Chris Kliethermes, M.D.

Dr Chris Kliethermes – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Summary: Dr Chris Kliethermes is a compassionate endometriosis specialist and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Troy, MI. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of endometriosis, Dr. Kliethermes is known for his commitment to optimal excision and restoring normal anatomy—an approach influenced by his training under Dr. Patrick Yeung. Patients seeking expert care appreciate Dr. Kliethermes’s balanced perspective on treatment options and his personalized approach to managing endometriosis pain. Whether you’re researching Dr. Kliethermes or looking for insights into Chris Kliethermes’s surgical philosophy, his profile provides both clinical expertise and patient-centered care.

In addition to surgery, Dr. Kliethermes supports patients with education on hormonal options and collaborates closely with pain specialists, physical therapists, and fertility experts. His goal is always to guide each patient toward effective, long-term relief with warmth and professionalism.

City: Troy, MI, USA

Philosophy: At this point, I take all theories into consideration as possible origins for endometriosis. I inform my patient about the Mullerianosis, stem cell/retrograde flow, or vascular dissemination theories. My goal is to best treat my patients and, until we learn more about the disease, try to look at aspects of research being conducted for origins. Training with Dr. Patrick Yeung in residency, I fully agree with his teachings of optimal excision and restoration of normal anatomy as essential to properly treat the disease surgically.

Medication: Medication does not treat endometriosis, but more masks symptoms. I do offer patients who are not interested in pregnancy hormonal suppression following surgery, pending their postoperative pain, as I have seen decreased pelvic pain in patients with a levonorgestrel IUD. For patients that are absolutely adamant they want to avoid surgery (which is extremely rare) the IUD is again my preferred method. I often will educate pre- and post-op patients regarding the GnRH analogs and give them the autonomy to choose these methods if desired, although I do believe the benefits of these medications do not outweigh the cons.

Approach to Persistent Pain: For patients with persistent symptoms after surgery, I have multiple options, assuming optimal excision. Our hospital system has access to pain specialists, physical therapy, other surgical specialties, and nutritionists. Thus far, I have only had to utilize them sparingly, but I am lucky to have their services accessible. There are also local sex therapists. I work closely with and often get referrals from our REI department, with whom I consult frequently for fertility concerns.