Being told that surgery may be an option can feel like a lot to process.

You may feel relieved, nervous, hopeful or unsure. Surgery is a significant decision, and you deserve clear information before agreeing to it.

This article gives you questions to ask if surgery is being discussed for suspected or confirmed endometriosis.

First, understand the aim of surgery

Ask:

  • What is the purpose of the surgery?
  • Is the aim to diagnose endometriosis, treat endometriosis, or both?
  • What areas will be checked during surgery?
  • What do you expect to find based on my symptoms and scans?
  • What happens if endometriosis is found?
  • What happens if endometriosis is not found?

You should understand why surgery is being recommended.

Ask about excision and ablation

Ask:

  • Will endometriosis be excised, ablated or both?
  • What is the difference between excision and ablation?
  • Which method do you use most often?
  • Why are you recommending that approach for me?
  • Are there areas where you would not treat disease during this surgery?
  • What happens if disease is more complex than expected?

Understanding the surgical approach matters.

Ask about the surgeon’s experience

You may want to ask:

  • How often do you operate on endometriosis?
  • Do you treat deep endometriosis?
  • Do you treat bowel, bladder, ureter, diaphragm or nerve-related disease?
  • What types of endometriosis cases do you usually manage?
  • Would you refer me elsewhere if disease is outside your area of expertise?
  • Do you work with a multidisciplinary team?

This is not rude. It is part of making an informed decision.

Ask about multidisciplinary care

If bowel, bladder, ureter, diaphragm, chest, nerve or complex disease is suspected, ask:

  • Would another specialist be involved?
  • Would a colorectal surgeon be available if bowel disease is found?
  • Would a urologist be available if bladder or ureter disease is found?
  • Would a thoracic surgeon be involved if diaphragm or chest disease is suspected?
  • Would imaging be reviewed before surgery?
  • Would surgery be planned differently if deep disease is suspected?

Complex disease may need planned specialist support.

Ask what happens if unexpected disease is found

Ask:

  • What will you do if you find disease involving the bowel, bladder, ureter or diaphragm?
  • Would you treat it during the same operation?
  • Would you stop and refer me to a specialist team?
  • Would I need a second surgery?
  • How will you decide what is safe to do?
  • Will I have given consent for all possible procedures?

You should not be surprised by major decisions after surgery.

Ask about risks

Ask:

  • What are the general risks of this surgery?
  • What are the risks specific to my case?
  • Could surgery affect my bowel, bladder, ureter, ovaries or fertility?
  • What is the risk of adhesions or scar tissue?
  • What complications should I know about?
  • What symptoms after surgery should make me seek urgent help?

All surgery has risks. You deserve clear explanations.

Ask about fertility

If fertility matters to you now or in the future, ask:

  • Could surgery affect fertility?
  • Could surgery affect ovarian reserve?
  • Are my ovaries or endometriomas involved?
  • Should ovarian reserve testing be considered?
  • Should fertility advice be sought before surgery?
  • How might surgery affect IVF or future pregnancy options?

Fertility questions should be discussed before surgery, not after.

Ask about histology and documentation

Ask:

  • Will tissue be sent for histology or biopsy confirmation?
  • Will I receive a copy of the operation report?
  • Will photographs or images be taken?
  • Will the location of disease be clearly documented?
  • Will I receive a discharge summary?
  • Who will explain the findings to me afterwards?

Good documentation can help with future care.

Ask about recovery

Ask:

  • How long is recovery likely to take?
  • How much time may I need off work, school or caring responsibilities?
  • What pain is expected after surgery?
  • What symptoms are not normal after surgery?
  • When can I drive, exercise, have sex or lift things?
  • Will I need pelvic physiotherapy?
  • What follow-up will I have?
  • What should I do if symptoms continue?

Recovery varies, so ask what is realistic for your situation.

Ask about ongoing care

Surgery may be one part of care, but it may not be the whole plan.

Ask:

  • What is the plan after surgery?
  • Will I need hormonal treatment after surgery?
  • Will I need pain management support?
  • Will pelvic physiotherapy be recommended?
  • What happens if symptoms return?
  • How will my care be reviewed?

Final reminder

You are allowed to ask detailed questions before surgery.

A good consultation should help you understand the reason for surgery, the planned approach, the risks, the alternatives and the follow-up plan.

Use our Prepare for Appointment Tool to organise your surgery questions before your consultation.