ADOPTERs of Innovation in a Crisis: The History of Vera Gedroits, Kanehiro Takaki and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905
Journal: Annals of Surgery Open
Year: 2024

The 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War was the first "modern" conflict, using rapid-firing artillery and machine guns, fought over imperial ambitions in Korea and Manchuria. During the war, Princess Vera Gedroits pioneered early laparotomy for penetrating abdominal wounds with unprecedented success. Her techniques were then adopted by the Russian Society of Military Doctors. However, Allied forces took 10 years to adopt operative management of penetrating abdominal wounds over conservative management.