Endometriosis surgery in Belo Horizonte: how patients from all over Brazil can receive care at a reference center
Deep endometriosis is a complex disease that requires surgical expertise, a multidisciplinary team, and hospital infrastructure prepared for highly complex cases. For this reason, many women who cannot find this type of care in their cities begin to consider traveling to undergo surgery at reference centers.
In Belo Horizonte, Dr. Gustavo Pizani is one of the leading gynecologic surgeons focused on endometriosis in Minas Gerais, welcoming patients from several states who seek safe, technically excellent, and compassionate treatment. This article was designed precisely to clarify how this process works for those coming from outside the state and what care is involved throughout the surgical journey.
Why do some patients need to travel to treat endometriosis?
Although it is a relatively common disease, deep endometriosis is still not treated in specialized centers in all Brazilian cities. In many regions, there is a lack of dedicated teams, surgeons experienced in complex cases, and hospitals prepared for advanced minimally invasive surgeries.
In these cases, seeking a reference center in another city or state is often the best way to ensure comprehensive treatment, proper planning, and greater chances of pain control, fertility preservation, and improved quality of life.
Who is the surgeon who will welcome you in Belo Horizonte?
Dr. Gustavo Pizani is a gynecologist trained in Belo Horizonte at Hospital Vila da Serra, with subspecialty training in Gynecologic Surgery at Hospital da Baleia. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself exclusively to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, with a special focus on deep endometriosis.
He furthered his surgical training in France at the Franco-European Institute of Endometriosis (IFEMENDO), one of the world’s leading centers for endometriosis surgery. He also trained in Italy, in deep pelvic anatomy courses through the International School of Surgical Anatomy, and in Egypt, through the Egyptian Society for Minimally Invasive Surgery. Through these experiences, he had the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts such as Dr. Horace Roman, Dr. Marcello Ceccaroni and Dr. Waleed Tawfik.
He actively participates in the main international events in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, is a member of the European Endometriosis League (EEL) and the Brazilian Society of Video Laparoscopic Surgery (SOBRACIL). He also completed his international certification in robotic surgery through Intuitive Surgical and Strattner.
Together with other leading surgeons working in endometriosis, he founded OC Endometriose in Belo Horizonte, a service dedicated to specialized care for patients with endometriosis, welcoming women from several states in Brazil.
A reference in deep endometriosis in Minas Gerais
With a practice focused on endometriosis, Dr. Gustavo Pizani manages cases ranging from early stages to deep forms that affect the bowel, bladder, ligaments, and pelvic nerves. Over the past few years, he has built a practice centered on:
- Accurate diagnosis with specialized imaging tests and detailed clinical evaluation.
- Personalized surgical planning, respecting each patient’s history, reproductive goals, and routine.
- Minimally invasive techniques via video laparoscopy and robotic surgery, whenever possible.
- A multidisciplinary team with colorectal surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, and pelvic physiotherapists.
- Close follow-up in the pre- and postoperative periods, including for those who live in other cities.
How does care work for those coming from another state?
To ensure that out-of-state patients are cared for safely and with peace of mind, the process is organized into clear steps:
- 1. Initial evaluation (in person or via teleconsultation) – a time to hear the patient’s history, understand symptoms, review tests already performed, and discuss whether surgery is indicated.
- 2. Organizing tests – when necessary, additional specific tests are requested, such as MRI or transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation at reference services.
- 3. Surgical planning – based on the results, the operative plan is defined, including the type of surgery, the team involved, and the estimated length of hospitalization and recovery.
- 4. Scheduling the surgery – the date is set in advance so the patient can arrange travel, accommodation, and a companion.
- 5. Arrival in Belo Horizonte – in the days leading up to the procedure, an in-person consultation, anesthesia assessment, and final preoperative tests are performed.
- 6. Surgery and hospital recovery – the procedure is performed in a fully equipped hospital, and the patient remains hospitalized for as long as necessary.
- 7. Follow-up after discharge – the early follow-up usually takes place while still in Belo Horizonte, followed by review appointments that may be in person or online, depending on the case.
This entire pathway is designed to reduce unnecessary travel, optimize time in Belo Horizonte, and ensure that the patient feels supported at every stage.
Planning your trip to Belo Horizonte
The decision to travel to have surgery in another city involves not only choosing the surgeon, but also practical day-to-day matters. With that in mind, the team guides each patient regarding:
- Ideal length of stay in Belo Horizonte – usually a few days before surgery and a period after discharge, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Accommodation near the hospital – suggestions for hotels and serviced apartments with good facilities for the postoperative period.
- Transportation – information on distance from the airport, travel to the hospital, and the most comfortable means of transportation.
- Companions – guidance for family members or friends who will stay with the patient during the process.
- Safe return to the home state – recommendations on the best time to travel, care during the journey, and warning signs.
These details make a difference so that the experience is lighter, more organized, and more welcoming, even far from home.
Surgical infrastructure and multidisciplinary team
Endometriosis surgeries performed by Dr. Gustavo Pizani take place in high-complexity hospitals in Belo Horizonte, with a modern operating center, ICU support, high-definition video technology, and the possibility of robotic surgery.
The team includes professionals experienced in:
- Colorectal surgery – for cases in which endometriosis affects the bowel.
- Urology – when the ureters or bladder are involved.
- Specialized anesthesia – focused on complex minimally invasive surgeries.
- Pelvic physiotherapy – for preparation and recovery, when needed.
- Trained nursing staff – accustomed to caring for patients with endometriosis.
This integrated approach is essential so that surgery is not only technically successful, but also safe at every stage.
Results, safety, and postoperative follow-up
The goal of endometriosis surgery is not only to "remove lesions," but to relieve pain, improve quality of life, and, when that is the woman’s wish, support fertility. For this reason, cases are discussed carefully, weighing risks, benefits, and alternatives.
After discharge, the patient receives clear guidance on medications, wound care, physical activity, return to work, and signs that require contacting the team. Even if she lives in another state, she continues to be followed through in-person visits or teleconsultations, according to the needs of each case.
Stories of patients from other states
It is increasingly common for women from different regions of the country to seek Dr. Gustavo Pizani in Belo Horizonte in search of specialized treatment. Many of these cases involve years of pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, multiple treatment attempts, and a significant impact on personal and professional life.
When they find an experienced team and a structured care plan, these patients report not only symptom improvement, but also emotional relief from finally understanding the disease and having access to comprehensive treatment. Each story is unique, and all are welcomed with respect, empathy, and confidentiality.
One statement that greatly marked Dr. Gustavo Pizani’s journey was when a patient in a teleconsultation said: "I feel like I have lost autonomy over my body; I cannot live with this pain". She was a 38-year-old patient with an infiltrative disease diagnosed in 2008, but who only sought specialized care with Dr. Gustavo Pizani in 2025, traveling from Bahia to Belo Horizonte to undergo her procedure.
Frequently asked questions from those coming from outside to undergo endometriosis surgery in Belo Horizonte
How long do I need to stay in Belo Horizonte to have the surgery?
The length of stay varies according to the complexity of the case, but in general it is recommended to arrive a few days in advance for the final evaluation and remain in the city for a period after discharge. This schedule is adjusted individually after surgical planning.
Is it possible to have the first evaluation via teleconsultation?
Yes. In many cases, the first appointment can be conducted remotely, with a detailed review of tests and clinical history. If surgery is indicated, the in-person appointment takes place shortly before the procedure, already in Belo Horizonte.
Is it safe to travel by plane after endometriosis surgery?
The return to the home state is planned on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Gustavo Pizani advises the best time to travel, considering pain, recovery, the type of surgery performed, and any comorbidities. Whenever necessary, specific recommendations for travel are provided.
Can I have postoperative follow-up while living in another state?
Yes. After the initial recovery phase, part of the follow-up can be done via telemedicine, especially for symptom assessment, review of tests, and treatment adjustments. When necessary, in-person follow-up visits are scheduled.
Does my health plan cover endometriosis surgery outside my state?
Coverage varies according to the plan and the type of contract, and the severity of the disease is an important factor that will determine whether copayment supplementation is needed, since very severe cases require a multidisciplinary team prepared for long operative times and differentiated follow-up. The recommendation is that the patient contact the insurer to check the possibilities for authorization, reimbursement, or use of an in-network provider in Belo Horizonte. The team provides the necessary documents to assist in this process.
How do I know if I really need surgery?
The surgical indication is always individualized and considers symptoms, test results, desire for pregnancy, and response to previous clinical treatments. During the consultation, Dr. Gustavo Pizani clearly explains when surgery is the best option and when other approaches may still be attempted.
How to schedule your evaluation for endometriosis surgery in Belo Horizonte
If you live outside Minas Gerais and are looking for a reference center to treat endometriosis, please know that it is possible to organize the entire process in a safe, planned, and welcoming way. The goal of Dr. Gustavo Pizani and his team is to provide comprehensive care, combining surgical experience, technology, and empathy at every step.
To find out whether your case is indicated for surgery and how travel planning works, you can contact the team and schedule an initial evaluation.
