• Troy, MI

Gynecologic Surgeon & Endometriosis Excision Specialist

Christopher Kliethermes, MD

Dr. Christopher Kliethermes, MD is a highly skilled endometriosis excision surgeon dedicated to providing patient-centered care. Trained under renowned experts like Dr. Patrick Yeung and Dr. Guan, Dr. Kliethermes has extensive experience handling complex gynecologic surgeries including on the bowel, bladder, and diaphragm, performing over 700 surgeries in the past two years -the busiest gynecologic surgeon in the state of Michigan. He approaches each case with a personalized strategy, offering a range of surgical options tailored to the patient’s needs and goals—whether preserving fertility, minimizing complications, or addressing aggressive disease. With a commitment to achieving optimal outcomes, Dr. Kliethermes aims for 100% excision in every procedure, leveraging his expertise to deliver life-changing results for his patients.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kliethermes has earned numerous accolades, including multiple teaching awards and recognition as an ACOG Mentor of the Year. As a video-vetted surgeon on Icarebetter, he is celebrated as one of Michigan’s leading endometriosis experts. He strongly supports the integration of pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of reducing pelvic inflammation and addressing musculoskeletal issues for improved recovery.

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Get To Know Your Surgeon

Dr. Kliethermes is passionate about contributing to PRM’s mission of reducing the time patients endure pelvic pain by delivering exceptional care and access to expert treatment options.

2017 Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship
Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston, TX

2015 Internship/Residency
Saint Louis University Obstetrics and Gynecology Internship/Residency

2011 M.D.
Saint Louis University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO

2006 B.A.
Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

I have a very patient-centered approach. Although I see extraordinary benefits with surgical management and do feel there is an over 90% cure rate with expert excision surgery, I counsel every patient on all the alternatives to surgery.

Not every patient is interested in surgical management, nor is it in the best interest for every patient depending on the individual. When it comes to surgery, the goal is 100% excision surgery, but there are a variety of surgical options depending on their individual situation.

Some may prefer a more conservative approach to preserve natural fertility or avoid any bowel resection, whereas others prefer a more aggressive approach. I feel it is important to provide all these options, while providing skilled care with very minimal complications and a significant amount of success.

Working with Dr. Leishear over the years, I have seen excellent results with patients who have done this. It is a great adjunct to surgery and especially great to patients who have developed musculoskeletal issues after dealing with endometriosis pains for many years.

I think anything that can improve women’s healthcare and the issues dealing with endometriosis is important. Any disease that causes severe pain or infertility, but takes 7 to 10 years to diagnose is atrocious and every way we can improve that statistic is important, whether its believing our patients, getting them access to care, or counseling them appropriately, etc.

Every one of my surgeries can preserve fertility. It just depends on aggressiveness during the surgery. My goal for patients who are hoping to achieve pregnancy is optimize their chances after surgery.

There are very rare cases where, unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to improve fertility, even with perfect excision surgery, but that occurs maybe once or twice a year.

When I started looking for a new job in Detroit, I knew exactly who to reach out to. I feel PRM has a great approach to patient care and model for growing a practice as I’ve seen them grow over the years nationally. Their reviews are stellar across the country and after working with leadership in the organization, I’m confident we’ll be able to provide exceptional care to all patients across Michigan.

Learning proper endometriosis excision surgery under Dr. Patrick Yeung and getting excellent surgical training from my residency program.
In fellowship, tackling extremely challenging surgeries and getting even more excellent training from Dr. Guan.

As an attending I have won multiple teaching awards and recently won an ACOG mentor of the year award from a couple of residents who I have mentored in their surgical training.

I also am honored to be video vetted on iCareBetter with some of the best endometriosis surgeons in the world.

Rostomian L, Kliethermes CJ, Hemmerling A. Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Family Planning Options in Armenia. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle). 2024 Apr 26;5(1):376-384. doi: 10.1089/whr.2024.0005. PMID: 39246306; PMCID: PMC11375319.

Kliethermes C, Blazek K, Ali K, Nijjar JB, Kliethermes S, Guan X. A Randomized Controlled Trial for Abdominal Binder Use after Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2018 Jul-Aug;25(5):842-847. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.12.021. Epub 2018 Jan 8. PMID: 29325967.

Walker C, Banning K, Ritchie C, Kliethermes C. Laparoscopic management of a degenerating cystic leiomyoma imitating an ovarian cyst: A case report. Case Rep Womens Health. 2020 Apr 20;27:e00205. doi: 10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00205. PMID: 32368506; PMCID: PMC7190759.

Kliethermes C, Blazek K, Ali K, Nijjar JB, Kliethermes S, Guan X. Postoperative Pain After Single-Site Versus Multiport Hysterectomy. JSLS. 2017 Oct-Dec;21(4):e2017.00065. doi: 10.4293/JSLS.2017.00065. PMID: 29238155; PMCID: PMC5721145.

Kliethermes CJ, Shah M, Hoffstetter S, Gavard JA, Steele A. Effect of Vestibulectomy for Intractable Vulvodynia. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2016 Nov-Dec;23(7):1152-1157. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2016.08.822. Epub 2016 Aug 25. PMID: 27568225.

Kliethermes C, Walsh T, Guan Z, Guan X. Vaginal Tissue Extraction Made Easy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2017 Jul-Aug;24(5):726. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2017.02.005. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28232039.

Penick ER, Kliethermes C, Grimstad F, Chescheir NC. Connect the Dots-March 2017. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Mar;129(3):578-579. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001921. PMID: 28178067.

Podium
International / National
1. Imperial, John Paul, Hsu, Rich^, Hruska, Justin, Kliethermes, Christopher. Abdominal Insufflation Effect on Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Efficacy in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial; 11/2024

2. Hsu, R, Banning, K, Kliethermes, C. Application of AAGL Endometriosis Classification – An Innovative Tool withmAdditional Contributions. AAGL National Conference 2022; 12/2022 Video with new AAGL classificaiton system

3. Issaac, P, Matthews, A, Wilkinson, J, Kliethermes, C. Comparison of Self and Resident assessment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Attendings. AAGL National Conference 2020; 11/2020

4. Hsu, R, Banning, K, Kliethermes, C. Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Left Tubal Reanastomosis and Right Neosalpingostomy. AAGL National Conference 2020; 11/2020

5. Banning, K, Pearson, H, Kliethermes, C. Robotic Resection of a Non-Communicating Right Uterine Horn; 11/2020

6. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan, Y Zhang, S Zou, K Blazek. Robotic- Assisted Single Incision Repair of Cesarean Scar Defect and Evacuation of Broad Ligament Hematoma. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017
7. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan, B Nijjar, K Blazek. Notes Surgery: Internal Cervical Mass Removal. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017

8. Christopher J. Kliethermes, B Holloran Schwartz. Tips, Tricks, and Risks of Laparoscopic Myomectomy. Case of a Broad Ligament Fibroid; 12/2016
9. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan. Single-Incision Robotic Hysterectomy with Anterior Cervical Fibroid. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016
10. Christopher J. Kliethermes, Y Ma, J Gisseman, X Guan. Robotic Single-Site Sacrocolpopexy Using V-loc Anchoring and Peritoneal Tunneling Technique. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016

11. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan. Vaginal Tissue Extraction Made Easy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016
12. Christopher J. Kliethermes, B Holloran Schwartz. Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for a Didelphic Uterus with a 1cm Vaginal Septum. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2014

Posters International / National
1. Hsu, Rich, Kliethermes, Chris. Polypoid Endometriosis Mimicking Carcinomatosis on Laparoscopy. AAGL National Conference 2024; 11/2024

2. Hsu, Richard, Raush, Jessica, Kliethermes, Christopher. Laparoscopic Intraligamentous Broad Ligament Leiomyoma Myomectomy and Closure; 12/2022, CO, United States of America

3. Hsu, Richard, Banning, Kaitlyn, Kliethermes, Christopher. The Use and (Potential) Misuse of the AAGL Endometriosis Classification System. AAGL National Conference 2022; 12/2022

4. Contos, G, Banning, K, Fennell, B, Kliethermes, C. Excision of Stage IV Endometriosis Extending to the Diaphragm Following Removal of Seven Liters of Peritoneal Fluid. AAGL National Conference 2021; 11/2021; Austin, TX

5. Pearson, H, Richie, C, Kliethermes, C. Complication associated with Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancies. AAGL National Conference 2020; 11/2020

6. Christopher J. Kliethermes, K Blazek, J Nijjar, L Chohan, C Tung, X Guan. Evaluation and Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgical Simulation on Cuff Closure in Laparoscopic Hysterectomies in a Gynecologic Residency Training Program. JMinim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017

7. Christopher J. Kliethermes, J Lui, Y Zhang, X Guan. Robotic Single-Incision Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension for Stress Urinary Incontinence. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017

8. Christopher J. Kliethermes, K Ali, K Blazek, S Kliethermes, JB Nijjar, X Guan. Pain Outcomes in Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Multiport Hysterectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017

9. Christopher J. Kliethermes, S Kliethermes, JB Nijjar, K Blazek, K Ali, X Guan. Abdominal Binder Use Following Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2017

10. Christopher J. Kliethermes, K Kostroun, X Guan. The Feasibility and Safety of Robotic Single Incision Surgery for Variety Benign Pathologies in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Teaching Program. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016

11. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan. Advantages of Performing the Anterior Colpotomy Prior to Ligating Uterine Vessels in a Teaching Institution. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016

12. Christopher J. Kliethermes, X Guan. Single Incision Laparoscopy for a 30cm Ovarian Cyst. J Minim Invasive Gynecol;12/2016

13. Christopher J. Kliethermes, J Gisseman, X Guan. Transvaginal Ultrasound-Assisted Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage for Twin Pregnancy at 10 weeks. J Minim Invasive Gynecol; 12/2016

14. K Blazek, X Guan, Christopher J. Kliethermes. Single-Incision Robotic Appendectomy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol;12/2016

In the past 2 years, I have spoken and helped host a screening of Below the Belt at AMC theater.

ACOG (was Junior Fellow Chair for district XII)

AAGL

Nancy’s Nook-Approved Surgeon in Michigan

Video vetted by iCareBetter

Tarah

Before Dr. Kliethermes I had 3 surgeries for endometriosis. What stood out right away is that he listened to me. He didn’t rush, listened to all of my symptoms, and answered all of my questions and never once made me feel rushed. He made eye contact with me and talked to me instead of looking at husband next to me and talking to him. He diagnosed me with stage 3 endo, took great pictures of everything, and the recovery? I was showering without assistance three days later where with the other surgeons I worked with in the past, I needed assistance for at least a week. Dr. K is the perfect combination of knowledge, skill, professionalism, and compassion.

Amanda W.

Literally the most amazing doctor I have ever met. I had my endometriosis surgery with him yesterday not only did he hold my hand as I fell asleep he asked what my favorite song was so I could listen to that as I was getting rolled in. Definitely made the experience less nerve racking and I 10000% trusted him and his staff with everything. Thank you so so much Dr. k I can’t wait to start feeling better and it’s all thanks to you!

 

Tiffany C.

I had laparoscopic endometriosis excision surgery with Dr. Kliethermes yesterday. I had a great experience all around. He is very kind and so is his team. I’m so happy to have found an extremely knowledgeable doctor, who is also empathetic and has great bedside manner. Thank you so much for helping me in my endo journey Dr. Kliethermes!

Brenna K.

I recently had excision surgery done for endometriosis by Dr. Kliethermes and it was one of the best experiences (for what it was). He really had a great team. From what I’ve read, he’s one of only two endo specialists in Michigan, and a fantastic choice. He really took the time to hear all of my concerns and gave me multiple options to tackle the issues I was having. He also does regular gyno/obgyn visits. I recommend him to everyone I come across.

I also had a consultation with a top Endo surgeon in New York for a second opinion and she said she had heard nothing but good things about him as well (just in case this helps your decision making).

Thank you Dr. Kliethermes!!!

Tara T.

Before Dr. Kliethermes, I had 3 surgeries for endometriosis. What stood out right away is that he listened to me. He listened to all of my symptoms, answered all of my questions, and never once made me feel rushed. He made eye contact with me and talked to me instead of looking at my husband next to me and talking to him. He diagnosed me with stage 3 endo, took great pictures of everything, and the recovery? I was showering without assistance three days later where with the other surgeons I worked with in the past, I needed assistance for at least a week. Dr. K is the perfect combination of knowledge, skill, professionalism, and compassion.

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