Surgery
How often should I follow up after endometriosis excision surgery?
The short answer
We typically recommend a visit once initial healing is complete, often around 6–12 weeks depending on your surgery, then a check-in around 6–12 months. Many patients then do well with annual reviews, with earlier follow-up if symptoms begin to change.
Most patients benefit from a structured follow-up plan after excision surgery rather than check-ins as needed. We typically want to see you once initial healing is complete (often around 6–12 weeks, depending on the scope of surgery and what was treated). At that visit, we can assess recovery, review pathology, and establish your postoperative baseline: what your symptoms and cycles look like once healing has settled.
After that, a planned check-in around 6–12 months helps us track how well relief lasts and address prevention strategies if recurrence risk is higher (for example, with ovarian endometriomas, deep infiltrating disease, bowel/bladder involvement, or adenomyosis). Many patients then do well with annual reviews, with earlier follow-up if symptoms begin to change. If you’re traveling for care, our team helps coordinate a timeline that supports safe recovery and clear long-term planning. You can reach out anytime to set up the follow-up schedule that fits your surgery and goals.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Schedule Your Post-Surgery Check-In
Your recovery matters to us. Our specialists will monitor your healing, review your progress, and help prevent recurrence with a personalized follow-up plan.
Questions people ask next
All surgery questionsHow long is recovery after endometriosis excision surgery?
Most patients can do light, gentle activities within a few days after endometriosis excision surgery. Many people can return to typical day-to-day routines over the next several weeks, depending on the extent and locations of disease treated and their work.
How often do I need follow-up imaging for endometriosis?
Follow-up imaging for endometriosis has no fixed schedule; timing depends on what we’re monitoring. In many cases, follow-up includes a post-op check, often around 6–12 weeks, reassessment around 6–12 months, then annual visits. Imaging may not be needed at every visit.
What if my pain returns after endometriosis surgery?
Pain returning after endometriosis surgery doesn’t automatically mean surgery failed. Endometriosis left behind, new lesions or another condition can cause pain, and re-evaluation may guide medical management, pelvic floor treatment or a surgical second-look when appropriate.
Can endometriosis come back after excision surgery?
Yes, endometriosis can come back after excision surgery, even when it is performed well. Recurrence can mean symptoms returning, new lesions forming, or an endometrioma (ovarian cyst) coming back. Disease left behind is the biggest driver of recurrence risk.
Further reading
Life Beyond Endometriosis Surgery: Recovery & Well-Being
Your guide to endometriosis surgery recovery: healing tips, nutrition, mental health support, recurrence prevention, and planning for long-term wellness.
Preventing Endometriosis Recurrence After Surgery: What Helps?
Discover effective strategies to prevent endometriosis recurrence post-surgery. Learn about management options and warning signs. Get informed today!
What Now? Your Post‑Endometriosis Surgery Pain Investigation Plan
Discover an investigation plan for post-surgery pain after endometriosis. Learn effective tracking methods to communicate with your care team.
