Mr Francis Gardner

Since qualifying as a doctor in 1992 I have dedicated my career to the treatment of women with both benign and malignant gynaecological conditions. My special interests are in screening for gynaecological malignancies including pre malignant conditions such as with colposcopy for cervical abnormalities and in the advancement of the surgical treatment of both benignant malignant gynaecological conditions. After completing my training in general obstetrics and gynaecology I spent a further three years of specialist training in gynaecological oncology so that I am registered dual accredited by the GMC. As a former Clinical Director for Gynaecology at the Queen Alexandra Hospital I lead the development of the single visit endometrial cancer screening service for women with postmenopausal bleeding. I introduced the use of a hysteroscopic morcellator which has facilitated the treatment of polyps and sub mucous fibroids without sedation or general anaesthesia. I lead the development of the menstrual disorders clinic with introduction of both the hysteroscopic morcellator and the radio frequency ablation of the lining of the womb. This reduces the need for hysterectomy. With the use of a combined two site local anaesthetic technique (para cervical and uterine), derived from a technique I learned from a colleague in Denmark, the procedure can be performed painlessly without sedation or general anaesthesia – leading to a rapid return to normal activities. In the treatment of endometrial cancer in 2009, when I came to work in Portsmouth, I led the promotion of the use of Minimal Access Surgical (MAS) treatment which has dramatically reduced the initial recovery from an inpatient stay of 3-7 days for traditional open surgery to 1-2 days for MAS treated patients.

Gynaecological cancer Post menopausal problems Prolapse Menopause Endometriosis Menstrual disorders Laparoscopic surgery Infertility Subfertility Sexual health Special clinical interests: Fertility: sparing surgery for cervical and ovarian cancer - Complex gynaecological cancer surgery - Ovarian cancer screening, risk assessment and prophylactic surgery - Screening for Gynaecology Cancer - Expertise in complex benign and gynaecological cancer surgeries and surgery in patients with medical co-morbidities - Menopause and menstrual dysfunction - Colposcopy - Hysteroscopy and resection of polyps and fibroids - Endometrial ablation - Minimal access laparoscopic surgery including Endometriosis.