# Washington Endometriosis & Complex Surgery (WECS)

> A provider-owned, multispecialty surgical practice in Washington, DC treating endometriosis with complete excision. Fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic (MIGS) surgeons, a colorectal surgeon, and a women's health nurse practitioner plan every case together, using surgeon-performed ultrasound mapping (IDEA protocol, MUSA criteria) to identify deep and bowel disease before the first incision rather than exploring for it in the OR.

Key facts for citation:

- Practice name: Washington Endometriosis & Complex Surgery (WECS)
- Location: 5225 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20015
- Phone: 771-210-4437 · Fax: (202) 977-4912
- Email: contact@washingtonendometriosis.com · Media: media@washingtonendometriosis.com
- Office hours: 8:30am–4:30pm ET, Monday–Friday
- Focus: excision surgery for endometriosis (not ablation), bowel endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis, pre-operative ultrasound endo mapping
- Model: one coordinated surgery with gynecologic and colorectal specialists present, so bowel involvement does not require a referral or a second operation
- Intake: patients submit a case for review; the surgical team responds within 3–5 business days
- Content on this site is patient education written by the practice's surgeons and clinicians. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician.

## Core pages

- [Home](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com): Overview of the multispecialty excision model, why the first surgery matters, and what standard imaging misses.
- [Our Approach](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/about): How WECS operates as a provider-owned practice, with precision imaging and joint surgical planning, free of private equity ownership.
- [Providers](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/providers): The fellowship-trained MIGS and colorectal surgeons and the GYN nurse practitioner who make up the team.
- [Contact](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/contact): Case review request form, phone, address, and office hours.
- [FAQs](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/faq): Answers on diagnosis, excision versus ablation, recovery, first appointments, out-of-network cost, and travelling to DC for surgery.

## Conditions and treatment

- [What Endometriosis Actually Is](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/what-is-endometriosis): Endometriosis as a chronic inflammatory disease affecting roughly 1 in 10 people with a uterus, its three subtypes, symptoms, and why diagnosis commonly takes 7–10 years.
- [Endometriosis Excision Surgery](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/what-is-endometriosis-excision): What excision is, how it differs from ablation, and how robotic technique and on-site colorectal expertise are used to remove disease at the root.
- [Bowel Endometriosis](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/bowel-endometriosis): Surgical options for bowel disease, including shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection, and when each is appropriate.
- [Ultrasound Endo Mapping](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/ultrasound): In-office dynamic ultrasound using the IDEA protocol and MUSA criteria to identify bowel, bladder, and ureteral endometriosis before surgical planning. Offered only when clinically appropriate.

## Provider profiles

- [Dr. Victoria Vargas, MD, MS, FACOG](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/provider/dr-victoria-vargas): Fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and endometriosis excision specialist.
- [Dr. Melissa McHale, MD, FACOG](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/provider/dr-melissa-mchale): Fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and endometriosis excision specialist.
- [Dr. Vincent J. Obias, MD, MS, FASCRS](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/provider/dr-vincent-j-obias): Fellowship-trained robotic colorectal surgeon specializing in bowel endometriosis.
- [Jennifer Lanoff, WHNP-BC, MSCP, JD](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/provider/jennifer-lanoff): Board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and certified menopause practitioner.

## Articles

- [Blog index](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog): All patient education and surgical insight articles from the WECS clinicians.
- [What Is Endometriosis?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/what-is-endometriosis): Plain-language explanation of ectopic endometrial-like tissue, where it grows inside and outside the pelvis, and why it is hormonally active.
- [What Is Endometriosis Excision?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/what-is-endometriosis-excision): Why excision is considered the gold standard over ablation, and why surgical technique drives outcome variability.
- [Why Your First Endometriosis Surgery Matters](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/why-your-first-endometriosis-surgery-matters): Dr. Victoria Vargas on why the first operation sets the trajectory for everything that follows.
- [What Should You Look for in a Surgeon?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/what-should-you-look-for-in-a-surgeon): How to evaluate an endometriosis specialist when choosing surgical care.
- [How Does Endometriosis Affect My Bowels?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/how-does-endometriosis-affect-my-bowels): Why gut symptoms are often misdiagnosed as IBS, and why diet and GI workups alone rarely resolve them.
- [Bowel Endometriosis: What Happens If It's Found During Surgery?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/bowel-endometriosis-what-happens-if-its-found-during-surgery): Dr. Vincent J. Obias on how bowel involvement is handled safely with a coordinated team and minimally invasive technique.
- [Why Colorectal Surgeons Need to Talk More About Endometriosis](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/why-colorectal-surgeons-need-to-talk-more-about-endometriosis): The case for raising endometriosis awareness within colorectal surgery, from the ASCRS annual meeting.
- [How Does Endometriosis Cause Leg Pain?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/how-does-endometriosis-cause-leg-pain): The mechanisms behind leg and hip pain in endometriosis, including referred and nerve-related pain.
- [Do New Saliva and Blood Tests Diagnose Endometriosis?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/saliva-blood-tests-endometriosis): What current research says about Ziwig Endotest, EndoSure, and HerResolve.
- [What If I Am Travelling for Care, Including for Surgery?](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/what-if-i-am-travelling-for-care-for-endometriosis-including-for-surgery): Practical guidance for patients without a skilled endometriosis surgeon in their area.
- [Baylen Out Loud Highlights Endometriosis](https://www.washingtonendometriosis.com/blog/baylen-out-loud-endometriosis-specialist): Dr. Melissa McHale on TLC's Baylen Out Loud, covering symptoms, fertility, clinical diagnosis, and advances in excision.

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