Dr. Lora Liu, M.D.
Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon.
City: New York, NY, USA.
Philosophy: I believe that the etiology of endometriosis is complex and multifactorial. I support the Mullerianosis theory. However, there are other contributing factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation, impaired immune response, genetics, and hormones – both endogenous and exogenous that play a role in the pathogenesis and proliferation of endometriosis.
Medication: I incorporate medications into my practice for the management of symptoms. For hormonal suppression, I incorporate combined OCPs, progesterone-only pills, or progesterone IUD. I do not prescribe GnRH agonists or antagonists. Depending on the patient’s pain generators, I may also recommend non-opioid pain medication, such as NSAIDs, gabapentin, SNRIs, and compounded suppositories.
Approach to Persistent Pain: I am committed to closely following my post-operative patients to ensure that their persistent pain is managed and overall quality of life is improved. Patients with a long history of pelvic pain due to endometriosis will often require additional support following surgery. I am fortunate to work in a multi-disciplinary practice with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians who specialize in pelvic pain, as well as with pelvic floor physical therapists and pain management physicians. However, my approach depends on the individual patient and her history and current symptoms. Some patients may find that their symptoms are adequately managed with hormonal suppression alone, whereas others may need a second look if symptoms start to recur after their initial surgery. By integrating a multifaceted approach, I find that patient outcomes are overwhelmingly more positive.
My surgery experience with Dr. Liu was wonderful from start to finish. Dr. Liu is a caring and expert practitioner. I never felt rushed, and she listened carefully and empathetically to me and answered all my questions fully. Even after an intake and a preop appointment, she met with me in the hospital right before the surgery to review the plan and patiently answer any final questions.
I had the same surgery with another surgeon last year, and the experience was like night and day. Dr. Liu took her time and was extremely thorough with a relatively complex endometriosis excision surgery. Her expertise and skill are unrivaled, and I feel she’s given me my life back after many tough years battling this disease.
After the surgery, she called my husband and gave him a full report while I was in recovery, and then called me every day to see how I was doing, adjust my postop plan as needed, and answer questions I had about what she did. She even responded to emails quickly any day of the week. This is not one of those surgeons going to move on the minute you wake up from anesthesia. Dr. Liu is 100% on your team every step of the way.
The office was also great. They are very transparent with billing, and they handle everything with insurance. Scheduling was easy and convenient. Preop and postop instructions were clear and communicated well.
Dr. Lora Liu was able to help me with removing Endometriosis, she did an excellent job, and I was treated with compassion and understanding every step of the way. I felt that she went out of the form of a typical doctor with her care; she checked on me via email or phone every day after surgery and ensured I had everything I needed to ensure a successful procedure and recovery.
My experience with Dr Liu was wonderful from the offset. From our first appointment at her Englewood office, she showed care, empathy, understanding and she fully listened to what I was currently going through and also everything I’d gone through in the past. She took the time to truly understand while showing kindness and support. She held space for me without judgement which meant a lot.
During our follow up appointment she explained everything in relation to the surgery in detail and answered all my questions in full helping to put my mind at ease. Her Surgical Coordinator Janisie was an excellent support too with helping me complete all the paperwork and dealing with insurance questions etc.
Prior to the surgery Dr Liu provided full prep instructions to help me get organised for the procedure, and she provided excellent after care instructions so that I had everything to hand from the first day of recovery.
My Excision Surgery went really smoothly considering how much Endometriosis Dr Liu had to excise and the fact that it was so close to organs and ligaments etc. She excised lesions from 21 different areas which were all sent away for biopsy and confirmed as Endometriosis. She also removed Ovarian Cysts on each side, and she had to perform left and right Ureterolysis due to thickened retroperitoneal fibrosis. It was noted that I had deep infiltrating Endometriosis overlaying the right uterosacral and perirectal space which was all fully excised.
Following on from surgery her after care was fantastic calling every day to check on me, and then every other day even when she was on vacation.
Dr Liu is a miracle worker and I am very grateful that I chose her as my Doctor to carry out this procedure. She has given me my lease of life back and helped me feel like who I’m suppose to be. Her excellent referrals afterwards for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Acupuncture and Fertility Specialists have all been marvelous in supporting me on my healing journey.
Plus every Doctor who has seen my Surgical & Operative report has commented on how impressive Dr Liu is and how thorough her work is.
Dr Liu thank you again for everything.