Will I need a catheter after bladder endometriosis surgery?

Often, yes, at least briefly, but it depends on what we need to do to fully excise the bladder lesion. If endometriosis is only on the bladder surface, some patients can have the catheter removed very soon. If the disease extends into the bladder wall muscle and we perform a full-thickness excision with a bladder repair, a catheter is more commonly used to keep the bladder decompressed and protect healing.

In our practice, planning for a catheter is part of surgical mapping and informed consent. We review your imaging, the expected depth of invasion, and whether nearby structures like the ureters may need additional steps during surgery. We’ll also explain when the catheter is typically removed in your situation: sometimes before you go home, and other times after a short period of healing with a simple follow-up plan. If you’re anxious about living with a catheter, reach out to our team. Once we understand your exact disease pattern and surgical plan, we can usually give you a much clearer, individualized idea of what to expect.