About Your Provider
Dr. Theo Kapetanakis is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at Viva Eve in New York City. He specializes in complex endometriosis, deeply infiltrating disease, and pelvic surgery.
As Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Services, Dr. Kapetanakis brings expertise in laparoscopic excision, our gold standard approach to endometriosis treatment. His approach prioritizes the careful removal of endometriosis lesions, including disease beneath the tissue surface that superficial ablation may leave untreated.
Dr. Kapetanakis completed advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Mount Auburn Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Malcolm Mackenzie. Before joining Viva Eve, he practiced at Hartford HealthCare, where he helped develop dedicated endometriosis services. He also holds a PhD in Critical Care from the University of Athens and has published research on surgical approaches to endometriosis.
His approach to care is shaped by listening to patients and understanding what they have experienced. He recognizes that endometriosis can affect much more than physical comfort, influencing energy, emotional well-being, relationships, and everyday life. His goal is to help patients find answers, understand their options, and feel supported throughout treatment and recovery.
“We will partner with our patients to support them in any way possible in overcoming the challenges related to endometriosis and help them reclaim their day-to-day life.”
Dr. Theo Kapetanakis
Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Services
What Is Dr. Kapetanakis’ Approach to Endometriosis Surgery?
Dr. Kapetanakis prioritizes laparoscopic excision over superficial ablation when surgery is appropriate.
Excision involves cutting out endometriosis lesions, including tissue that extends beneath the surface. Superficial ablation burns or destroys tissue at the surface and may leave deeper disease untreated. This distinction is particularly important when treating deeply infiltrating endometriosis.
His surgical approach emphasizes:
- Careful identification of disease: Evaluating the location and extent of endometriosis to guide treatment.
- Thorough excision where safely possible: Removing affected tissue with attention to nearby organs and healthy structures.
- Coordinated surgical planning: Working with additional specialists when endometriosis involves the bowel, bladder, or ureters.
- Individualized decisions: Considering symptoms, previous treatments, reproductive goals, and the benefits and risks of surgery.
The goal is to improve symptoms and quality of life while recognizing that endometriosis may require ongoing care.
How Does He Address the Complexity of Pelvic Pain?
Dr. Kapetanakis recognizes that pelvic pain can have several contributing causes. Endometriosis may coexist with adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and treating one condition may not address every symptom.
His approach considers these overlapping concerns when developing a treatment plan. Depending on the patient’s needs, care may include:
- Management of coexisting conditions: Evaluating how adenomyosis or fibroids may contribute to pain and bleeding.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: Incorporating therapy when appropriate to address muscle tension or spasms before or after surgery.
- Medical and surgical options: Discussing conservative treatment alongside surgical approaches when indicated.
- Follow-up care: Assessing recovery and persistent symptoms to evolve the treatment plan. Consistent in-person Post-Op appointments with annual check-ins to monitor your outcomes.
Throughout this process, Dr. Kapetanakis and our team consider both symptom relief and the patient’s broader quality of life.
What Can You Expect From His Approach to Care?
As his patient, you can expect careful listening, clear explanations, and shared decision-making. Dr. Kapetanakis understands that many people with endometriosis have experienced delays in diagnosis or have felt that their pain was dismissed.
He takes time to understand your symptoms, treatment history, and priorities. Together with our team, he can help you understand your evaluation and explore options that reflect your individual needs.
When surgery is recommended, he explains the proposed approach, potential risks, and recovery expectations. Care continues afterward, with follow-up focused on recovery, symptom management, and support for returning to daily activities.
What Are His Areas of Clinical Focus?
- Endometriosis and deeply infiltrating endometriosis
- Laparoscopic excision of complex endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Complex pelvic surgery
- Endometriosis involving the bowel, bladder, or other pelvic structures
- Coexisting endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis
Education and Advanced Training
- Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Mount Auburn Hospital, under Dr. Malcolm Mackenzie
- Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology: University of Oklahoma
- PhD in Critical Care: University of Athens
Clinical Experience
- Viva Eve, New York: Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Services
- Hartford HealthCare, Connecticut: Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon; contributed to the development of dedicated endometriosis services
- Experience in advanced laparoscopic excision and surgical management of complex pelvic disease
Board Certification and Professional Credentials
- Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG)
Research
Dr. Kapetanakis has published research on advanced surgical methods for endometriosis, including laparoscopic excision and ablation, with attention to patient symptoms, satisfaction, and quality of life.
Meet With Dr. Kapetanakis in NYC
Dr. Kapetanakis sees patients at Viva Eve’s Madison Avenue location in Manhattan. Whether you are seeking answers about your symptoms or exploring treatment after an endometriosis diagnosis, our team can help you take the next step.