Endometriosis
Robotic excision: treat the disease, preserve what matters.
Endometriosis is tissue similar to the uterine lining growing where it should not — on the ovaries, the pelvic lining, the bowel or the bladder. Excision removes lesions so they can be examined, using small incisions and a magnified view.
Who this is for
Women with painful periods that medication no longer controls, pain with intercourse or bowel movements, an endometrioma on ultrasound, pain that returned after a prior laparoscopy, or infertility with suspected endometriosis.
Dr. Weiss completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in 1995, where he also trained in laparoscopic surgery, and has treated endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain throughout his Florida practice. CONFIRM laparoscopy fellowship details from the CV.
What the operation involves
Through three or four small incisions, the camera and instruments are placed and the pelvis is inspected. Lesions are excised where that can be done safely, adhesions are released, and endometriomas are removed from the ovary with the aim of preserving ovarian tissue. Removed tissue goes to pathology to confirm the diagnosis. Risks, including injury to nearby organs, recurrence and effects on ovarian reserve, are reviewed before surgery.
Dr. Weiss operates at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital Miramar and Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. Most patients go home the same day. When endometriosis involves the bowel, he performs the bowel resection and reconnection himself as part of the same operation, without a second surgeon. He has operated on the da Vinci robotic platform since 2012.
FAQ
Endometriosis surgery questions
What is the difference between excision and ablation?
Ablation destroys the surface of a lesion with heat; excision cuts the lesion out so it can be examined by pathology. For deeper lesions, and for disease near the bowel, bladder or ureters, excision is generally preferred. Both approaches are used in practice, and the choice depends on where the disease is.
Why robot-assisted rather than standard laparoscopy?
It is still laparoscopy — small incisions, with the surgeon controlling every movement. The robotic platform adds a magnified three-dimensional view and wristed instruments. Professional guidance does not show it to be better than conventional laparoscopy for all patients; the surgeon chooses the tool for the case.
Will surgery affect my fertility?
Preserving the ovaries, tubes and uterus is the aim for anyone who wants children, and surgery on the ovary can affect ovarian reserve. When fertility is a goal, timing and options are coordinated with your fertility specialist.
How long is recovery?
It varies with the extent of surgery. Many patients go home the same day or the next morning; return to work ranges from days to a few weeks, longer if bowel or bladder work is needed. You will be told what to expect for your operation.
Can endometriosis come back after excision?
Yes. Endometriosis can recur after any surgery, and some patients need further treatment. Medical therapy after surgery is discussed case by case.