At ObGyn Matters London, we understand how significantly endometriosis can affect your daily quality of life.
For some, it’s the chronic pain, heavy periods, or fatigue. For others, it’s the emotional toll on themselves and their relationships.
If you’re exploring treatment options, endometriosis excision surgery might be the answer you’re looking for.
Our senior and experienced team of six Consultants is headed up by the lead tertiary endometriosis service surgeon, Mr Christian Barnick.
Our Consultants can provide personal, individualised, and evidence-based care to help you navigate this journey with confidence.
What Is Endometriosis Excision Surgery?
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows in areas it shouldn't, particularly in the pelvis, on the ovaries, bladder, or bowel. This can lead to inflammation, scarring, adhesions, infertility and pain.
Excision surgery involves carefully removing these specific areas of endometriosis, to provide relief and optimise fertility.
Unlike other methods, such as ablation (burning the superficial tissue), excision completely removes the affected areas, resulting in more effective treatment, with better outcomes and reduces the chance of collateral damage (unwanted side effects) and symptom recurrence.
Who Might Benefit from this Surgery?
Excision surgery is often recommended when:
- Pain is severe and ongoing despite medication or other treatments.
- Endometriosis is nodular and/or deeply infiltrating
- Endometriosis affects your fertility, and you’re trying to get pregnant.
- The condition is disrupting your quality of life, from work to personal relationships.
Our team at ObGynMatters will work with you to provide informed choice and support you to decide whether this option is right for you.
This may require specialist imaging (including MRI) to assess the extent and nature of the condition and careful consultation to explore all the treatment options.
What Happens During Endometriosis Excision Surgery?
The procedure is typically performed via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), which is a minimally invasive approach.
Here’s how it works:
- General anaesthetic: You’ll be fully asleep for the procedure.
- Small incisions: The surgeon makes 3 or sometimes 4 small incisions (0.5-1cm) to insert a camera and surgical instruments.
- Precision removal: Using advanced techniques, the surgeon removes the endometriotic tissue, while minimising damage and preserving healthy organs.
Our consultants are highly skilled in treating endometriosis and we have a multidisciplinary team approach, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Mr Barnick also leads an NHS tertiary referral centre for endometriosis and has particular expertise in excision surgery for endometriosis.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Preparing for surgery can help make the process smoother:
- Ask questions: Our team is here to guide you. Some women find it helpful to bring a list of queries to your consultation. We will do our best to answer.
- Plan your recovery space: Stock up on comfortable clothes, healthy meals, and pain relief for after surgery. We can advise further.
- Stay active beforehand: Light exercise can strengthen your body and speed up your recovery.
What to Expect After Surgery for your recovery
Recovery from excision surgery varies, but here’s a general timeline:
- Days 1–3: You may not feel so well, temporarily. Rest is important, and you will need some company to assist you with your recovery. Expect some bloating and soreness around the incisions. Shoulder pain (from the gas used during the procedure) is also common.
- Weeks 1–2: Gradually increase light activity, we particularly encourage walking. You will normally be well enough to return to work after 1-2 weeks.
- Weeks 4–6: Most people feel much better and can do regular exercise, but listen to your body—every recovery journey is unique.
We will, of course, provide you with more detailed aftercare advice and schedule follow-up appointments, to monitor your healing and recovery.
Why Choose Excision Surgery for Endometriosis ?
Compared to other surgical options, such as ablation, excision is considered the ‘gold standard’ surgery for treating endometriosis.
Here’s why:
- Complete and thorough removal: The surgeon removes the tissue entirely, rather than just burning away the surface.
- Longer-lasting relief: There’s a lower chance of your symptoms recurring.
- Improved fertility outcomes: Excision surgery can enhance the chances of becoming pregnant.
FAQs
What’s the difference between excision and ablation?
Excision removes the endometriotic tissue completely, while ablation burns away the surface. Excision is therefore more effective in preventing symptoms from recurring.
Is endometriosis excision surgery a cure?
There’s no absolute cure for endometriosis, but excision surgery can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Longer term medical treatment may be required following the surgery, to help prevent recurrence.
Will I need further surgery?
Some people may need additional treatments, if symptoms do recur, but excision surgery definitely provides one of the most reliable solutions.
Can excision surgery help with fertility?
For some, excision surgery can improve fertility. This should be discussed with your Consultant based on your individual case.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, depending on the extent of the tissue being removed.
Why Choose ObGyn Matters London?
At ObGyn Matters London, our team are proud to offer personalised, safe, and evidence-based care.
Our team of six Consultants provides a full range of obstetrics and gynaecology services in central London, including expertise intreating endometriosis.
Where required, Mr Barnick has a particular skill in performing complex laparoscopic excision surgery for endometriosis.
- Experienced team: Specialists in advanced laparoscopic surgery.
- Individualised care: Tailored and personalised to your needs and circumstances.
- Convenient location: Access expert care in the heart of London.
- Trusted by women: Some of our women prefer a female gynaecologist for their comfort and peace of mind, and this can be facilitated (sometimes your female gyanecologist may offer to do the surgery with Mr Barnick supporting and assisting).
- Waiting times and efficiency: Most women can be seen for consultation within one week, additional tests can be arranged promptly and laparoscopic excision surgery can be performed within a month if so desired. There are no unnecessary delays.
How to Take the Next Step
If you think endometriosis excision surgery might be right for you, we’re here to help.
We recommend getting together all of your previous medical notes and results for your appointment and book a consultation with our experienced team at ObGynMatters London today.
Whether you’re managing pain, exploring fertility options, or looking for guidance, we will provide the care, support, expertise, and informed choice, you need and deserve.
