Dr Dean Conrad

It is without doubt that minimally invasive surgery is the way of the future. I have been fortunate enough to complete a prestigious two-year fellowship in minimally invasive advanced pelvic surgery with the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society.

My training gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best surgeons in the country and across the globe. I have published extensively and presented at conferences both locally and internationally. I have developed extensive skills in laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgical treatments for a range of women’s health conditions.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery can be used to treat conditions affecting your heart, digestive system, bladder, prostate and more. Benefits include less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. Surgeons who have performed a high volume of these procedures typically deliver optimal outcomes

Although Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) awareness month has passed already, I believe it is still important to remember and discuss the importance of POP all year round.

Keep scrolling to explore POP in more detail including risk factors, symptoms and the different non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

If you are experiencing symptoms of POP, there is no need to suffer in silence or embarrassment. There are highly effective treatments available. Please reach out and contact me for a consultation to discuss further.

Let's explore your C-section recovery together.

Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing inside you for the last 9 months.
Yet, having a baby can be taxing on your body, especially if you’ve had a cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section. You’ll need more time to recover than you would after a routine vaginal delivery.

Here are 9 suggestions to help speed up your recovery so you can spend less time sore and tired — and more time bonding with your new baby.

I always suggest that you book in to see your obstetrician after 6 weeks for a chat and check-in. This is a great time to reflect back on your feelings about the birth and discuss your recovery, baby’s feeding, pelvic floor function, contraception, mental wellbeing and so much more.

As a gynaecologist and obstetrician, I’m committed to raising awareness about gynaecological cancers, which affect thousands of women each year. September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month—a vital opportunity to educate, support, and take action.
There are five main types of gynaecological cancers: ovarian, uterine (endometrial), cervical, v***ar, and vaginal cancers. Each has its own risk factors, symptoms, and methods of prevention and detection.
Let’s break the silence around gynaecological cancers. By staying informed and proactive, we can make a difference in women's lives.

As it is Women's Health Week, let's talk about pregnancy health and the best tips to maintain your health during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes challenges. As a gynecologist and obstetrician, I want to emphasise the importance of prioritising your health during this transformative time. In this post we will explore the best ways for you can nurture both yourself and your growing baby.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique. Listening to your body and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider can help you navigate this beautiful journey with confidence and joy. Your health is the foundation for your baby’s health, so take this time to care for yourself. 🌟

The best way to maintain your health is to be proactive in protecting it. Along with a healthy lifestyle, regular health checks are important for maintaining your overall well-being. Regular health checks can identify early signs of health issues.

If you have been delaying getting any necessary checks, maybe use this opportunity to make those appointments.

These may include:
- Cervical screening test
- Mammogram/breast self-check
- Bowel cancer screening
- Skin check
- Bone health review

This week should be a reminder to take the time and put yourselves first when it comes to your health. Check out the handy "Health checks for women" guide at jeanhailes.org.au for more detailed information.

It's Women's Health Week!

Women’s Health Week is an annual campaign of events and online activities that provide women with the connection, information, and support to be healthy in mind and body.

This year's theme is "Grow your knowledge". It's all about supporting women to make informed decisions about their health with information that's easy to understand.

Throughout this week I will be providing information on women's health and exploring best health practices to empower you in your journey to a healthier you.

Becoming a dad has been one of the wildest, most rewarding adventures of my life. Watching Leo grow, learn, and explore the world around him has brought me a kind of joy that’s hard to put into words.

As an obstetrician, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the journey to fatherhood from a unique perspective. I’ve seen the excitement, nerves, and pure love in the eyes of new dads, and now I get to experience all of that firsthand. It’s a reminder that while I guide others through this life-changing event, I’m also on my own journey of learning, growing, and cherishing every moment.

Becoming a father has given me a new perspective on the importance of supporting new dads during this incredible transition. The responsibility, the excitement, and the inevitable moments of self-doubt are all part of the experience. I’m more committed than ever to ensuring that all parents, both birthing and non-birthing, receive the support they need to navigate this life-changing journey.

This Father’s Day, I’m grateful for every laugh, every sleepless night, and every “first” that I get to experience with Leo. To all the dads out there, especially those just starting out—enjoy the ride. It’s a wild one, but there’s nothing quite like it!

As Father’s Day approaches, I’m partnering with fellow dad and clinical psychologist, Alex Mottee from AB Clinical Psychology, to shed light on a crucial topic: the mental health of non-birthing parents.

Parenting is challenging for everyone, and it’s important to recognise that mental health and resilience are vital for both birthing and non-birthing parents. Shockingly, a 2021 study found that 10% of fathers experience post-natal depression, nearly matching the rate seen in mothers and birthing parents.

If you or your partner notice any of the signs mentioned in this post, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at AB Clinical Psychology or consult your trusted medical professional. Taking care of mental health is key to being the best parent you can be.

Last week we were back at the MERF in Brisbane for the AGES Society Laparoscopic Anatomy Pelvic Dissection (LapD) Workshop.

It is an honour to be involved in this world class workshop, providing an incredible opportunity for trainees and specialist OBGYNs from around Australia and New Zealand to participate in laparoscopic dissection and explore the deep anatomy of the pelvis.

I have been involved in many anatomy dissection workshops in Australia and around the world, but the LapD workshop at the MERF is special. Not only is the facility world class, with the highest quality surgical equipment available, but it really is a truly humbling experience. We don’t use the word, “cadavers” but rather we use the word “donors”. The dissection is performed on women who have donated their bodies with the aim of improving the skills of surgeons and ultimately the lives of all Australian women. There is an added gravity this brings that imprints on all the delegates that participate, making it a truly memorable and rewarding experience. It was also special to have so many members of the SMIGS team representing the faculty, along with our very own fellow Dr Sireen Jaber attending as a delegate for the first time.

As I always say, teaching is the best way to learn. Each and every time I participate in the faculty my knowledge broadens, and my own skills improve.

Thanks to all the faculty members who dedicated their time to provide exceptional teaching with special thanks to our fearless leader Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, without who, this workshop would not be possible.

Let’s Talk About perinatal mental health with Belinda Favaloro from AB Clinical and how every mother's perinatal experience is unique.

Worldwide, up to 1 in 5 individuals experience some form of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). PMADs include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum bipolar, and postpartum psychosis. These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, sometimes with tragic and long-term consequences to both mother and child.

Estimates are that 7 in 10 individuals hide or downplay their symptoms. Without understanding, support, and treatment, these mental illnesses have a devastating impact on the women affected as well as their partners and families.

It doesn’t matter who we are, where we come from or what we look like on the outside. Everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health, and the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care.

Pregnancy is an especially tough time and new mums who may feel judged or guilty about the way they feel, are at higher risk of mental health conditions. It is so important that we destigmatise mental health and encourage open conversations. No one should feel alone on this journey and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described within this post, please do not hesitate to contact your preferred healthcare professional or feel free to contact the team at AB Clinical Psychology.

I had the honour of serving as the Scientific Chair for the recent AGES Pelvic Floor Symposium held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney.

The symposium, themed "Across the Ages," was a significant milestone, bringing together experts to explore the multifaceted issues affecting pelvic floor function across different life stages. From young women yet to conceive to our cherished elderly populations, we delved into a comprehensive spectrum of challenges and advancements in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

Together with the local organising committee, Harpreet Arora, Zhuoran Chen, and Rachel Green, the program was meticulously crafted to offer a diverse range of sessions catering to generalists, urogynaecologists, and advanced laparoscopists. We covered essential topics such as prolapse repairs, incontinence basics, post-operative complications, multidisciplinary team sessions, and breaking taboos in pelvic floor health—all aimed at enhancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.

We were honoured to have many esteemed speakers, including our international guest, Professor Jimmy Nomura from Japan, alongside a lineup of renowned AGES speakers and local experts. Their expertise and insights were truly inspiring and contributed to a rich and stimulating symposium experience.

I had the privilege of presenting on the Burch colposuspension, a procedure that has been a cornerstone in managing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) since Dr. John Burch first described it in 1961. My presentation delved into the evolution and contemporary relevance of the Burch colposuspension, highlighting its enduring value in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery as a non-mesh alternative for the treatment of SUI.

I also conducted a hands-on 1:1 robotic Burch suturing session on the Da Vinci Xi robot with the team at Device Technologies. Using a state-of-the-art model, we were able to demonstrate the transformative impact of robotic-assisted technologies on enhancing precision and simplifying intricate suturing in the retropubic space.

I am immensely grateful for the participation and contribution of all attendees. Together, we embarked on a transformative journey of exploration, innovation, and excellence in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

Today is Red Nose Day, a day to get silly for a serious cause.

Many of us know of Red Nose Day as a much-loved national fundraising event held every year to raise awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), previously known as cot death. SIDS refers to an unexpected death of a baby where investigations can't find a cause, and comes under the broader umbrella term of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), which includes SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents. The risk of SUDI is greatest at 2-4 months and tragically accounts for around 3 deaths in every 10 000 births in Australia.

Here is a reminder of Red Nose's 6 safe sleeping recommendations for all babies aged 0-12 months.

Last weekend, my son Leo turned one! We celebrated the day with family, filled with love, joy, and precious moments. Watching Leo explore the world and reach new milestones over the past year has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I was so excited to see him start walking just 2 days before his birthday!

This past year has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and love. As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, experiencing this first year of fatherhood has given me a new perspective and deeper level of empathy that I now share with my patients and community.

Thank you all for your continued support and for being a part of this wonderful journey. Here’s to many more milestones and memories to come!

It’s World Breastfeeding Week! It’s a great time to share, raise awareness and learn about all things breastfeeding. This year, we are focusing on supporting the incredible journey of mothers returning to work while continuing to breastfeed their little ones.

As an obstetrician, I wholeheartedly support all mums in their choices when it comes to feeding their babies. For mums that choose to breastfeed, it is usually the lactation consultants and midwives that provide the hands-on support required. However, this year is a bit special for me as I have also recently become a new dad to a baby boy. It's allowed me to be involved up close and personal with my wife and son's breastfeeding relationship and opened my eyes to the many issues and challenges that breastfeeding mothers face. More so, it's solidified some important messages that I think are vital to share with both new mums embarking on their breastfeeding journey as well as more experienced mums who are entering or re-entering the paid workforce.
It’s important to acknowledge that breastfeeding is HARD WORK. It is not a skill we are innately born with. It doesn’t necessarily just come naturally. It is a learned skill that requires time, patience, education, trial and error, and above all, the right support. It’s a full-time job, requiring up to 40 hours a week or more! This is valuable time spent, which is why I don’t necessarily agree with the public message that breastfeeding is “free” as this undermines the value of a mum’s time. Mums who choose to work and breastfeed are essentially taking on the equivalent of two full-time jobs. We must acknowledge the commitment and dedication it takes for mums who choose to breastfeed, especially for those who continue to feed/express during their work. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding including paid leave, workplace support and providing adequate facilities is essential, and this is what this week is all about.

I'd also like to showcase my support for the mums who find that breastfeeding is just not for them and their baby. It may be too difficult, painful, time-consuming, traumatising or just too overwhelming, and this is OK. Some mums may not feel comfortable expressing in their workplace, and this is also OK. It’s important that we as individuals and society at large not unfairly judge mums who choose to not breastfeed or who are unable to do so. Pregnancy and postpartum is a busy and exhausting time and the last thing that a new mum needs is to feel judged about their own choices or any additional "mum guilt".

At the end of the day, we acknowledge and respect the individual feeding preferences of all mums and their babies. Whatever your feeding journey looks like, do what feels right for you and your baby.

As Fibroid Awareness Month comes to a close, let's say hi to my favourite (and cutest) Fibroid Awareness Ambassador, Alisa!

Alisa's mum struggled to conceive for many years. After being evaluated by a gynaecologist, she was found to have several uterine fibroids, believed to be the cause of her fertility issues. Despite undergoing surgery to remove the larger fibroid, she was still unable to conceive.

Determined to find a solution, she came to see me for help. We discovered that the fibroid she had removed was in fact NOT the one causing her infertility. Instead, a smaller fibroid in the inner lining of her uterus was the likely culprit. I arranged for her to undergo a simple, minimally invasive hysteroscopic surgery to remove the fibroid, without any abdominal incisions. The procedure went smoothly, and almost 10 months later, Alisa arrived healthy, safe, and sound!

Alisa’s story is a powerful reminder that the location of fibroids is crucial. It determines the symptoms experienced and the treatments required.

- Subserosal Fibroids: Located on the outside of the uterus, these may cause no symptoms but can press on other organs if they grow large enough, leading to pain or urinary leakage.

- Intramural Fibroids: Located within the uterine wall, these can cause heavy and painful periods.

- Submucosal Fibroids: Located in the inner lining of the uterus, these are often the cause of infertility, as in Alisa’s mum’s case.

Today, Alisa is a thriving, affectionate, and bubbly 16-month-old girl with an enormous zest for life. According to her mum, some of her favourite pastimes include eating all types of fruits and vegetables, going to her family daycare, and listening to the smooth music of Sting!

Thanks for all your hard work in raising awareness for fibroids!

Welcoming Baby Jacob into the World!

I am overjoyed to share these beautiful moments from the recent delivery of Baby Jacob, who arrived into the world through a calm and smooth elective caesarean. It’s always such a privilege to be part of these special beginnings.

It’s these moments that make the journey of being an obstetrician so incredibly rewarding. Seeing the happiness on parents' faces and holding their little ones is a reminder of why I love what I do.

Congratulations to the growing family! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day.

Are you ready to have a baby?

You might already be bombarded with all sorts of fertility tracking apps, trying to interpret ovulation test kit results and navigating ads for countless different pre-conception vitamin supplements.

To try and cut through all the noise, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 most important tips for pre-pregnancy planning and boosting your natural fertility.

Say hello to Baby Hudson!

Hudson joins his big brother Huxley and big sister Harper, all of whom I had the pleasure of delivering. This time around, we had the privilege of having a professional photographer join us in the sacred birthing space, capturing some truly amazing shots. From the start, it was clear this would be a unique experience. The labour went smoothly, and amidst the intensity, we managed to capture some memorable photos. We even captured Mum smiling during a drug-free labour! This truly reflects the positive, supportive atmosphere we always aim to foster.

A few weeks after Hudson’s arrival, the family surprised us with a delightful and creative thank you gesture: v***a cupcakes! These treats were not only delicious but also incredibly detailed and artistic, showcasing an impressive level of creativity. I absolutely loved them as they perfectly appealed to my sense of humour. I even made a quick trip to the labour ward to share them with the hardworking midwives, who enjoyed them just as much!

This visit was a wonderful reminder of the personal connections we build with our patients and the special moments that make this profession so rewarding. A heartfelt thank you to Hudson and his amazing family for the thoughtful gift and for allowing me to be part of their journey.

Here’s to Hudson and to many more joyful moments like these!

Exciting News: the AGES Pelvic Floor Symposium is Just Around the Corner!

I’m thrilled to share that the AGES Pelvic Floor Symposium is just under two weeks away! This year’s event, with the theme “Across the Ages,” will delve into the multifaceted issues affecting pelvic floor function at various life stages. Mark your calendars for 26 - 27 July 2024 and join us at the InterContinental Hotel, Sydney for this exceptional conference.

I’m honoured to speak on Friday morning in Session 2, “Incontinence Across the Ages: Back to Basics.” My presentation, “Bring Back the Burch!” will focus on the evolution and contemporary relevance of the Burch colposuspension in treating Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).

I’m also excited to announce, that in collaboration with Device technologies, I will be demonstrating my Burch colposuspension technique using state-of-the-art suturing models. Additionally, I’ll be facilitating two exclusive 1:1 sessions, providing personalised guidance on robotic Burch colposuspension techniques. This is a unique chance to enhance your skills, address specific challenges, and receive expert insights into successful robotic surgery.

If you’d like to schedule a one-on-one session with me during the symposium, please reach out to Melissa Santos at [email protected].

Looking forward to an engaging and informative symposium with all of you!

Being Fibroid Awareness Month, let’s talk a little more about fibroids…

What causes fibroids?

Although we don’t know the exact cause of fibroids, we do know that the hormones oestrogen and progesterone stimulate their growth. Fibroids tend to grow in women of reproductive age and may regress once menopause is reached.

Some of the risk factors associated with fibroids include:
- increasing age
- a family history of fibroids
- early menarche (first period)
- never having given birth
- high blood pressure
- polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
- obesity
- diet rich in red meat
- high alcohol consumption, especially beer

Conversely, these factors can lower your risk of fibroids:
- having more than 2 children
- exercising regularly
- use of the oral contraceptive pill or depot progesterone injection

In the next post, we take a walk in the shoes of a mum's personal journey with fibroids and fertility.

Stick around for more content to come!

Congratulations to Dr Mikhail Sarofim for his exceptional leadership in robotic surgery on the Gold Coast!

It was my privilege to support Mikhail on his robotics journey as he transitioned from Sydney to his new practice at John Flynn Hospital in the beautiful Gold Coast. Our professional relationship spans a decade, during which Mikhail's extensive knowledge and problem-solving abilities have proven invaluable in challenging cases. Reconnecting with him was both a pleasure and a reminder of the expertise he brings to every surgical endeavor.

Mikhail completed a prestigious AGES fellowship with Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre (SWEC), renowned for its comprehensive robotic surgery training. Notably, he is among the first AGES graduates to achieve full robotics accreditation, rendering my role as a proctor unnecessary. Nonetheless, driven by Mikhail's commitment to surgical excellence, he invited me to join him in theatres.

As expected, Mikhail provided some of the more difficult proctored cases I have been involved with. He demonstrated remarkable precision and profound knowledge of anatomy, seamlessly navigating these complex procedures on the Da Vinci Xi robotic platform. His ability to make challenging surgeries appear effortless underscores his dedication to patient care and surgical excellence.

I am proud to note that Mikhail is the first surgeon I have proctored to gain admission to the Australian Institute of Robotic Surgery (AIRS), a testament to his leadership and commitment in advancing robotic surgery.

During the weekend, we also celebrated Mikhail’s daughter’s first birthday, where fellow dads bonded over the joys and challenges of parenthood. Congratulations to GiGi on turning one!

I must acknowledge Dr. Mohammed Almoqren from Sydney, whose expert assistance on the Da Vinci Xi platform was invaluable. I was deeply impressed by the hardworking and efficient team at John Flynn Private Hospital, who provided excellent care with a smile on a Saturday. Special thanks also to Kimba Wilson from Device for his dedication, support, and unrelenting humor!

Congratulations again, Mikhail, on this well-deserved achievement. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you again in the future!