The Gynaecological research team – Elisabeth Epstein

The gynaecological team conduct research on a broad front focused on four main themes

Part of the:

Research at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Södersjukhuset focuses on improving diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes in gynecology through a combination of clinical studies, registry data, and advanced technologies. A central area is the development of AI-based decision support systems based on ultrasound imaging and blood-based analyses to enable more personalized diagnostics, particularly for ovarian tumors and endometriosis. The research also includes studies on how clinicians interact with AI in healthcare. In addition, the research covers sexual and reproductive health, including the safety of medical abortion at home, treatment of menstrual-related pain and endometriosis, consequences of female genital mutilation and sexual violence, as well as pelvic floor surgery and its impact on quality of life. The clinic also conducts research in robotic surgery to evaluate safety and effectiveness, as well as advanced endometriosis with a focus on surgery, fertility, and diagnostic and digital tools for improved and individualized treatment.

Collaborations

  • NHV Endometriosis national collaboration
  • IOTA (International Ovarian Tumour Analysis): prospective international multicenter collaboration involving several studies
  • TITANUM (GestaTIonal TrophoblAstic NeoplasIa Ultrasound Assessment): prospective international multicenter collaboration
  • KTH and SciLifeLab: AI analysis of ultrasound images and circulating tumor fragments for early detection of ovarian cancer
  • National networks on female genital mutilation (Vanja Berggren, Karolinska Institutet)
  • International collaboration on endometriosis (ZEG – Epidemiological Center for Health Research, Berlin, Germany)
  • Monash University – Women’s Health Care Research Group

Projects

  • IOTA: Evaluation of multimodal diagnostic strategies for ovarian tumors
  • TITANUM: Ultrasound-based prognosis assessment in trophoblastic tumors
  • AI-driven decision support for ovarian tumor diagnostics: clinical implementation
  • AI analysis of circulating tumor DNA and ultrasound imaging for early detection of ovarian cancer
  • Effects of female genital mutilation: investigating childbirth outcomes and patient experiences in Sweden
  • Educational intervention on female genital mutilation for midwives and physicians
  • Endometriosis: evaluating whether surgery improves IVF outcomes and whether AI can identify patients with endometriosis
  • Robotic surgery: comparing outcomes and complications with other minimally invasive techniques in hysterectomy
  • Poorly healed childbirth injuries: randomized controlled trial comparing conservative treatment versus immediate surgical repair
  • TVT sling surgery for incontinence: long-term follow-up and complications at a population level
  • Apical prolapse: comparison of surgical methods regarding outcomes and recurrence risk
  • Mental health and the role of social support in men exposed to sexual violence
  • Strangulation in the context of consensual sex and sexual violence in Sweden

Research funding

  • Swedish Cancer Society
  • Swedish Research Council
  • ALF funding (medical research)
  • ALF Health, Medicine and Technology (in collaboration with KTH)
  • AFA Insurance, Region Stockholm-Gotland
  • Radiumhemmet Research Funds
  • Swedish Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority

Our research

Ultrasound Research – AI Analysis

The aim is to improve ultrasound diagnostics in gynecological diseases in order to tailor treatment for each individual patient and optimize the use of healthcare resources. We develop, validate, and implement AI-driven decision support in clinical settings, based on ultrasound images combined with analysis of circulating tumor fragments in blood. We also study human–AI interaction in the use of AI-based decision support systems in healthcare. Our main focus areas are ovarian tumors and endometriosis.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

We investigate: The safety of performing medical abortion at home. Whether new treatment options can be developed for women with menstrual-related pain and endometriosis, where effective treatments could lead to substantial benefits given the high rates of sick leave due to pain. Whether women with a history of female genital mutilation have an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes when giving birth in Sweden, and whether an educational intervention targeting midwives and physicians can improve knowledge and clinical confidence in managing these patients. The consequences of sexual violence.

Pelvic Floor

Comparison of symptoms, prevalence of dyspareunia, and quality of life across different surgical techniques for uterine prolapse, as well as reconstructive surgery following inadequately healed childbirth injuries.

Robotic Surgery

Research in robotic surgery aims to evaluate safety and patient benefit in robot-assisted hysterectomy by studying complications such as thromboembolism and the need for blood transfusion. It also investigates whether outpatient (day-case) robotic surgery is a safe and effective model of care.

Endometriosis

Research focuses on advanced endometriosis, with emphasis on surgical treatment, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. We conduct national multicenter clinical studies and registry-based research, and develop diagnostic and digital tools to improve individualized treatment and patient information. We also develop AI tools for detecting endometriosis based on ultrasound images.

Publications

Selected publications

All publications from group members

Staff and contact

Group leader

All members of the group

Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence Cancer and Oncology Endometriosis Epidemiology Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine Show all
Content reviewer:
Elisabeth Epstein
Miriam Mosesson
09-04-2026