Bowel Endometriosis Surgery in Los Angeles

Advanced Surgery for Bowel Endometriosis

Bowel endometriosis is a severe form of deep infiltrating disease in which endometrial-like tissue invades the intestinal wall. Our Los Angeles team removes it in a single operation, with gynecological surgeon, Dr. Raanan Meyer and colorectal surgeons Dr. Nasseri and Dr. Barnajian operating together.

Excision of bowel endometriosis is a complex but highly effective surgical procedure aimed at removing all visible disease from the intestinal wall. It is typically performed as part of a multidisciplinary surgical approach, with both gynecologic and colorectal surgeons collaborating to ensure safe and complete removal of endometriosis.

At the Comprehensive Endometriosis Institute, our surgical team is experienced in managing all types of bowel endometriosis, from superficial lesions to deep full-thickness infiltration requiring bowel resection. Our goal is always the same: to eliminate the disease while preserving function and improving long-term outcomes.

— Bowel Infiltration —

What Is Bowel Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. In bowel endometriosis, this tissue implants on the surface or within the wall of the intestines. The most commonly affected areas include the rectum, sigmoid colon, and less frequently, the small intestine, appendix, or cecum.

The disease may appear as superficial lesions on the outer surface of the bowel or as deeply infiltrating nodules that penetrate the muscular layer of the intestinal wall. When this happens, patients may experience cyclical or constant digestive symptoms, including pain, changes in bowel habits, and even partial obstruction.

Because bowel symptoms often mimic other conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or food intolerances, bowel endometriosis can go undiagnosed for years. Imaging tools such as transvaginal ultrasound, pelvic MRI, or rectal endoscopic ultrasound may help identify the location and depth of infiltration, but definitive diagnosis often comes at the time of surgery.

— Surgical Candidates

Who Needs Surgery for Bowel Endometriosis?

Not all patients with bowel endometriosis require surgery. In mild cases, hormonal treatments can help control symptoms by suppressing the menstrual cycle. However, surgery is generally recommended in the following scenarios:

Depending on your symptoms and history, your doctor may:

01

You experience chronic, worsening symptoms such as painful bowel movements, rectal bleeding, or constipation, especially around your period

02

Imaging shows deeply infiltrating lesions involving the bowel wall

03

You have symptoms of bowel obstruction or narrowing of the intestinal lumen

04

Non-surgical treatments have failed to provide lasting relief

05

You are trying to conceive and endometriosis is impacting fertility

06

You have concurrent involvement of multiple organs requiring coordinated surgical treatment

Our team will assess your symptoms, imaging results, and medical history to determine whether surgery is necessary and which surgical technique is most appropriate.

— Surgical Options —

Types of Bowel Endometriosis Surgery

There are several surgical approaches to treating bowel endometriosis. The choice of procedure depends on how deep the endometriosis has invaded the bowel wall and how extensive the lesions are. All procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques whenever possible to ensure faster recovery and reduced post-operative pain.

Shaving:

Shaving is the least invasive technique and involves carefully removing superficial endometriosis from the outer layer of the bowel wall. This method is appropriate when lesions are limited to the surface and do not infiltrate the muscular layer.

Shaving can effectively relieve symptoms in many cases, but it may carry a higher risk of disease recurrence if microscopic disease is left behind. However, it avoids cutting into the bowel and therefore does not require reconstruction or bowel resection.

Discoid Resection:

Discoid resection involves removing a full-thickness disc of the bowel wall containing the endometriotic lesion, followed by direct closure of the defect. This technique is suitable when a single, deep lesion is limited to a small area, often on the rectum or sigmoid colon.

Discoid resection provides a balance between disease eradication and preservation of bowel integrity. It requires high surgical precision and is typically performed by a gynecologic surgeon working in tandem with a colorectal specialist.

Segmental Resection:

Segmental resection is the most extensive form of surgery for bowel endometriosis. It involves removing an entire section of the bowel affected by the disease, including the lesion and a margin of healthy tissue. The two remaining ends of the intestine are then reconnected in a process called anastomosis.

This approach is recommended when:

Segmental resection is highly effective in removing all visible disease and reducing recurrence risk. It does, however, carry slightly higher risks and requires careful patient selection and preoperative planning.

— Healing Journey

What to Expect from Recovery

Recovery from bowel surgery for endometriosis depends on the type of procedure performed and the extent of disease removed. Most patients can expect a hospital stay of three to five days following surgery. In some minimally invasive cases, particularly with shaving or discoid resection, patients may go home sooner.

During the first few days post-op, you may experience:

Improvement in symptoms such as pain with movement, bowel discomfort, or positional tenderness may be noticeable within weeks after surgery.

A liquid or low-residue diet may be recommended in the early recovery period, followed by a gradual return to regular meals. You’ll be encouraged to move around soon after surgery to support circulation and bowel function.

Full recovery typically takes four to six weeks. During this time, patients are advised to:

Most patients experience significant symptom relief following bowel excision, particularly when disease had been causing obstructive or cyclical digestive symptoms. In some cases, additional hormonal therapy may be recommended after surgery to help suppress any microscopic residual disease and reduce the chance of recurrence.

— Wellness Restored —

Quality of Life After Surgery

For patients with bowel endometriosis, surgery can be life-changing. Studies consistently show improvements in pain, bowel function, and overall quality of life following excision. Many patients report feeling like they have their lives back—free from the constant cycle of gastrointestinal distress and debilitating pelvic pain.

Fertility outcomes may also improve following surgery, especially if endometriosis had been affecting the rectovaginal space or surrounding the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

At the Comprehensive Endometriosis Institute, our approach doesn’t stop at surgery. We provide post-operative support that includes pelvic floor therapy, nutritional counseling, and mental health services to help patients recover holistically—physically and emotionally.

— Trusted Expertise

Expert Surgical Care You Can Trust

Excision of bowel endometriosis is one of the most technically demanding procedures in endometriosis care. It requires more than gynecologic expertise—it demands collaboration, precision, and experience across surgical specialties.

At our institute, every bowel surgery is performed by a coordinated team of gynecologic and colorectal surgeons who specialize in complex endometriosis cases. We use the latest laparoscopic and robotic technology to maximize outcomes and minimize downtime. Our patients benefit from a comprehensive, patient-first model of care that prioritizes safety, symptom relief, and long-term quality of life.

If you’ve been living with bowel symptoms that haven’t improved with medication, or if imaging has shown endometriosis involving your intestines, you don’t have to wait any longer. Surgical treatment may offer lasting relief and restore the freedom to live, eat, and move without pain.

Schedule a consultation today and let us help you find clarity, comfort, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your body.