Christopher E. Wolter, MD, Author at Grand Rounds in Urology

Christopher E. Wolter, MD

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Christopher E. Wolter, MD, is an assistant professor in urology at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. He has been in practice since 2008, specializing in the areas of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urologic reconstruction, urologic prosthetics, post prostate cancer survivorship, erectile dysfunction, neurourology and neuromodulation, and overall functional considerations of urogenital health. Heavily involved in urologic education, Dr. Wolter has spent the last 12 years involved in resident education and leadership for his department; over the last eight years serving as urology residency program director. He is also the director of urologic education for the preclinical and clinical rotations for the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Phoenix.

Dr. Wolter completed his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Illinois. He then completed his urology residency at Tulane University in New Orleans and at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he also completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive urology. In his free time, Dr. Wolter enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, and their Australian Shepherd, Ella. He enjoys mountain biking, cooking and trying new restaurants, pickleball, and struggles at golf (although he enjoys it).

Talks by Christopher E. Wolter, MD

Emerging Therapies: Autologous Derived Muscle Cells

Posted by Christopher E. Wolter, MD | Jan 2025

Christopher E. Wolter, MD, discusses using autologous muscle-derived cells as a promising treatment for stress urinary incontinence.

In this 7-minute talk, Dr. Wolter reviews the steps for the therapy procedure, which involves procuring muscle cells through a minimally invasive biopsy, expanding the cells in culture, and re-injecting them into the patient. He notes that stress urinary incontinence is considered an ideal target for this therapy.
Wolter shares the promising results from Initial studies, including a pilot trial in 2008. Later trials using higher doses of injected cells demonstrated even better outcomes. He also references the MYOCYTE trial, a large multicenter, multi-institutional randomized study, which suggested that patients with previous stress incontinence treatments, such as slings, respond better to the therapy.

Female SUI: Full-length MUS, PVS

Posted by Christopher E. Wolter, MD | Dec 2024

Christopher E. Wolter, MD, focuses on advancements in the surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence, emphasizing the evolving role of different sling techniques. In this 11-minute presentation, Wolter highlights midurethral slings (MUS), specifically retropubic slings, widely accepted as the gold standard.

The discussion includes photographic, ultrasound, and drawn images to illustrate correct sling placement. Wolter also discusses patient selection criteria for different sling options. He notes that addressing the stress component first often helps alleviate urgency; however, data suggests that urgency symptoms resolve in 66% of cases when treated with mid-urethral slings. Finally, Wolter acknowledges the importance of patient counseling and education, to assure sling success.

Counterpoint: Robotic Uterosacral Ligament Suspension

Posted by Christopher E. Wolter, MD | Dec 2024

Christopher E. Wolter, MD, debates robotic uterosacral ligament suspension versus robotic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse repair.

OAB – Tier 3, SNS – Interstim

Posted by Christopher E. Wolter, MD | Sep 2024

Christopher E. Wolter, MD, focuses on sacral neuromodulation (SNM), specifically InterStim, and its role in treating voiding dysfunction. In this 11-minute presentation, Wolter outlines the historical development of neuromodulation, emphasizing SNM’s effectiveness compared to medications. It also offers the potential to manage fecal incontinence, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and even interstitial cystitis in some cases.
Dr. Wolter discusses the operative approach for SNM placement, highlighting the importance of proper technique. He illustrates the procedure with photographs and x-rays, providing step-by-step instructions and suggestions to ensure a successful outcome.