Surgeons at the NOCB have performed simultaneous transplantation of the pancreas and kidney for the first time.

      April 1, 2026 17:14 Society Surgeons of the N.A. Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital performed simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation for the first time. This was reported by the press service of the regional government. Such an operation is among the rarest. In Russia, no more than 20 such interventions are performed annually. The patient who underwent the surgery had long suffered from severe complications of diabetes. The disease led to a critical condition: pronounced edema, with excess fluid exceeding 10 kg, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and complete dependence on hemodialysis. The transplantation of donor organs required special precision from the surgical team. The greatest difficulty was working with the pancreas due to the peculiarities of its structure. Vladimir Zagainov, the chief freelance transplant specialist of the Nizhny Novgorod region's Ministry of Health, explained that the pancreas is considered one of the most complex organs for manipulation, as it reacts quickly with inflammation. "Preparing the gland for transplantation takes even more time than the transplantation process itself," he said. The main result of the operation was the complete liberation of the patient from insulin dependence and the need for regular dialysis. The Nizhny Novgorod resident admitted that she is still getting used to not having to give insulin injections, and her sugar levels normalize on their own. The need to undergo dialysis every other day has also disappeared, and her overall well-being has improved. The patient has already been discharged from the hospital and is currently recovering at home. According to doctors' forecasts, she will be able to return to her normal life in about a month and a half. It is noted that the operation became an example of the work of medical institutions in the region within the framework of the national project "Long and Active Life," as well as a new stage in the development of the region's transplantation program. High-tech medical assistance is becoming increasingly accessible to the residents of the region — patients are less frequently required to go to federal clinics. Additionally, the N.A. Semashko Regional Clinical Hospital, along with the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary, is part of the flagship project "City of Health," implemented at the initiative of the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin. This is one of three initiatives for the comprehensive development of hospital territories in the region. The project involves combining the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of the two institutions to improve the quality of medical care for the adult population. It has received support from the Russian government and the Ministry of Health of Russia, as well as federal co-financing. Among the results of its implementation is the creation of a dedicated oncology center in Nizhny Novgorod with specialized equipment, including PET/CT and a cyclotron. The national project "Long and Active Life" has been implemented since 2025 by order of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. It aims to increase life expectancy by 2030. It was previously reported that free corneal transplants have become available to residents of Nizhny Novgorod. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+