Why Excision Surgery Is the Gold Standard for Endometriosis
When it comes to treating endometriosis, not all surgeries are the same. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or other symptoms—and you’ve been told to “try birth control” or “just get pregnant”—you’re not alone. Many women spend years searching for answers.
Dr. Chandra Spring-Robinson, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at United Medical Doctors serving patients across San Diego and the Southern California region, specializes in robotic excision surgery, the gold standard for treating endometriosis at its root.
What Is Excision Surgery?
Excision surgery is a highly specialized technique where endometriosis lesions are cut out (excised) from the affected tissues—not just burned or ablated on the surface. This method allows for more complete removal of disease and is considered the most effective approach for long-term symptom relief and improved fertility outcomes.
While ablation (burning lesions) may temporarily relieve pain, it often leaves deeper disease behind. Excision removes the disease from its roots, reducing the chance of recurrence and improving quality of life.
Why Is Excision Preferred Over Ablation?
Long-Term Relief: Studies have shown excision results in better pain reduction and lower recurrence rates.
Improved Fertility Outcomes: For patients struggling with infertility, excision has been associated with higher pregnancy rates compared to hormonal management or ablation alone.
More Accurate Diagnosis: Excised tissue can be sent for pathology, giving confirmation of diagnosis and a better understanding of the disease stage.
Why Excision Requires a Specialist
Endometriosis doesn’t always show up clearly on imaging, and it often involves delicate or complex areas like the bowel, bladder, or ovaries. That’s why excision requires surgical expertise, a deep understanding of pelvic anatomy, and a careful, patient-first approach.
Robotic-Assisted Precision
Dr. Spring-Robinson performs excision surgery using the da Vinci robotic system, allowing for unparalleled precision and control. This minimally invasive approach involves 3–6 small incisions and leads to:
Faster recovery
Less postoperative pain
Lower risk of complications
Shorter hospital stay (often same-day discharge)
What to Expect After Surgery
Every patient’s recovery is different, but many women feel a noticeable improvement within 2 weeks of surgery. Some experience immediate relief of pain, while others see a gradual return to normal energy and function.
Here’s what you can expect after robotic excision surgery:
Mild swelling and fatigue during the first few weeks
Post-op medications to manage pain, inflammation, and gas discomfort
Clear guidance on resuming activity, diet, and how to care for your incisions
A detailed follow-up plan to ensure you’re healing well and feeling supported
Most patients are back to light activity within a few days and fully return to normal life in 4–6 weeks.
Comprehensive Care During Surgery
Endometriosis doesn’t always exist in isolation. During fibroid surgery or other gynecologic procedures, Dr. Spring-Robinson also evaluates for endometriosis and removes it if encountered—providing more complete care in one surgery, without requiring future operations.
Is Excision Surgery Right for You?
If you experience:
Chronic pelvic pain
Severe menstrual cramps
Pain with sex, bowel movements, or urination
Fatigue, bloating, or nausea
Infertility or difficulty conceiving
You may be a candidate for robotic excision surgery. Especially if previous treatments (like birth control or ablation) have failed to bring relief, it may be time to explore a more advanced and lasting solution.
You Deserve Answers—and Relief
You shouldn’t have to live with pain that’s dismissed or misunderstood. If you suspect you have endometriosis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Spring-Robinson today. Dr. Spring-Robinson is proud to offer expert excision surgery for endometriosis to patients in San Diego, La Jolla, Encinitas, and throughout Southern California.
Call (858) 868-7109
