Is cytoreduction the same as endometriosis excision?

They overlap, but they’re not the same. Endometriosis excision surgery is focused on identifying and removing endometriosis lesions, often in a targeted way—even when multiple areas are involved.

Cytoreduction describes a broader, higher-complexity surgical approach used when disease is widespread and anatomy is significantly distorted, with the goal of safely reducing the overall disease burden while preserving organ function. In cytoreduction, peritoneal excision may be part of the operation, but the scope is more comprehensive than typical excision alone. If you’ve been told you may need cytoreduction, our team can help clarify what that means for your specific anatomy, symptoms, and surgical plan during a consultation.