in space: Where are we at now?

In the coming decades, as we continue our path of space exploration beyond the Earth's orbit, we will be required to provide sound medical and surgical care for the safety of space travellers and spaceflight participants. A few investigations have taken place in the field of surgery in space. In this paper, the authors review the present literature in order to identify possible limitations that currently exist and that could impair our ability to provide surgical care during spaceflight, from the pre-operative to the post-operative period.

► There are changes in space travel with a shift towards commercial spaceflight. ► Surgical capability may become essential to ensure the health of crewmembers. ► Surgical care in microgravity is feasible, but areas need to be further explored. ► Discussions and research efforts should continue in the field of space surgery.