Professor dies from cancer at 79

  Center for Health Sciences Thomas
Lebherz

By Sophia Chakos-Leiby
Daily Bruin Contributor

Dr. Thomas Lebherz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, died
Jan. 17 from cancer complications at the age of 79.

Throughout his 22 years at UCLA, Lebherz’s research led to
revolutionary procedures for the surgical treatment of urinary
stress incontinence, a condition women develop after giving birth
naturally.

Working with colleague Dr. Armando Pereyra, Lebherz helped
develop the Pereyra Procedure, which was later called the Modified
Pereyra, a surgical technique that treats urinary stress
incontinence.

“For a whole generation the Pereyra Procedure was the
standard treatment for urinary stress incontinence,” said
Andrea Rapkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

Lebherz also conducted research in other areas of women’s
reproductive health, such as premature rupture of the membranes, a
condition that occurs when a woman’s water breaks before she
reaches full term.

But Lebherz’s work was not all done in the lab. During his
career, he delivered more than 10,000 babies.

Lebherz made lasting impressions on his patients.

“Patients from 40 years ago still call at
Christmas,” said Lebherz’s son, Steve.

Lebherz was director of the obstetrics and gynecology clinics
and was a professor and the chief of his department. Before coming
to UCLA, he earned degrees from Mount Saint Mary’s College in
Maryland and attended Georgetown Medical School.

After a 51-year marriage to the late Elizabeth Perkins, he is
survived by seven children, 19 grandchildren and one
great-grandchild.

To make donations to the Church of the Good Shepherd in
Lebherz’s memory, call (310) 285-5425.