Christian O. Twiss, MD, FAC, presented “Point: Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse Robotic Sacroculpopexy” during the 31st Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point-Counterpoint, on October 18, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How to cite: Twiss, Christian O. “Point: Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse Robotic Sacroculpopexy.” October 18, 2024. Accessed Feb 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/point-severe-pelvic-organ-prolapse-robotic-sacroculpopexy/
Point: Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse Robotic Sacroculpopexy – Summary
Christian O. Twiss, MD, FACS, delivers a compelling argument for robotic sacrocolpopexy as the optimal procedure for apical pelvic organ prolapse repair. In this 11-minute presentation, he outlines its evolution, emphasizing its high success rates, durability, and low complication rates compared to other methods such as uterosacral ligament suspension. By combining the advantages of laparoscopic techniques with robotic precision, sacrocolpopexy achieves superior outcomes while minimizing invasiveness.
Dr. Twiss explains that robotic sacrocolpopexy has a remarkable apical success rate of 98.6% and minimal reoperation rates, making it a gold standard for prolapse repair. He contrasts this with uterosacral ligament suspension, which shows higher failure rates over time, particularly in cases of severe prolapse.
Dr. Twist highlights the safety of modern lightweight meshes and notes their exclusion from FDA warnings. He also discusses alternative tissue-based repairs for mesh-averse patients. This versatility and the procedure’s adaptability for complex cases reinforce sacrocolpopexy’s role as a cornerstone in prolapse surgery.
About the 31st Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint conference: Presented by Program Chair and Grand Rounds in Urology Editor-in-Chief E. David Crawford, MD, this conference brought together leading experts in urology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to discuss and debate the latest topics in genitourinary cancers, primarily prostate cancer and bladder cancer. This interactive conference offered topical lectures, pro/con debates, interesting-case presentations, interactive panel discussions, and interactive audience and faculty networking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christian O. Twiss, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. Dr. Twiss is an expert in the subspecialty of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and is one the few urologists in Arizona who has board certification in both urology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Twiss earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine in New York, New York. He completed his general surgery training and his urology residency at New York University, where he trained at the New York University Medical Center, the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and New York’s world-famous Bellevue Hospital. Following his residency, Dr. Twiss became a fellow in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, under the mentorship of Dr. Shlomo Raz.
Dr. Twiss has extensive experience treating female and male urinary incontinence and female pelvic organ prolapse via the vaginal, robotic, and open approaches. He also has extensive experience in vaginal mesh removal, vaginal reconstruction after mesh removal, and treating complications of vaginal reconstructive surgery. His current research interests include outcomes of surgery for female pelvic floor disorders, including treatments for incontinence, vaginal prolapse, and vaginal mesh removal. Dr. Twiss is also researching the use of dynamic pelvic magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of female pelvic organ prolapse as well as the development of new techniques for female pelvic floor reconstruction.
