Patient Guide

Questions to Ask During Your Surgery Consultation

Your endometriosis surgery consultation is your chance to figure out whether this doctor is the right fit. If you are considering surgery, the number one most important factor is the surgeon. The right hands can change everything, while the wrong approach can make symptoms worse or lead to repeat surgeries.

Use your consultation to learn how they operate, how much experience they have, and whether they truly specialize in endometriosis. The main goal is to make sure your surgeon is a true endometriosis specialist. Many doctors will say they are, but are not truly qualified to treat the disease.

Cut or Burn?

Ask directly whether they use excision or ablation.

  • Excision means cutting the disease out from the root
  • Ablation means burning the surface, which often leaves disease behind
  • Research shows excision has the best long-term outcomes for pain relief and lower recurrence rates
What percentage of your surgeries are for endometriosis?

A true specialist performs endometriosis or pelvic pain surgeries regularly - around 80% of the time or more. Watch for:

  • A low volume of endo surgeries per month
  • A practice focused on general gynecology or deliveries
  • A lack of experience with complex cases
What do you do if there is disease on the bowel, bladder, or diaphragm?

Endometriosis often spreads to these areas, and a real specialist should be ready for it.

  • They should have the skill to treat those organs themselves, or have a multidisciplinary team that includes colorectal, urology, and thoracic surgeons
  • If they say they will close you up and refer you elsewhere later, that is a red flag
Do you screen for adenomyosis?

Ask how they evaluate for adenomyosis before surgery.

  • It often occurs alongside endometriosis
  • It requires a different treatment approach
  • A specialist should have a clear protocol for identifying it pre-operatively
What is your plan after surgery?

Ask about recovery and follow-up care.

  • Do they recommend pelvic floor physical therapy? It is one of the most important parts of long-term healing
  • What does their follow-up schedule look like?
  • A good doctor will encourage PT and have a clear post-op plan
What does your pain management plan look like?

Pain management should fit your comfort level and values.

  • Ask what medications they typically use
  • Ask how they handle nerve-related pain
  • Ask whether they support integrative or non-opioid options if that matters to you

A good doctor will take time to answer every question, explain their reasoning, and never make you feel rushed or dismissed. If you sense hesitation, avoidance, or vague answers, keep looking. The right specialist will value your preparation and respect that you have done your research.