Classification of minimally invasive and endoscopic thyroid surgery adapted for training specialists in the system of additional professional education

Objective. To develop a classification of minimally invasive and endoscopic operations on the thyroid gland, based on the types of surgical approach and surgical technologies used, which will be convenient for the process of education of specialists in the relevant educational programs. Material and methods. The classification was based on our own experience in performing minimally invasive and endoscopic operations on the thyroid gland (more than 150 operations), analysis of the experience of other authors, and our own experience in teaching issues of endoscopic thyroid surgery at the Department of Endoscopic Surgery of the Russian University of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Results. A classification of minimally invasive and endoscopic operations on the thyroid gland has been developed, consisting of the main and additional parts. The main part characterizes the features of surgical access, which define the operation as one or another type of minimally invasive or endoscopic intervention. The additional part mentions surgical technologies that can be used for various types of approach. Moreover, the additional part of the classification specifies the features of the operation related to its volume and the side of execution. The classification also proposes duplicate alphanumeric coding, allowing a specific type of surgical intervention to be recorded in brief form. Conclusion. The proposed classification of minimally invasive and endoscopic thyroid surgeries will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of education of specialists in additional professional education programs in surgery. In addition, the classification can be successfully applied in clinical practice, facilitating the selection of the optimal type of surgical intervention, as well as increasing the level of effectiveness and safety of surgical treatment of patients with thyroid diseases.