Gynecology and Obstetrics (MEDS-21/A)

The research activity of the Institute of Clinical Obstetrics, in its maternal-fetal medicine aspect, unfolds by looking at all the phases that precede, accompany and follow pregnancy through research that is both laboratory and basic clinical (from bench to bedside). 
The phase prior to pregnancy is the subject of laboratory research into the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate the main ovulatory dysfunctions (in particular PCOS-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) but also that support and often represent the cause of couple sterility. In addition, the preconception phase has always been at our Institute, the heart of clinical research aimed at understanding and studying teratogenic factors (of a medicinal, environmental and occupational type) and their effect on the health of the unborn child. 
Maternal health in pregnancy is studied in its meanings as the main complications both pre-existing and arising in pregnancy with particular attention to diabetic, thyroid and cardiological pathology in pregnancy (in these cases in specific collaboration with the relevant consultants), but also to hypertensive pathology. The study of hypertensive pathology makes use of both the collaboration with histologists and biologics for the understanding of the molecular basis of these pathologies and the study of maternal hemodynamics for the adaptation of management in pregnancy but also for the impact that this type of pathologist has on the future health of the woman.
Fetal medicine, on the other hand, makes use of research based on the most accurate methods of prenatal diagnosis in terms of both non-invasive and invasive tools. The increasingly early possibility of studying the fetus poses new challenges in terms of councelling on maternal and fetal health that are the basis of the research perspectives of the non-invasive prenatal diagnosis clinic. Particular attention has always been paid to our institute for research on infectious diseases in pregnancy, which is characterized in particular by the development of diagnostic techniques, also in collaboration with radiology, and innovative pharmacological therapeutics through observational studies. In addition, a therapeutic approach that today represents a real challenge in fetal medicine, such as the possibility of in utero treatment of fetuses with spina bifida, has recently been introduced among the clinical research activities carried out at our Institute. 

As far as research in the gynaecological field is concerned, the beating heart is represented by oncological gynecology, although the commitment to innovation also characterizes benign gynecological pathology.

The main objective is to study both the molecular and clinical aspects of each tumor to ensure a medicine that is contextually precision and personalized. If in the surgical field, the effort translates into offering innovative treatments such as electrochemotherapy, intraoperative chemohyperthermia or the use of the latest techniques (4K, 3D technology, percutaneous surgery, robotics), in the medical field, the research extends with the proposal of experimental chemotherapy protocols. 
For benign pathology, several research groups address the most common gynecological pathologies: from urogynecology, to endometriosis, to the management of leiomyomas, and of the menopausal patient, finally research groups of outpatient activities (colposcopy, hysteroscopy, ultrasound). 
Peculiar is the practical training of the staff obtained through the help of state-of-the-art simulators (GTC Gemelli Training Center): this activity, in addition to guaranteeing a high technical level, allows them to experiment with new learning techniques.
The institute also has dedicated facilities, equipment and laboratory, statistician and medical writer staff to maximize commitment to scientific research. In this context, the various professional figures have the opportunity to take advantage of an articulated research system and to make their full contribution.