Endometriosis

Our Women and Children’s Hospital provides a specialist Endometriosis Service. 

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those that line the womb grow elsewhere in the body, which can lead to inflammation and a complex set of symptoms, most commonly but not limited to pelvic pain. Endometriosis is a condition that affects roughly 10% of women in the UK.

Whilst sometimes a diagnosis can be achieved through an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan, it is through key hole surgery (laparoscopy) that endometriosis is most commonly diagnosed. Often, endometriosis can be treated through surgical excision at the same time as a diagnosis.

Because endometriosis is non-cancerous, the aims of treatment are symptom-lead. Effective symptom control can often be achieved through hormonal treatments alone, but sometimes surgery is also required. The surgery to treat endometriosis can be complex, especially when inflammation and scarring involve the organs that surround the womb.

The endometriosis team at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) is a longstanding specialist centre, with accreditation from the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). We accept local, regional and national referrals to be treated within our specialist team and are also the only regional training centre for postgraduate doctors specialising in advanced gynaecological laparoscopy.

We strive to provide diagnostic and surgical excellence through our experienced team of surgeons and radiologists. As part of our BSGE accreditation, we work closely with radiologists, colorectal and urological surgeons to allow us to optimise the safety of our patients undergoing the most complex surgical treatments.

We also aim to provide a holistic and supportive service reflecting the chronic nature of this condition. Our endometriosis specialist nurse can provide additional support, advice and information to patients undergoing treatment within our service, and we also have close links with the chronic pain team within WUTH when further, non surgical input is required.

 

Meet the Team:

Mr Tom Aust MBChB MD FRCOG

Mr Aust trained in the Mersey region and gained his MD in reproductive medicine before completing a 2-year fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery in Sydney, Australia. He was appointed a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2009 and is the endometriosis centre lead and performs minimally invasive surgery for severe endometriosis including using the Da Vinci robot system.

He has published textbook chapters on Adolescent laparoscopy and trains junior doctors in keyhole surgery techniques both regionally and nationally.

In his spare time he enjoys endurance cycling both on and off-road and attempting to get conversation from his two teenage sons.

 

Mr Benjamin Twist MBChB MRCOG

Mr Twist graduated from the university of Sheffield in 2014 and trained in obstetrics and gynaecology within the Mersey region between 2016 and 2023, with much of his senior training completed at Wirral University Teaching Hospital. He was then appointed as a consultant surgeon specialising in minimally invasive surgery and endometriosis in 2023.

He is the audit lead for obstetrics and gynaecology, and has recently overseen the project to introduce day case hysterectomies to the unit. He is passionate about teaching, and facilitates on the BSGE RIGS hub national training, as well as providing local training to both undergraduate students and post graduate doctors.

In his spare time he enjoys wildlife photography, and when not sitting in a freezing bird hide he runs, cycles and cooks on his BBQ.

 

Mr Patrick Rosser MBChB MRCOG

Mr Rosser was appointed in 2022 having completed his training in advanced laparoscopy at Wirral University Teaching Hospital. He had previously trained in and around Manchester, as well as in Auckland, New Zealand. He performs advanced laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and other complex pelvic surgery.

 

Charlie Higgins Clinical Nurse Specialist

After qualifying as a nurse in 2016 Charlie spent the following 6 years working as a staff nurse on the Gynaecology Inpatient Ward. Here she gained valuable experience before moving into the Endometriosis Specialist Nurse role in 2022. 

Charlie’s role includes holistically supporting women throughout their endometriosis journey by acting as a point of contact for advice and support, post operative follow up appointments, and maintaining the BSGE database. 

Outside of work Charlie likes to get outside in nature as much as possible and enjoys sewing. 

 

What will happen at my appointment?

You will be seen by a consultant, full history will be taken and they may ask to examine you. All appointments are chaperoned by a member of the nursing team and you may bring somebody with you if you wish to.  

If you are listed for surgery at your appointment, the operation will be explained to you in full, along with any risks and potential complications. Any questions that you have can be answered and you will usually sign your consent form.

 

What happens after my appointment?

Following your appointment you may: 

-Need further investigations such as MRI or ultrasound scanning, the Consultant will arrange these for you if required.  

-Need to be referred on to another medical team who could be involved in your care, such as colorectal or urology. 

- Be listed for surgery at you appointment, in which case your details will go to the theatre admissions team for them to arrange a pre op and theatre date. 

- Decide to try medical management and leave with a plan in place for this, including when we would like a follow up.  

 

Out-patient clinics are held on the ground floor of the Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital.