Research group Benign gynecology

Aims

• We aim to optimise pelvic floor and endometriosis care through innovation, implementation, and prevention

  We will continue to lead multicentre trials, refine surgical pathways, and embed implementation science to ensure that effective treatments reach patients. We aim to reduce unwarranted variation in care, strengthen personalised treatment strategies, and integrate PROMs and shared decision‑making tools. Prevention, linking congenital anomalies to later endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders, will become a defining theme.

• We aim to advance lifelong, integrated care for congenital anomalies

  We will strengthen transitional care from adolescence to adulthood, improve long‑term outcome evidence, and co‑create care pathways with patients. We aim to expand national training in paediatric gynaecology, ensuring that expertise remains available across the Netherlands. Our long‑term goal is to further integrate and educate in clinical, psychological, ethical, and surgical expertise.

• We aim to embed sustainability as a scientific driver in women’s health

  We will expand our sustainability research to full clinical pathways, develop validated methods for environmental impact assessment, and integrate sustainability into guideline development. Our ambition is to position Radboudumc as the international frontrunner in sustainable urogynaecology and to influence European policy on sustainable surgical care.

• We will expand our sustainability research to full clinical pathways, develop validated methods for environmental impact assessment, and integrate sustainability into guideline development. Our ambiti

  We will increase our presence in international societies, lead European consortia, and contribute to global research agendas on pelvic floor disorders, endometriosis, male infertility, congenital anomalies, and sustainability. With our academic position we enable broader strategic influence.

• We aim to build a coherent, recognisable research identity and team structure

  We articulate a clear mission, vision, and strategy for the group, define roles and responsibilities, and ensure long‑term viability through talent development and succession planning. The team development will support a strong, visible, and cohesive research group.

Achievements

• We advanced evidence‑based and cost‑effective pelvic floor care and endometriosis

  We have led and completed multiple high‑impact multicentre studies (EUmetriosis, SAVE‑U, SAM, VUSIS2, VROUW3), resulting in publications in JAMA, BMJ and AJOG. These studies have directly influenced national guidelines and daily clinical practice. Our work clarified the comparative effectiveness of key surgical procedures, validated PROMs, and developed decision aids. ZonMw has funded the implementation of our findings, demonstrating national recognition of our impact on quality and efficiency of care.

• We strengthened care and research for girls and women with congenital anomalies

  We have built a nationally recognized expertise centre for congenital anomalies of the female genital tract, combining clinical excellence with research, patient partnership, and innovation. Our work includes long‑term evaluation of MRKH care, development of patient‑centred information materials, and improvements in counselling and surgical pathways. We collaborate with psychology, ethics, and patient organisations, ensuring that care is sensitive to the social and developmental context of young patients. Our centre trains colleagues from other hospitals, safeguarding national expertise for the future.

• We pioneered sustainability research in urogynaecology

  We initiated one of the first research lines worldwide analysing the environmental impact of urogynaecological procedures and clinical pathways. This work has gained international visibility, including invited lectures at IUGA and a €3M Interreg project with nine partners. Our research integrates sustainability into the quality‑of‑care cycle, focusing on carbon footprint analysis, communication about sustainability in the consultation room, and de‑implementation of low‑value care.

• We explore the causes of male infertility

  We investigate the biological, genetic, and clinical determinants of male infertility to improve diagnosis, counselling, and treatment for affected men and their partners. Our research focuses on identifying underlying mechanisms, from congenital anomalies and hormonal dysregulation to environmental and lifestyle factors, and translating these insights into more precise and personalised care. By collaborating closely with urology, endocrinology, and laboratory medicine, we strengthen the continuum of reproductive health and contribute to evidence‑based strategies that enhance fertility outcomes across the life course.

• We built strong regional, national, and international networks

  Our group collaborates closely with pelvic floor physiotherapists, female urology, surgery, radiology and multiple (academic) centres. Nationally, we contribute to NVOG research agendas, guideline development, and advisory groups. Internationally, we are active in European Reference Networks (ERN) for rare uro‑recto‑genital diseases and complex conditions in both children and adults, International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), World Endometriosis Society (WES) and multicentre consortia. We contribute through invited lectures, workshops, and collaborative research. These networks amplify our scientific output and ensure rapid translation of research into practice.

• We created a supportive, inclusive, high‑performing research environment

  We supervise PhD candidates, maintain stable external funding, and foster a culture of trust, diversity, and collaboration. Our group is known for high scientific output, strong mentorship, and a multidisciplinary approach. We integrate clinical scientists, research nurses, and junior researchers, ensuring continuity and growth.

Publications

See the publication list of the research group leader on Web of Science.

• A selection of our publications

  • JAMA. 2023 Aug 15;330(7):626-635. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.13140. PMID: 37581670 
  • PLoS One. 2025 Nov 7;20(11):e0336030. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336030. eCollection 2025. PMID: 41201997
  • BMJ Open. 2026 May 26;16(5):e116964. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-116964. PMID: 42191188
  • Neurourol Urodyn. 2024 Nov;43(8):2052-2059. doi: 10.1002/nau.25578. Epub 2024 Sep 5. PMID: 39234766
  • Fertil Steril. 2025 Jan;123(1):176-178. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.08.309. Epub 2024 Aug 6. PMID: 39117170
  • PMID: 39539076
  • Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2025 Aug 5;50(8):658-666. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2024-105548. PMID: 38866558