Laparoscopic or Robotic Treatment of Endometriosis
Educational information only, not medical advice. Talk with a qualified clinician before making decisions about your care.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from inside the uterus implants outside the uterus. Endometriosis tissue is frequently located close to the ovaries (where eggs are made), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs to the uterus), on the peritoneum (the inside lining of the abdomen or belly), or on other organs. It can be associated with the inability to get pregnant, abnormal bleeding, and pelvic pain (with or without periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements or urination). It can also show up as a type of cyst on the ovary called an endometrioma or “chocolate cyst.”
Endometriosis is found by surgical intervention, examination (biopsy), and removal of the suspected tissue. A laparoscopy is the best approach for this purpose. Small incisions are made in the abdomen under general anesthesia and gas is used to stretch the abdomen. A camera or laparoscope is used to look directly at the pelvis and special instruments are used to remove any endometriosis tissue. It is important to have a complete discussion with your doctor before surgery. Because it is so difficult, this procedure requires a surgeon with specialized training in endometriosis surgery.
What is this procedure used for?
Some reasons to consider surgery in patients with suspected endometriosis are:
Some reasons to consider surgery:
- Failed medical treatment
- Unresolved pain
- Endometriosis cysts
- Suspected involvement of other organs
- Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
The goals for endometriosis surgery are to:
- Confirm that the patient has the disease
- Remove endometriosis tissue
- Improve pain
- Restore normal body structure
- Treat infertility (inability to get pregnant)
Different surgical procedures can be offered for endometriosis. These include:
- Removing or burning endometriosis (excision or ablation)
- Ovarian cystectomy (removal of endometrioma cyst)
- Removal of endometriosis deep within the reproductive organs (deep infiltrating endometriosis)
- Removal of uterus with or without ovaries
What are the risks of this procedure?
Every surgery has a small risk or possibility of having complications. Laparoscopy is generally safer than open abdominal surgery. A gynecologist who is experienced with treating endometriosis is less likely to have serious complications in patients. Some of the risks associated with endometriosis surgery include:
- Bleeding during or after the surgery
- Infection
- Injury to your bladder, intestines, or other structures near your uterus
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs
- Need to switch to a laparotomy (surgery through one large incision)
- Continued pain after surgery
- Regrowth of endometriosis
- Loss of organs damaged by endometriosis, such as fallopian tubes or ovaries
- Bowel, bladder, or ureter involvement. Deep infiltrating endometriosis can involve the bowel, bladder, or ureters. When endometriosis has invaded these organs, complete surgical treatment may require partial resection — removing and repairing a portion of the affected organ. These procedures carry additional risks including bleeding, infection, leak at the surgical repair site, temporary or permanent need for a urinary catheter, and, rarely, the need for a temporary ostomy. Surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis is best performed by a surgeon experienced in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, often in coordination with colorectal surgery or urology when bowel or urinary tract involvement is suspected on preoperative imaging. [AAGL clinical leadership review suggested.]
What should I expect after surgery?
With a laparoscopic or robotic approach there is less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery when compared with open abdominal surgery. Everyone recovers at a different pace after surgery. Many patients are able to get back to most of their usual activities by 1-2 weeks after surgery. Common symptoms after a laparoscopy include:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Fatigue or sleepiness from anesthesia
- Pain or cramping in your stomach and soreness from your surgical cuts
- Shoulder pain
- Constipation (difficulty emptying bowels)
When should I call my doctor?
Most women make a full recovery after endometriosis surgery. Call your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pain not controlled by your pain medications
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Trouble urinating or having a bowel movement
Patient information sheet
Download the printable AAGL patient information sheet for this procedure.
Ready to talk to a specialist?
Every surgeon in our directory is an AAGL member trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Learn more about
DISCLAIMER: This material is for informational purposes only. The information presented should not be relied on as a substitute for medical advice, independent judgment or proper assessment by a doctor, with consideration of the circumstances of each case and individual needs. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. This document reflects information available at the time of its preparation. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. All users agree to read and abide by the AAGL’s complete terms of use agreement found on its website. AAGL disclaims all liability to users of the information. © 2026 AAGL. All rights reserved.