Surgery
Is Dr. Vasilev a cancer doctor or an endometriosis surgeon?
The short answer
Dr. Vasilev is an endometriosis surgeon whose current practice is focused on endometriosis, not cancer care. He is also a fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist, bringing advanced surgical training to complex endometriosis and adenomyosis surgery.
Dr. Vasilev practices full-time helping patients with endometriosis. He is also a fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist and an expert in MIGS surgery. That background doesn’t mean his current practice focuses on cancer care. It reflects very advanced surgical training in complex pelvic anatomy and challenging operative situations, including scar tissue and recurrent disease. Beyond the training that average gynecologic oncologists receive, he has additional training and experience gained from mentors in urologic oncology and general surgery, as well as extensive ten-year experience in collaborative multidisciplinary surgeries as Director at the City of Hope.
That expertise translates directly to endometriosis and adenomyosis surgery, where it’s often critical to operate safely around the ureters, bowel, bladder, nerves, and major blood vessels, and to make sound decisions in densely scarred tissue. Today, our team’s work is dedicated entirely to endometriosis and adenomyosis care, and we welcome you to reach out if you’d like to discuss your symptoms and surgical options.
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Expert Surgery for Your Endometriosis
Dr. Vasilev combines advanced surgical skills with specialized endometriosis care to tackle complex pelvic issues. Trust our experts to guide you through treatment tailored to your needs.
Questions people ask next
All surgery questionsHow do I find a qualified endometriosis specialist?
Look for surgeons who regularly treat complex endometriosis and can explain their training, surgical approach, and care for bowel or bladder involvement. Surgeon-vetting platforms and patient-reported experiences can help, but neither is perfect on its own.
Should I see a gyn, MIGS surgeon, or excision specialist for endometriosis?
A general gynecologist may be a reasonable starting point for routine evaluation or medication, while an excision specialist is usually the most direct path for suspected complex disease. MIGS training alone does not automatically mean deep endometriosis excision expertise.
Why would endometriosis require a procedure like ovarian cancer surgery?
Endometriosis may require an oncology-level approach in select, highly complex cases to safely and completely remove aggressive disease when anatomy is distorted and surgical risks are higher. Most people with endometriosis will never need a cancer-style operation.
What questions should I ask before endometriosis laparoscopy?
At a first specialist visit, ask which diagnoses they are considering and what records or imaging would change the plan. Before laparoscopy, ask whether your surgeon can fully treat what they find, which technique they use, whether tissue goes to pathology, and how they plan for other organs, recovery, and follow-up.
Further reading
Gynecologic Oncologists - Safest Choice for Complex Endometriosis Surgery?
For deep or advanced endometriosis, oncology-trained surgeons often provide safer, more complete excision. Learn what this means for you at the Lotus Endometriosis Institute.
How to Choose a Surgeon for Complex Endometriosis Surgery
Choosing a surgeon for complex endometriosis surgery? Learn what to ask about excision, bowel and fertility plans, team experience, risks, and follow-up.
How to Choose a True Endometriosis Excision Specialist
Finding a skilled endometriosis excision surgeon can be challenging. Learn how to choose the right specialist and navigate financial options with confidence.
