Translational research for optimization of preoperative diagnosis and minimally invasive surgical techniques in gynaecology.

Minimally invasive surgery is growing rapidly in various domains, including benign gynaecological surgery. This stems from the advantages for the patient, such as less morbidity, better postoperative quality of life and a shorter interval to regaining normal functioning. But also the societal burden diminishes by omitting or shortening the need for overnight hospitalisation, and by enhancing a quicker return to work. We strive to optimize already available as well as new techniques for benign gynaecologic operative interventions, focusing on surgical techniques, in need for high quality evidence. In particular, we will assess the outcome of these newly introduced procedures in terms of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), patient reported experience measures (PREMs) and health economic impact. Pre-operative imaging (e.g. gynaecological ultrasonography) is essential in tailoring therapy for each individual patient. High-quality imaging helps to predict surgical difficulties, to choose the appropriate technique and to exclude underlying malignancy. We will specifically investigate the role of liquid biopsies and artificial intelligence to improve the subjective diagnosis by ultrasonography. This has been implemented in a growing number of fields, but rarely in gynaecology.