The symposium was supported by Gedeon Richter and featured presentations by prominent specialists, including Dr. Stavros Karampelas (BE) whom we managed to have a short interview with right after the session. Among other topics, he highlighted the importance of modern, patient-centric, personalized approaches to endometriosis management.
Q: How did you perceive today’s Gedeon Richter symposium compared to the other scientific lectures so far at SEUD?
I believe it was excellent. Attendance was very high – there were almost 1,000 people in the room. Besides the high level of participation, we also received some interesting questions from the audience at the end of the symposium, so the whole experience was impressive indeed.
Q: You mentioned a few key takeaways in your presentation. Could you elaborate?
One key point is that involving patients in shared decision-making improves medical outcomes and patient satisfaction. For HCPs, the most important message is that the best treatment is individualized, based on clinical factors and patient preferences. Maybe I would highlight these two points from my lecture.
Q: Diagnosing endometriosis can take up to 7-12 years. How can we shorten this time?
We need more endometriosis experts and greater awareness among gynecologists. Improving ultrasound techniques, using MRI, and developing reliable biomarkers can all reduce diagnostic delays – which is crucial for offering timely, effective treatment.
Q: How can we ensure that women receive proper medical treatment immediately after diagnosis, without resorting to surgery?
Fortunately, medical treatment is now the first-line approach. Surgery is reserved for severe cases where medical treatment isn’t effective. This is especially relevant for pain management and fertility preservation.
Q: At the end of the symposium, Professor Chapron called Relugolix CT a “revolutionary medicine”. Do you agree with this bold statement?
Absolutely! Until now, if hormonal treatments like progesterone or contraceptives failed, surgery was the only option for patients with endometriosis. Now, with Relugolix combination therapy, we have a medical alternative for long-term treatment, and this is indeed a game-changer in the field of endometriosis.
Q: How do you see the future of gynecological care in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and patient awareness?
Surgery will likely play a smaller role, which benefits patients. As a surgeon, I know the risks involved in complex procedures like in the more severe cases, where the patient has deep infiltrating endometriosis. If we can avoid the surgery-related risks just by prescribing a hormonal treatment, it’s a better path. Surgery should be reserved for rare, complex cases handled by experts, and I am saying this as a surgeon who loves his job, but we need to focus more on patient interests.
Q: Many women’s health issues remain taboo topics in society. Do you see this as a problem?
Yes, but it’s improving. Patient awareness is growing in this field, and openness helps us identify problems and work towards better solutions.
Q: Do gynecological conditions still carry a strong stigma, alike mental health issues?
It used to be similar in the past I believe, but luckily, I see a change: in the past many women were referred to psychiatrists because their pain wasn’t taken seriously. Now, with a diagnosis like endometriosis, or any uterine condition, they know that their pain has a name, a cause and a non-invasive, effective medical solution. That brings relief and validation, not shame.