On this episode, Dr. Mathew Leonardi of McMaster University Medical Centre joins Drs. Park and Hoffman at the mic to discuss his experience with advanced ultrasound for endometriosis.

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SHOW NOTES

Dr. Leonardi is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and sonologist (ultrasound specialist) in Hamilton, Canada. He received his PhD at the University of Sydney, studying the role of ultrasound for diagnosis of endometriosis and its influence on surgical management of the disease. He then completed a 2-year fellowship in advanced gynecological surgery and ultrasound in Sydney, Australia. He now conducts a comprehensive clinic for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.

The episode begins with Dr. Leonardi describing his initial fascination with ultrasound as an OB/GYN resident and discussing his various training internationally for advanced gynecological surgery and ultrasound. He highlights specific steps he took, colleagues he collaborated with, as well as barriers he encountered and overcame along the way.

The group then talks about the current role of ultrasound within gynecologic care and its potential in the field. Dr. Leonardi explains how he built a gynecologic ultrasound unit, detailing the workflow of his clinic. During this time, he also compares the use of ultrasound versus alternative imaging (e.g., MRI), ultimately favoring the dynamic, efficacious, and cost-effective benefits of ultrasound.

Lastly, the group discusses the topic of bowel endometriosis. Dr. Leonardi describes the limitations of ultrasound in this setting, such as diagnosis of disease that spreads beyond the pelvic brim. The group then transitions to describe the involvement of colorectal surgeons in these cases and brings to light the need for additional training and exposure for minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons.

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RESOURCES

Leonardi M, Espada M, Condous G. Closing the communication loop between gynecological surgeons, diagnostic imaging experts and pathologists in endometriosis: building bridges between specialties. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Apr;57(4):523-525. doi: 10.1002/uog.23595. PMID: 33491846.