My lap was done with the DaVinci robot. My doctor/surgeon swears that that is the way to go. It was excision, and the robot allows the surgeon to visualize better. That being said, I wasn't overly impressed by my outcome (pain came back quickly, etc.) but that probably just was my body or doctor. I read some research on the Davinci robot with endo and it seemed like endo specialists didn't say it was essential, but didn't seem to think it could hurt.

My 6th lap was done with the da vinci Nov 5, 2012 and I've been pain free ever since. I had 5 incisions and was confident my doc was able to look everywhere and remove all the endo, adhesions and cysts he found.

I took off a week after my lap. I had a lot of pain from the carbon dioxide they fill you up with. Good luck!

Don't rush your surgery if it isn't an emergency. I agree with the other poster who said NOT TO let an OB GYN do the surgery. Find an oncologist or a surgeon of some kind. Oncologist specialize in removing cancer tumors so they also can remove endo. Having it done right is better. My oncologist would've done my more recent surgery but I got pregnant and avoided the knife this time....

I know what it is like to have to rush into surgery... I had one that was an emergency... not fun... but if you can look around do. There is also the webpage on FB for Endo people called Nancy's Nook Endometriosis... and another one called ERC Diet and nutrition which are helpful... but also on Nancy's Nook I took this off the page where some of the people have recommended good doctors (at least good to them).... where you can find recommendation on doctors in your area.... I just looked at the list and there is nothing listed in Texas but you could always ask.

Meanwhile, def look for an gynecologist oncologist. They are probably a really good bet. And tell them what is important to you. For instance, no matter what they find if you want kids then you don't want a hysterectomy or your ovaries removed. Good to STRESS that before hand. Sometimes they can't help it, but they will be more careful if you tell them this.

You should checkout "reproductive endocrinologists" (REs). They would be surgeons interested and more skilled in preserving your reproductive organs. I was always told to avoid oncologists unless it's for cancer. Oncologists have a bad reputation for just cutting everything out, and they do little to preserve your organs. Not all oncologists, though. Some are more skilled/reserved. That's just something to consider.

Also don't rush. I rushed for my surgery because everyone told me it was cancer and I needed surgery ASAP. Turned out to be endometriosis (whew) but the surgery was a nightmare. The surgeon really botched it up and I'm still paying for it.

Find the best surgeon you can. Research as much as you can. Remember a bad surgeon can really f**k you up, and it's hard to find another surgeon that can repair the damage. And remember that you can make can changes to surgical consent form if you want to (i.e. no hysterectomy, no residents performing the actual procedure, etc...). And make sure the surgeon is aware of the changes to the consent form.

Good luck with finding specialist!

Thanks for the advice ladies. I used to nanny for a gynecologic oncologist and she recommended some good surgeons for me, I have an appointment with one on Tuesday. I've done some research on him of my own and it looks like he has good reviews and specializes in laparoscopic surgery and his practice is a surgery referral center. I will definitely make sure he plans to excise the endo during surgery, is there anything else I should be aware of? Thanks!

Glad you found someone! I had a great experience w/ the daVinci robot! My surgeon swears by it as well. He was treating endo long before that technology existed, and says that what he is now able to visualize, access and remove is VASTLY improved. My recovery this time was shorter and much smoother than the standard lap I had twenty years ago. Hope you have a great experience and get some relief! Good luck!