The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology

BACKGROUND: Although there is growing evidence supporting the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for the management of chronic pain, there is a paucity of data on their effect on endometriosis-associated chronic pain. AIMS: T…

Endometriosis is underpinned by dysfunctional immune responses resulting in failure to clear ectopic endometrial lesions from the peritoneal cavity. The pelvic milieu comprising immature dendritic cells, dysfunctional cytotoxic lymphocytes,…

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis, affecting 6%-10% of reproductive-age women, causes chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Current treatments have limitations and consequently there is rising interest in effects of cannabis on pain a…

BACKGROUND: While endometrial ablation (EA) offers a minimally invasive alternative to a hysterectomy for women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), clinicians currently lack reliable predictive tools to identify which patients w…

BACKGROUND: There are gaps in understanding females' beliefs related to chronic pelvic pain. Beliefs might be linked to illness perceptions and behaviours. AIMS: (1) Explore beliefs and experiences of Australian females living with chronic…

There is growing evidence that people with endometriosis are utilising cannabis, whether legally or illicitly procured, for management of pain and associated symptoms. As such, concerns over cannabis use as a medicine are foremost in clinic…

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis affects up to 10% of biological females of reproductive age. Current treatment options are limited and often unsuitable for prolonged use. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) have emerged as an alternative fo…

Providing high-quality reproductive health information for pregnant women will promote health literacy, improve postpartum maternal health and optimise preconception health before future pregnancies. We analysed antenatal data from 314 wome…

We conducted a day-case total laparoscopic hysterectomy service improvement project at Nelson Public Hospital, New Zealand, in August and September, 2024. A retrospective analysis was performed, and a voluntary patient questionnaire adminis…

BACKGROUND: Australian endometriosis guidelines recommend transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) as the first-line investigation for endometriosis. Where endometriosis has been surgically treated, there is a risk of recurrent disease and repeat sur…

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal hysterectomy is guideline-preferred for benign disease, yet uptake is declining. Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) offers enhanced visualisation while optimising recovery; however, impact…

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that pelvic health physiotherapy is an effective, low-risk management strategy for women with endometriosis and vulvodynia. However, to date no study has identified which interventions Austral…

Colposcopy is most commonly indicated for people with screen-positive cervical screening tests. However, clinical reasons such as post-coital bleeding (PCB) or an abnormal appearing cervix can also prompt referral. Aotearoa New Zealand (AoN…

BACKGROUND: Gynaecological chronic pelvic pain (CPP) has a high prevalence among adult women. This pain can be debilitating and life-impacting, affecting quality of life across all dimensions of health. Many barriers to specialised care exi…

Endometriosis is a challenging condition to diagnose, frequently typified by long diagnostic delays. In an online survey study of 657 endometriosis patients from Aotearoa New Zealand, awareness of endometriosis at symptom onset was low, con…

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 7 women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in Australia. It significantly impacts daily life, causing pain, psychological distress and productivity loss. Multidisciplinary …

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In March 2022, updates in the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule relating to endometriosis surgery were made relating to item numbers 35637, 35631 and 35632 (division of 35638) and 35641. Updated codes aligned with r…

BACKGROUND: In 2018 the Australian Government launched the world's first National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE). Of its three priorities 'Priority 1' was 'Education and Awareness'. In response, the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia…

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis may have a causal role in ectopic pregnancies. AIMS: To observe the prevalence and staging of endometriosis in women at the time of laparoscopic treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: Prospective observat…

BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and pelvic pain are common complaints of young females seeking healthcare. These symptoms can co-exist and become recurrent, impacting on quality of life. AIM: This study investigated t…

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted gynaecologic surgery has expanded globally, yet its adoption in Australasia remains variable. AIM: To evaluate the current attitudes, practice patterns, and perceived barriers surrounding robotic-assisted gynae…

BACKGROUND: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a novel minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used for hysterectomy. The technique combines the advantages of vaginal hysterectomy, such as shorter …

BACKGROUND: Fear of procedural pain is a significant barrier to intrauterine device (IUD) uptake. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in IUD insertion for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties; howeve…

AIM: Systematic reduction of negative laparoscopy for pelvic pain is crucial to reducing surgical morbidity, improving diagnostic accuracy and minimising cost. This study aims to determine the incidence and consider the underlying causes of…