Near-Infrared (NIR) Technology in Endometriosis Surgery

As a referral unit for endometriosis with the highest volume across the country, I see some of the most complex cases in India. I end up getting patients from all across who have extremely severe endometriosis and have been operated on at least once before.

One of the most significant advancements we utilize at our unit is Near-Infrared Imaging (NIR), a groundbreaking technology that can significantly impact the outcome of surgery for endometriosis. 

Here, I’ll walk you through how NIR works, why it makes a big difference, and what every patient should know before deciding on surgery.

NIR technology uses a special medical dye injected intravenously during surgery. Within 8–12 minutes, the dye highlights endometriotic tissue—including microscopic deposits invisible to the naked eye—when viewed through a special camera mode.

This helps us detect:

• Spread of endometriosis in the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity)

• Infiltration into the parametrium (tissue surrounding the uterus)

• Microscopic lesions that are often missed in standard surgery

Many patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis never hear about NIR technology. This is unfortunate because missing microscopic lesions often leads to incomplete clearance, which can result in recurrence and ongoing symptoms.

At our unit, we use NIR in almost every surgical case to ensure that nothing is left behind. Here’s why it matters:

• Complete disease clearance in a single surgery
• Better outcomes for pain relief and fertility
• Reduced recurrence rates compared to standard methods
• Greater surgical precision for deep infiltrating endometriosis

Although this technology is not yet universally used, it holds tremendous promise for individuals with severe or complex cases of endometriosis. I highly recommend patients to inquire about NIR-assisted surgery if they fall under the following categories:

• Recurrent Endometriosis: If you’ve been operated on before but experience recurring symptoms. 

• Severe Endometriosis: Patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting delicate areas like the parametrium. 

• IVF or Fertility-Related Complications: For women planning pregnancies or fertility treatments, precise removal of adhesions and endometriosis deposits is vital. 

Unfortunately, not all surgical centers currently offer this advanced technology. That’s why choosing a specialized endometriosis center in India with experienced professionals and access to modern technologies like NIR is critical for optimal outcomes.

Patients are often not informed about it, which means they might unknowingly opt for a surgery without this advanced detection—increasing the risk of incomplete treatment.

Take the First Step Towards Complete Relief—Consult Dr. Jay Mehta, an endometriosis specialist in India, to understand how NIR imaging can transform your endometriosis treatment.

If you are preparing for endometriosis surgery, you must ask your doctor:

1. Will you use Near-Infrared Imaging during my surgery?
2. Can you provide images from the surgery showing the NIR detection?
3. Do you specialize in advanced endometriosis surgery with NIR?

A Note on Cost

Some places may charge extra for NIR imaging. In my opinion, this should not be treated as a luxury add-on—it is a necessary part of modern endometriosis surgery to give patients the best possible outcome.

Endometriosis is a disease where attention to microscopic detail makes the difference between temporary relief and lasting results.

If you are undergoing surgery, insist on a center that offers NIR technology and has expertise in using it for complete clearance.