Vesti Pskov: Specialists from the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies hold a masterclass for their colleagues from Pskov

Ivan Sobolev, a surgical oncologist from the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies of St Petersburg University, has delivered a masterclass for his colleagues from Pskov. The specialists successfully performed laparoscopic surgeries on female reproductive organs.

A 53-year-old patient with cancer put her life in the hands of the doctors. She has stage one cancer, but the tumour is low-differentiated, i.e. its cells are more aggressive. Endometrial cancer is the most common disease in gynaecological oncology. Today, it is treated by laparoscopy via small incisions in the abdomen with the help of special equipment.

First we have to gain access – this is a standard procedure. We first have to inflate the abdominal cavity with gas, then insert an optical trocar through which we introduce the camera, and finally, guided by the camera, install the working trocars.

Ivan Sobolev, a surgical oncologist of the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies of St Petersburg University

Using scissors, hooks and other inserts, the surgeons will remove the uterus, appendages and pelvic tissue, i.e. lymph nodes. The operation is performed by Ivan Sobolev, a specialist from St Petersburg. The oncologist-gynaecologist has conducted hundreds of successful operations and completed internships in hospitals in Europe and the USA. He is assisted by leading specialists from the Pskov Regional Oncological Dispensary.

'It is a great exchange of knowledge and a great clinical experience. These masterclasses help us to understand if we are performing the surgery correctly or not, and discuss various nuances during the course of the operation,' said Valentina Nevirko, Head of the Oncogynaecology Department of the Pskov Regional Oncologic Dispensary.

The operation lasts about two hours. If there are no complications afterwards, this patient has a chance to continue her life without cancer. In addition to gynaecology, laparoscopy is also used at the Pskov Cancer Centre for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. The first surgery was performed back in 2019.

‘Since 2020, the number of operative treatments has tripled. In 2021, we have practically moved away from large open operations on pelvic organs and gynaecological profiles. At the moment the oncological dispensary is equipped to the highest level as part of the national project “Health Protection” and there is no difference between the operating theatres of any federal state institution’, said Aleksandr Iurov, Chief Medical Officer of the Pskov Regional Oncological Dispensary.

Masterclasses from leading specialists from federal clinics are essential for learning new techniques, improving the quality of surgical care for cancer patients and avoiding recurrences.