Dr Dean Conrad

Dr Dean Conrad Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Fertility, Pelvic Floor. Advanced Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery

Come say hello đź‘‹At Anaria, we work as a close-knit team of obstetricians who rotate weekends and share patient care. Tha...
27/07/2025

Come say hello đź‘‹

At Anaria, we work as a close-knit team of obstetricians who rotate weekends and share patient care.

That means you get:
✔️ A consistent group of highly experienced doctors
✔️ Seamless handover with full access to your notes
✔️ Shared values, communication styles, and approach to care
✔️ 24/7 support

This means that if your chosen doctor is ever tied up — whether they’re in surgery, attending another birth, or simply taking a well-earned night off — you’ll be looked after by a trusted colleague who knows your story and has full access to your records.

To help you feel confident and familiar with your care team, we’re hosting regular Meet & Greet evenings — a relaxed chance to put faces to names, ask questions, and meet the people who might be supporting you on your big day.

đź“… 30 July 2025
🕡 6:15 – 7:00pm
📍 Anaria
👩‍⚕️ Dr Andrew Zuschmann, Dr Amani Harris, Dr Dean Conrad, Dr Nancy Peters

Please RSVP by calling the rooms on 9526 7477
We look forward to seeing you there!

Happy 2nd birthday to our little Leo.Two years of cheeky grins, cuddles, chaos, and pure joy. You’ve turned our world up...
25/07/2025

Happy 2nd birthday to our little Leo.

Two years of cheeky grins, cuddles, chaos, and pure joy. You’ve turned our world upside down in the best possible way – louder, messier, and infinitely more fun.

Watching you grow into your curious, inquisitive, and funny little self has been the greatest adventure. And soon, you’ll be stepping into your next big role – big brother. That lucky little baby has no idea what’s coming.

Here’s to another year of giggles, cars, dump trucks, diggers, music, and questionable dance moves. We love you!

As it is Fibroid awareness month, let's discuss the different treatment options.Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, ...
22/07/2025

As it is Fibroid awareness month, let's discuss the different treatment options.

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean you have to “just live with them.” Whether you’re dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pressure, fertility concerns, or no symptoms at all — you deserve to know your options.

As a gynaecologist, I often see women who’ve been told their only choice is to wait it out or have a hysterectomy — but that’s simply not true.

There are a wide range of evidence-based treatment options available, from lifestyle-friendly medical therapies to advanced minimally invasive surgeries.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what’s out there — so you can make decisions that feel right for your body and your goals. As a gynaecologist, I’m here to help guide you through the choices based on your symptoms, reproductive goals, and lifestyle.

“A hysterectomy is the only way to treat fibroids.” MYTH! There are many treatment options beyond hysterectomy!As a gyna...
18/07/2025

“A hysterectomy is the only way to treat fibroids.” MYTH!

There are many treatment options beyond hysterectomy!

As a gynaecologist specialising in minimally invasive surgery, I see this myth cause unnecessary fear far too often. The truth is, fibroid treatment can—and should—be tailored to your symptoms, goals, and reproductive plans.

Some effective alternatives include:
- Laparoscopic myomectomy – removal of fibroids through keyhole surgery, preserving the uterus
- Hysteroscopic resection – ideal for fibroids located inside the uterine cavity
- Uterine artery embolisation – shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply
- Medications – including hormonal treatments to reduce bleeding and size

Your uterus, your choice.
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—and a hysterectomy is just one of many options.

Want to know what’s right for you? A personalised consultation can help you explore your choices.

Considering a Hysterectomy for Fibroids? Let’s Talk Pros and ConsA hysterectomy—the surgical removal of the uterus—can b...
15/07/2025

Considering a Hysterectomy for Fibroids? Let’s Talk Pros and Cons

A hysterectomy—the surgical removal of the uterus—can be a life-changing option for women with severe fibroid symptoms. But like all treatments, it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential downsides.
My take as a minimally invasive surgeon: A hysterectomy can offer excellent outcomes for women with large, symptomatic, or treatment-resistant fibroids — but it’s not the only option.
Many women benefit from uterus-sparing treatments like myomectomy or uterine artery embolisation, depending on their goals and stage of life. If you're weighing up your options, a personalised consultation can help you make the choice that’s right for you.

Your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals matter—let’s find the right treatment for you.

It was an absolute pleasure to support Dr Ashmita Desai on her robotic surgery journey.Ashmita is a gynaecologist with a...
14/07/2025

It was an absolute pleasure to support Dr Ashmita Desai on her robotic surgery journey.

Ashmita is a gynaecologist with a real passion for minimally invasive and pelvic floor surgery, including complex procedures like endometriosis excision. She recently completed her Advanced Gynaecologic Endoscopic Surgical Fellowship in Newcastle and brings a well-rounded skill set, thanks to her training across open, va**nal, and laparoscopic approaches starting in Bangalore, India, and continuing through rural, regional, and tertiary centres around Australia. She’s building an impressive career grounded in skill, compassion, and continuous learning.

On only her second proctored surgical list, Dr Desai didn’t disappoint. After a strong debut, she brought even more complex cases to the table to showcase the power of the Da Vinci Xi robot. One particularly challenging case involved a large, multi-fibroid uterus complicated by stage 4 endometriosis. With the enhanced 3D vision of the robotic platform, we completed the procedure fully minimally invasively - including abdominal morcellation within an extraction bag - achieving an excellent outcome for the patient.

For me, this was also a personal milestone. Dr Ashmita is the 20th surgeon I’ve proctored on the Da Vinci platform, representing over 60 robotic cases to date. I hope I’ve provided as much value to others as I’ve gained myself. Teaching continues to reinforce humility, reflection, and lifelong learning. This commitment to surgical education and high-quality robotic proctoring aligns with the mission of the Australian Institute of Robotic Surgery.

Huge thanks to the team at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital for supporting these training opportunities and to Sumner Maxwell-Brown from Device Technologies for his continued dedication to surgical education.

Meet baby Lev – our newest fibroid awareness warrior, joining the cause with his big sister Alisa!You might remember Ali...
08/07/2025

Meet baby Lev – our newest fibroid awareness warrior, joining the cause with his big sister Alisa!

You might remember Alisa’s dear little face from a previous post about her mum’s determined fertility journey with fibroids.

After many years of trying to fall pregnant, Alisa’s mum was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and underwent surgery with a gynaecologist to remove what were thought to be the problematic fibroids. Unfortunately, despite the operation, pregnancy still didn’t come.

When she came to see me, we discovered that the fibroids removed were not the ones interfering with fertility. A small submucosal fibroid — sitting within the inner lining of the uterus — had gone undetected and was likely the real cause. I organised a simple, minimally invasive hysteroscopic procedure to remove it, and not long after… Alisa arrived.

Now a thriving, affectionate little girl who loves fruit, day care and Sting (yes, the musician), Alisa recently stepped into a new role — big sister to baby Lev, who has now joined this wonderful family.

Their story is a powerful reminder that not all fibroids are the same. Submucosal fibroids, in particular, can be small and silent but have a big impact on fertility. Understanding where a fibroid is located is often more important than its size.

Alisa and Lev’s journey continues to highlight the importance of careful assessment, persistence, and the potential of modern, minimally invasive treatment options.

July is Fibroid Awareness Month and it's time we talk openly about uterine fibroids.Uterine fibroids (also known as leio...
07/07/2025

July is Fibroid Awareness Month and it's time we talk openly about uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are benign growths of the muscle layer of the uterus. They are incredibly common affecting up to 80% of women at some point, particularly during their reproductive years.

Most of the time, fibroids cause no symptoms at all. But occasionally, they can lead to significant issues such as heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, bladder or bowel symptoms, and fertility problems.

As a gynaecologist, I often meet women who’ve been told to “just put up with it,” or who have had their fibroids monitored for years as they slowly grow. Unfortunately, by the time they’re referred for surgical treatment, the fibroids have often reached a size or complexity that makes minimally invasive options far more challenging — requiring specialist expertise, longer operating times, and a higher risk of needing to convert to open surgery.

I'm especially passionate about minimally invasive surgery, which can reduce recovery time, preserve fertility, and improve long-term outcomes for women who need treatment — but timely referral and tailored care are key.

If your fibroids are interfering with your daily life, your periods feel abnormal, or you’re concerned about your fertility, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone, and help is available.

Let’s raise awareness, break the silence, and empower women with knowledge and options.

July is Fibroid Awareness Month - a time to shine a light on this very common, yet often under-discussed health conditio...
30/06/2025

July is Fibroid Awareness Month - a time to shine a light on this very common, yet often under-discussed health condition. It’s an opportunity to understand what fibroids are, how they can affect us, and what can be done to help.

Fibroids (also known as uterine fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop within the walls of the uterus. They affect nearly half of all people with a uterus by the age of 50. Fibroids can range in size — from as small as a pea to as large as a rockmelon, or even bigger!

Most people may not realise they have fibroids as they often don’t cause any symptoms. But for those who do, the size and location of the fibroid can significantly influence the type and severity of symptoms.

Common symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy and/or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Urinary and bowel problems
- Abdominal bloating
- Painful s*x
- Difficulties falling pregnant

If any of these symptoms sound familiar or are affecting your quality of life, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. There are effective investigations and treatment options that can help.

Stay tuned this July as we continue to explore fibroid disease in more depth.

Earlier in the year we discussed what Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is and what treatment options are available with Charl...
30/06/2025

Earlier in the year we discussed what Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is and what treatment options are available with Charlotte from Flow Physio Co. POP is extremely important to discuss continuously as there are so many women that suffer in silence.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition where one or more of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel) bulge into the va**na. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women are affected. Despite it being so common, many women do not seek treatment, likely due to a lack of awareness or feeling embarrassed.

POP occurs when the connective tissue supporting the pelvic organs are stretched or weakened. Pregnancy and more specifically childbirth is a common risk factor due to damage to the supporting structures holding the organs up. Prolapse can also occur with excessive downward strain on the pelvic floor such as obesity, chronic coughing, constipation, heavy lifting and high impact exercises.

If you are suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse, please do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation.

It was a real pleasure to reconnect professionally with my friend and colleague Dr Stefaan Pacquée. Stefaan and I traine...
23/06/2025

It was a real pleasure to reconnect professionally with my friend and colleague Dr Stefaan Pacquée. Stefaan and I trained together during our fellowship at the Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre (SWEC), where we spent hours in theatre honing our advanced surgical skills. It was great to work alongside him again on the Xi robotic platform as he continues to expand his already impressive pelvic surgical repertoire.

Stefaan performed his first robotic procedure back in 2014 on the more technically demanding Si platform in Leuven, Belgium. Since then, he’s steadily built expertise across both urogynaecology and minimally invasive surgery, including a fellowship at SWEC after relocating to Sydney.

He may be one of the most broadly trained pelvic surgeons in Australia — currently the only surgeon with formal accreditation in both urogynaecology and AGES-level minimally invasive surgery. That dual skillset makes him perfectly placed to bridge the gap between urogyn and endogyn. His approach shows how combining these fields can genuinely improve outcomes in pelvic reconstructive surgery.

What struck me most was how naturally our approaches aligned — a reflection of shared training foundations and a mutual commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred care. Watching Stefaan translate his deep understanding of pelvic floor anatomy into the robotic space was a privilege.

Too often, urogynaecology and endogynaecology are seen as separate silos, with debates about surgical approach taking precedence over collaboration. But bridging those worlds is where real innovation happens. These sessions reminded me of the power of shared expertise — not just to exchange techniques, but to elevate care for our patients.

A huge thanks to the outstanding team at Prince of Wales Private Hospital, and to Iana Talipova from Device Technologies, whose expertise with the Da Vinci Xi platform helped make the day a success.

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the structural barriers that remain. At present, robotic surgery at Prince of Wales is limited to procedures — excluding transformative operations like , which I perform exclusively robotically.

That’s not just a policy issue — it reflects systemic gender inequities in how surgical resources are prioritised. High-value procedures that improve women’s quality of life are still fighting for recognition and access. I’m hopeful Stefaan will join us at St. George Private Hospital, where Ramsay Health Care has developed more progressive funding arrangements for complex robotic procedures like sacrocolpopexy.

It’s a model that reflects the kind of equity Australian Institute of Robotic Surgery (AIRS) aims to promote — ensuring access to advanced surgical care isn’t dictated by postcode or outdated policy.

Looking forward to more shared journeys — and building stronger bridges between and .

Stress vs Urge Incontinence — What’s the Difference?Not all bladder leakage is the same — and knowing the difference is ...
19/06/2025

Stress vs Urge Incontinence — What’s the Difference?

Not all bladder leakage is the same — and knowing the difference is key to getting the right treatment.

Stress Incontinence
This is the kind of leakage that happens with coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercise. It’s usually caused by weakness or damage to the pelvic floor or supporting structures — often after childbirth.
- More common in younger women
- Often improves with pelvic floor physiotherapy
- May require surgical treatment for long-term resolution

Urge Incontinence
This is the sudden, strong need to go — and not making it to the toilet in time. It can affect women of any age, but becomes more common as we get older.
- Caused by overactivity of the bladder muscle
- Managed with lifestyle changes, bladder training, and medications
- Surgery is not first-line — and treating the wrong type surgically can make things worse

That’s why it’s so important to get the diagnosis right.

Sometimes, we may recommend urodynamic testing — a simple assessment to understand how your bladder is functioning and to guide individualised treatment options.

Whether it’s stress, urge — or a mix of both — support and treatment are available. You don’t have to live with it.

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Miranda, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 1pm

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Nurturing Women’s Wellbeing

Dr Dean Conrad is an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire with over ten years experience in women’s health. After graduating from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), he completed his specialist training at St George and Royal Women’s Hospitals. He then went on to complete a two year Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society (AGES) fellowship in minimally invasive surgery with Sydney Women’s Endosurgery Centre (SWEC).

Dean is a staff specialist at The Sutherland Hospital, with admitting rights at Kareena, St George and Hurstville Private hospitals. He is also a conjoint lecturer with the University of New South Wales. He has a specific interest in minimally invasive advanced pelvic surgery and specialises in the treatment of fertility and pelvic floor dysfunction, including non-mesh treatments for urinary incontinence and prolapse. His passion for education has taken him across the country as a teacher and surgical mentor, advancing the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders.