Excision vs ablation in endometriosis surgery: the difference that matters
When you're told "we'll operate on your endometriosis," not all surgery is the same. There are two main approaches, and the difference can matter a lot.
Ablation
Burns or vaporizes the surface of the lesions. It's faster but can leave disease underneath, especially in deep lesions.
Excision
Removes the entire lesion (cutting it from its base). It also allows the tissue to be sent to pathology (confirming the diagnosis) and is often considered the preferred approach, especially in deep endometriosis, because it aims to treat the disease completely.
Why you should know this
Many patients are operated on several times because the disease "comes back." Sometimes it isn't recurrence — it's incomplete removal. Asking about excision and the surgeon's experience in endometriosis is one of the most important decisions.
What to ask
- Will you do excision or ablation?
- Do you have specific experience in endometriosis (and deep disease)?
- How do you map the disease before surgery?
Recognize these symptoms? Take the symptom self-test and, if you need it, book an online evaluation (USD $50) with a specialist in minimally invasive excision surgery for endometriosis.
FAQ
Does excision prevent recurrence?
It lowers the risk by removing the whole lesion, though endometriosis can recur.
Does all endometriosis need excision?
Not all; but in deep or persistent disease it's usually preferred.