How do I know if a surgeon is truly an excision specialist?

Ask directly about excision case volume, how often they treat deep disease, and whether all tissue is sent to pathology. Ask to see operative reports or de-identified examples if possible.

Should I ask about robotic surgery specifically?

Ask whether robotic surgery is used, when, and why — but focus on excision technique and team, not the platform.

What if my surgeon does not have colorectal or urology backup?

For confirmed or suspected bowel, bladder, or ureter disease, that is a reason to seek a center that does.

Is it rude to ask these questions?

No. Experienced specialists expect and welcome them.

How many opinions should I get?

A second opinion is reasonable for complex disease, prior failed surgery, or when recommendations differ significantly.

What red flags should I watch for?

Guarantees of cure, dismissive answers about pathology, unwillingness to explain the plan, and refusal to coordinate with other specialists.

Should I bring someone with me?

Yes — a partner or friend can take notes and remember questions you might miss.

Choosing care9 min readMedically reviewed

Questions to Ask Your Endometriosis Surgeon

The specific questions to bring to a surgical consultation — from excision volume and imaging to multidisciplinary readiness, pathology, and follow-up.

Reviewed by Dr. Ramiro Cabrera Carranco, MD

Medical Reviewer — Deep Endometriosis, Gynecologic Endoscopy & Reproductive Surgery

Published February 8, 2025

Updated July 2, 2026

A surgical consultation typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Bringing a written list of questions keeps the conversation focused on the information that actually shapes your outcome. The questions below are grouped so you can print them and mark answers during the visit.

Surgeon experience

Do you primarily perform excision, not only ablation?
How many endometriosis cases do you do each year?
How often do you treat deep infiltrating disease?
Do you have specific training in endometriosis surgery?
Are you involved in teaching or research in endometriosis?

Team readiness

Do you operate with colorectal surgeons when bowel disease is suspected?
Do you operate with urology or urogynecology for bladder or ureter disease?
How is my case reviewed before surgery?
Who is in the operating room besides you?

Imaging and pathology

Do you require expert MRI or mapping ultrasound before complex cases?
Who reads my imaging?
Do you send all removed tissue to pathology?
How is my operative report shared with me and my home physician?

Fertility and hormones

How do fertility goals change your surgical plan?
How do you protect ovarian reserve when treating endometriomas?
Do you coordinate with a reproductive endocrinologist?

Follow-up and outcomes

What follow-up is included, and for how long?
How are complications handled?
What is your approach if pain persists after surgery?

Consultation question tracker

Print and fill in during your visit

Question	Why it matters	Answer
Do you excise, ablate, or both?	Deep disease usually needs excision
Annual endometriosis case volume	Experience shapes outcomes
Colorectal + urology available?	Needed for DIE with bowel/bladder involvement
Imaging protocol and reader	Endometriosis-experienced reading matters
Pathology on all specimens?	Confirms diagnosis and lesion type
Fertility coordination	Sequences surgery vs IVF appropriately
Follow-up length and format	Ongoing care avoids being 'lost to follow-up'

What this means for patients

Answers to these questions do more than test the surgeon — they tell you whether the operation is being planned for your specific anatomy and goals or applied off the shelf.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a surgeon is truly an excision specialist?: Ask directly about excision case volume, how often they treat deep disease, and whether all tissue is sent to pathology. Ask to see operative reports or de-identified examples if possible.
Should I ask about robotic surgery specifically?: Ask whether robotic surgery is used, when, and why — but focus on excision technique and team, not the platform.
What if my surgeon does not have colorectal or urology backup?: For confirmed or suspected bowel, bladder, or ureter disease, that is a reason to seek a center that does.
Is it rude to ask these questions?: No. Experienced specialists expect and welcome them.
How many opinions should I get?: A second opinion is reasonable for complex disease, prior failed surgery, or when recommendations differ significantly.
What red flags should I watch for?: Guarantees of cure, dismissive answers about pathology, unwillingness to explain the plan, and refusal to coordinate with other specialists.
Should I bring someone with me?: Yes — a partner or friend can take notes and remember questions you might miss.

References

Medical review notice

This page was written for patient education and reviewed for medical accuracy by a member of the EndoHelp Medical Review Board.

Reviewed by: Dr. Ramiro Cabrera Carranco, MD
Specialty: Medical Reviewer — Deep Endometriosis, Gynecologic Endoscopy & Reproductive Surgery
Content reviewed: Deep infiltrating endometriosis, gynecologic endoscopy, reproductive surgery, minimally invasive excision surgery, fertility planning, second opinions, multidisciplinary endometriosis care.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Selected sources

Full reviewer profile · Medical review policy · Editorial policy · References & sources · Network transparency

This content is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual condition.

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