Nizhny Novgorod surgeons have implemented a new technique for thyroid surgery.

      On August 6, 2026, at 16:39 Society In the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital named after N.A. Semashko, the removal of a thyroid neoplasm was performed for the first time using a transoral method - through the oral cavity. The new technique allows for intervention without incisions on the neck, helping patients avoid visible scars and recover faster. This was reported by the regional health ministry. The operation was performed by surgeon Andrey Rodin and the head of the first surgical department, candidate of medical sciences Roman Zaitsev. The process was led by professor, doctor of medical sciences Andrey Menkov. The patient was a woman who had been troubled by a benign goiter for several years. The doctors made three punctures measuring 0.5−1 centimeter on the inner side of the lower lip and removed the neoplasm using endoscopic equipment. The patient was discharged home already on the third day after the intervention. The health ministry reminded that the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital is currently developing as part of the regional project "City of Health." It is being implemented on the initiative of Governor Gleb Nikitin and implies the integration of the capabilities of the Nizhny Novgorod Clinical Hospital and the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. As part of the cluster development, the construction of new buildings, equipping institutions with modern equipment, and the implementation of advanced technologies are planned. This will enable the provision of a full range of specialized assistance to the region's residents on one site, without referrals to other regions of the country, where the main volume of high-tech medical care for the adult population is concentrated. According to Nikolai Kiselev, deputy chief physician for surgical assistance at the Nizhny Novgorod Clinical Hospital and an oncologist at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary, a full cycle of treatment for thyroid diseases is ensured in the "City of Health." He emphasized that the new technology does not replace traditional methods but complements them, expanding the capabilities of doctors. Nizhny Novgorod surgeons underwent training at the A.F. Tsyba Medical Radiological Scientific Center, which is one of the leading centers in the country for the application of this technique. "We use the most advanced techniques and achievements of modern medicine, and all of them are available to the residents of Nizhny Novgorod within the framework of the state healthcare system," said Nikolai Kiselev. Annually, about 500 thyroid operations are performed at the regional clinical hospital. As noted by acting director of the N.A. Semashko Clinical Hospital Sergey Gamayunov, doctors are already applying various minimally invasive approaches - through a small incision on the front surface of the neck and through the axillary area. "Mastering yet another access technique has significantly expanded the arsenal of possibilities. Now doctors can choose the most optimal method of intervention for each patient," he said. The health ministry added that the continuous improvement of doctors' qualifications and the implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment methods are an important part of the work within the framework of the national project "Long and Active Life." It has been implemented since 2025 by the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Its goal is to increase life expectancy by 2030. The program includes updating medical infrastructure, attracting qualified personnel, implementing new approaches to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, developing emergency care and rehabilitation, as well as digitizing the healthcare system. It was previously reported that residents of Nizhny Novgorod with oncological diseases can receive non-medical assistance for free. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major 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+