Ken Sinervo, M.D., MSc, ACGE, FRCSC

Background and Training

Dr. Ken Sinervo, CEC Medical Director, is known around the world as not only a pioneering expert surgeon (full CV available here) but importantly, also as a humble, compassionate doctor who truly cares for his patients.  Indeed, he is a winner of multiple honors, including the "Top 10 Doctors", "Most Compassionate Physician", "Patient's Choice", and "Best in Atlanta" awards. One former patiently recently weighed in on her case with Dr. Sinervo:

"While driving home from dinner yesterday, my husband and I were reminiscing about how much my life has changed since having surgery with Dr Sinervo seven years ago back in 2005. That surgery was my 14th and FINAL surgery I would need to close the painful chapter of endometriosis forever. This man gave me my life back and I am eternally grateful for his dedication to his profession.  Three years ago, I decided to return to college at the age of 44 and get a degree to work in the healthcare sector. I am proud to say I will be starting my new career as a respiratory therapist on Monday. I want Dr Sinervo to know that this new career path would not be possible--and never considered--if not for the complete turn around I experienced after having surgery with him. God is good and I am forever grateful!"

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Junior Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the United States, a member of the Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology in Canada, and also of the AAGL.  Dr. Sinervo has also completed an AAGL Fellowship in Pelvic Endoscopic Surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario, in Canada, with Honors in Psychology. He was awarded the MSc in 1993 there as well.  Dr. Sinervo completed medical school at the University of Toronto. He served his residency at the University of Calgary, in Canada.  Dr. Sinervo joined Dr. Albee at the Center in 2001 and in 2011, assumed the role of Medical Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care.

Honors, Awards & Publications

Dr. Sinervo is routinely featured in leading consumer and professional health publications and has been awarded many scholarships for his academic performance. In addition, he was the recipient of the University of Western Ontario Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Research Day Award two years in a row, a rare accomplishment.

He is also the recipient of the Dr. Fred Douglas Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medicine from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, as well as a Medical Research Council of Canada scholarship.

Dr. Sinervo has given several presentations to the AAGL including "Long-term follow-up of women surgically treated for endometriosis" and "Fertility of women after excision of endometriosis." The abstracts to these presentations were published in the Journal of the AAGL, 9(3) Suppl. p. 51.  In all, Dr. Sinervo has dozens of abstracts, publications and presentations to his credit.

Approach to Endometriosis

Dr. Sinervo says, "Through the constant refinement of surgical technique, it is possible to remove all endometriosis. We try to be as conservative as possible with a woman's reproductive organs while aggressively removing all visible manifestations of endometriosis, no matter where present. This can be done in an effective, safe manner. When done laparoscopically, it allows the patient to return to normal function quickly and comfortably. There are very few limits to what can be done laparoscopically, and few indications today for large incisions.”

Dr. Sinervo performs complex dissections the laparoscope, which often provides a better exposure of the natural planes of the organs than a large incision does. With the aid of the magnification that the laparoscope provides, even the subtlest forms of endometriosis can be appreciated. What was once described as 'microscopic endometriosis' can be seen with today's equipment. He carefully examines all areas for endometriosis and removes only that tissue needing to be removed.

When excision is used meticulously, a patient has a low chance of recurrence of her endometriosis and can gain an excellent quality of life, something that has often been missing for years.

"Though conscientious follow-up with our endometriosis patients, we can give excellent estimates of recurrence rates, pregnancy rates and information on improved quality of life following excision. This is a valuable tool in the management and counseling of our patients," says Dr. Sinervo.

Summary

When asked about the CEC Dr. Sinervo says, "I find it extremely rewarding to be able to make a positive impact in the quality of lives of the patients that we treat. So many patients have been given dismal prospects and limited choices. To be able to offer our endometriosis patients another alternative through the excision of their disease through laparoscopic techniques, and to see the long-lasting effects makes what we do so worthwhile.”

Ever humble, Dr. Sinervo says, “I’m extremely fortunate to have been given this opportunity to serve my patients this way, through a combination of surgery, caring, and compassion for her physical, emotional and spiritual needs."

Latest news: the CEC team recently participated as presenter and chair in the EFA's annual education conference on endometriosis.  Dr. Sinervo's expert lecture regarding endometriosis of the bowel (March 2013) can be viewed on the organization's website at www.endofound.org. We will also make the slidekit available on our own site(s) shortly in the future.

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