Surgery & Advanced Excision
Next level excision done right, relief that lasts.
Lasting Relief Starts Here
Surgery First, Done Right
Surgical excision is the cornerstone of endometriosis treatment and as of today it remains the only way to definitively diagnose the disease. At the Lotus Endometriosis Institute, we rely on robotic excision as the surgical approach of choice, using superior 3-D optics and wristed instruments that allow meticulous precision far beyond standard laparoscopy. This translates into fewer complications, faster recovery, and excellent outcomes—even in advanced and re-operative cases. As a result, patients with the most complex endometriosis cases are frequently referred to us from across the country. With over 30 years of experience, Lotus Institute's lead physician and world-class surgeon Dr. Steve Vasilev brings unparalleled expertise in delicate pelvic surgery involving the bowel, bladder, and ureters.
Robotic Excision, Without Compromise
Our Surgical Approach
At Lotus Endometriosis Institute, we don’t use standard laparoscopy or partial measures. Robotic excision is our exclusive approach because it allows unparalleled precision, safety, and completeness in removing endometriosis. Every detail—from optics to instruments—serves one purpose: delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients.
What is it?
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgery. Using the DaVinci robotic system, your surgeon operates from a console that controls tiny wristed instruments, each capable of movements more precise than the human hand. The system’s high-definition 3-D optics magnify the anatomy up to 10 times, so even small, flat endometriosis lesions can be seen and removed. Unlike standard laparoscopy, where straight “stick” instruments are limited to pushing and pulling, robotic arms move with natural wrist-like motion. For patients, this translates into greater accuracy, fewer accidental injuries, and less strain on the body.
Adapting to Your Needs
Tailored Surgical Care
Endometriosis doesn’t look the same in every patient, and surgery must be adapted to each individual. Disease can appear on the peritoneum, ovaries, uterus, tubes, bladder, bowel, or even the appendix, and each situation requires a different strategy.
For some, conservative excision preserves fertility by removing only diseased tissue while sparing vital structures. For others, especially those no longer planning pregnancy, more definitive procedures—such as hysterectomy in the presence of adenomyosis—may provide lasting relief. Ovarian endometriomas or “chocolate cysts” often demand careful dissection, while severely damaged fallopian tubes may need removal to reduce the risk of dangerous ectopic pregnancy.
In select cases, additional procedures like appendix removal may be prudent, as endometriosis or other pathology can involve this organ. Rarely, nerve procedures are considered, though only in highly specific circumstances. Whatever the presentation, the goal remains the same: remove as much disease as safely possible, protect function, and tailor the plan to each patient’s needs and future goals.
Organ-specific considerations include:
Ovaries: Excision or limited ablation to preserve tissue; removal may be necessary in severe endometriomas or suspected tumors.
Uterus: Adenomyosis may require hysterectomy if fertility is not a goal; otherwise, conservative approaches are used.
Fallopian Tubes: Severely damaged tubes may be removed to prevent ectopic pregnancy.
Appendix: Sometimes removed due to endometriosis involvement, risk of appendicitis, or hidden pathology.
Nerves: Rarely addressed via surgery; considered only when pain is severe and other options fail.
Healing You Can Count On
Recovery & Lasting Results
Excision done with robotic precision doesn’t just make surgery safer—it transforms recovery. Smaller incisions, less trauma, and more complete removal of disease all add up to better outcomes that patients can feel immediately and long term.
Small Incisions, Lasting Confidence
Most robotic excision surgeries require just three 8mm incisions, often hidden in the belly button or below the bikini line. These tiny entry points heal quickly, and with proper care, any scars usually fade and are barely noticeable.
Less Pain, Fewer Medications
Because robotic instruments cause less trauma to muscles and tissue, patients typically experience less pain after surgery. Most need little to no narcotic medications, which makes recovery smoother and safer.
Faster Return to Life
Patients generally return home the same or next day, begin walking comfortably within a week, and resume work or daily activities in 2–3 weeks. By one month, most are back to full activity.
Relief That Lasts
Unlike ablation, which often leaves disease behind, excision removes endometriosis at its roots. This reduces the need for repeat surgeries and provides long-term relief, especially in complex cases.
Prepared for Every Scenario
Excellence in Complex Surgery
Endometriosis surgery can be straightforward—or extremely complex. In some patients the anatomy is relatively normal, while in others the pelvis is completely scarred and “frozen” from years of inflammation. Prior surgeries, large endometriomas, fibroids, or adenomyosis can make the situation even more challenging. Sometimes the bowel, bladder, or ureters are directly involved as well.
Although rare, endometriosis can sometimes undergo malignant change. If cancer is discovered, the surgical team must be capable of addressing it immediately and safely. This level of preparation ensures that whether surgery turns out to be simple or highly complex, patients receive safe, effective care.
In all of these situations, safe excision requires more than just advanced tools—it demands the judgment of a surgeon trained to handle any scenario. Precision is critical: removing too much can cause complications like fistulas, while removing too little leaves disease behind. The right expertise means balancing these risks carefully and ensuring organs are protected while disease is thoroughly removed. This level of expertise is what the Lotus Endometriosis Institute prides itself on.
Experience You Can Trust
The Right Surgeon Matters
Not all surgeons who treat endometriosis are equally trained or prepared for it. The difference can mean temporary relief versus lasting results. Here’s why most fall short, and who truly has the expertise to handle this complexities of this condition:
General Gynecologists
Most are capable of handling basic gynecologic procedures, but their residency includes limited training in complex excision. Many rely on fulguration or laser ablation, which burns visible lesions but often leaves disease behind. While some gynecologists pursue additional focus on endometriosis after residency, the majority still emphasize medical management with drugs like Lupron or Orlissa rather than advanced surgical care. Compared to general surgery or urology training, which is five to seven years of only surgery, gynecology residency provides the least intensive surgical training.
Reproductive Endocrinologists (REI)
REIs specialize in infertility and hormonal treatments, not excision surgery. Their fellowships focus on assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF, and most no longer practice the microsurgical skills once part of their specialty. If fertility is your only concern, an REI may play a role in your care—but they are rarely the right surgeon for endometriosis excision.
General/Colorectal Surgeons & Urologists
These surgeons are well trained in their own specialties—bowel, urinary tract, or hernia surgery—but they are not trained in gynecologic surgery or the nuances of endometriosis. They are often brought in as assistants when endo involves the bowel or bladder. In those cases, they may act more as technicians under the gynecologic surgeon’s lead. While collaboration can work, it sometimes leads to disagreement in the operating room about what should be done, and they rarely provide complete care for endometriosis on their own.
Endo-Excision Surgeons
Some gynecologists pursue additional, non-ACGME fellowships in minimally invasive surgery and endometriosis excision. These one- to two-year programs improve surgical skill and generally produce surgeons a level above most general gynecologists. But oversight and quality vary, and few receive extensive training in bowel or urinary tract surgery. Some can manage these areas; many cannot. The result is inconsistent capability when endometriosis invades delicate structures.
Gynecologic Oncologists
Gynecologic oncologists complete three to four years of fellowship beyond Ob/Gyn residency, with the most extensive pelvic surgery training in gynecology. They perform bowel, bladder, and ureter resections as part of cancer operations, making them uniquely capable of handling endometriosis that behaves like malignancy. However, most focus primarily on cancer and do not dedicate their practice to benign endometriosis.
Gynecologic Oncologist Focused on Endometriosis — Dr. Steve Vasilev
Dr. Vasilev stands in a category of his own. Quadruple board-certified, with more than 30 years of surgical leadership and international recognition, he combines the unmatched training of a gynecologic oncologist with a focused commitment to endometriosis excision. He has mastered complex, multi-organ pelvic surgery and applies that expertise to the most advanced and re-operative endometriosis cases. Patients are referred to him from across the U.S. and internationally because his skill goes far beyond what most gynecologic oncologists—or any other surgeon type—can provide.
The best outcomes come from a surgeon who combines advanced surgical training with dedicated experience in endometriosis care. At the Lotus Endometriosis Institute, Dr. Steve Vasilev champions mastery in both cancer and advanced excision surgery. Whether your endometriosis is straightforward or complex, you deserve the most precise and effective surgical care available.
Take the Next Step
Your Path to Relief Starts Here
Every case of endometriosis is unique, but the solution begins the same way—with an expert evaluation and a surgical plan tailored to you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Vasilev and our expert medical care team to review your history, imaging, and goals, and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Reach Out
Have a question?
We understand that healthcare can be complex and overwhelming, and we are committed to making the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Call Us
(424) 255-1340
Santa Monica, CA
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Operating Hours
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday
Arroyo Grande, CA
154 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420