Challenging dilemmas of low grade, non-invasive bladder cancer: a narrative review

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the current scientific knowledge and clinical experience in low-grade-non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (LG-NMIBC) patients in challenging scenarios. Materials and Methods: Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central were searched until March 2021. Results: A total of 841 studies were identified, and abstracts were analyzed. Twenty-one relevant studies were then identified and reviewed. After all, information was gathered from 16 studies, the authors discussed the specific topics, and expert opinions were also included in the discussion. There have been some studies that can help us to have some insights on how to manage these patients. Very distinctive strategies have been reported in the literature, mainly anecdotally or in small randomized studies. Some of these treatments outlined in the present manuscript include repeated TURBTs, chemoablation, BCG immunoablation, partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and future perspectives. In the current manuscript, we have combined these strategies in a proposed algorithm. Conclusion: For those LG-NMIBC patients in challenging scenarios, we have found repeated TURBTs, chemoablation, BCG immunoablation, partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are attractive modalities to treat them effectively. Also, the current manuscript proposes an algorithm to overcome these challenges.

Bricker ileal conduit vs. Cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Purpose: A systematic review of the literature with available published literature to compare ileal conduit (IC) and cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) urinary diversions (UD) in terms of perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of high-risk elderly patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC). Protocol Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42020168851. Materials and Methods: A systematic review, according to the PRISMA Statement, was performed. Search through the Medline, Embase, Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane Database until July 2020. Results: The literature search yielded 2,883 citations and were selected eight studies, including 1096 patients. A total of 707 patients underwent IC and 389 CU. Surgical procedures and outcomes, complications, mortality, and quality of life were analyzed. Conclusions: CU seems to be a safe alternative for the elderly and more frail patients. It is associated with faster surgery, less blood loss, lower transfusion rates, a lower necessity of intensive care, and shorter hospital stay. According to most studies, complications are less frequent after CU, even though mortality rates are similar. Studies with long-term follow up are awaited.

COVID-19: The impact on urolithiasis treatment in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: It has been more than a year since the first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in Brazil, and its most problematic feature is the oversaturation of the healthcare system capacity. Urolithiasis is a disease that requires timely and appropriate management. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic in hospital admissions for urolithiasis in the Brazilian public healthcare system. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, hospital admissions were obtained from the Brazilian Public Health Information system. All hospital admissions associated with urolithiasis diagnosis (ICD-10 N20) between March 2017 and February 2021 were analyzed. Results: During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in hospital admissions (p<0.0001). More than 20.000 patients probably did not have the opportunity to undergo their surgeries. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on women's admissions was significantly more intense than for men, reducing from 48.91% to 48.36% of the total (p=0.0281). The extremes of age seemed to be more affected, with patients younger than 20 years and older than 60 years having a significant reduction in access to hospital services (p=0.033). Conclusions: In conclusion, we have noticed a considerable reduction in overall admissions for the treatment of urolithiasis in the Brazilian public healthcare system during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Women and individuals older than 60 years were especially affected. In contrast, we noted a rise in urgent procedures, comparing with the average of the corresponding period of the three previous years. Recovery plans will be needed while returning to activities to handle the impounded surgical volume.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) mutations in high-grade muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer in a Brazilian population: evaluation and prevalence

ABSTRACT Objective To understand the feasibility of FGFR3 tests in the Brazilian public health context, and to sample the mutational burden of this receptor in high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods A total of 31 patients with high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer were included in the present study. Either transurethral resection of bladder tumor or radical cystectomy specimens were analyzed. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were sectioned, hematoxylin and eosin stained, and histologic sections were reviewed. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy DSP formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kit. Qualitative results were displayed in Rotor-Gene AssayManager software. Results Six patients were excluded. From the samples analyzed, four (16.7%) were considered inadequate and could not have their RNA extracted. Two patients presented FGFR3 mutations, accounting for 9.5% of material available for adequate analysis. The two mutations detected included a Y373C mutation in a male patient and a S249C mutation in a female patient. Conclusion FGFR3 mutations could be analyzed in 84% of our cohort and occurred in 9.5% of patients with high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer in this Brazilian population. FGFR3 gene mutations are targets for therapeutic drugs in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. For this reason, know the frequency of these mutations can have a significant impact on public health policies and costs provisioning.

Transafferent nodal embolization for lymphocele treatment: case report

ABSTRACT Lymphoceles are collections of lymphatic fluid, mainly caused by major surgical approaches. Most lymphoceles are asymptomatic and limited, but some cases may require a medical management. Among the different techniques, transafferent nodal embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive option, with low morbidity and high resolubility, although it is not widespread in the Brazilian scenario. In this study, we report a case of lymphocele drained percutaneously, with maintenance of high output and requiring transafferent nodal embolization.

Mysterious ureteral migration of a wooden toothpick from the digestive tract: case report and diagnostic considerations

ABSTRACT Migration of foreign bodies into the urinary tract is a rare event. In certain instances, to unravel the way that objects arrived in the urinary tract is not easy. We report the case of an accidentally swallowed wooden toothpick that migrated and was found in the left ureterovesical junction, protruding into the bladder. Even though the computed tomography scan is widely employed to evaluate the urinary tract, this resource does not have a good sensitivity for detecting foreign bodies. Our report presents an insight into the best imaging approach if wooden toothpicks are suspected. In the present case, the endoscopic treatment was possible with an uneventful outcome and a complete resolution of symptoms.

Comparison of outcomes and costs of surgery versus sclerotherapy to treat hydrocele / Comparação entre resultados e custos de cirurgia e de escleroterapia para tratamento de hidrocele

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and costs associated with surgery versus sclerotherapy as treatment of hydroceles. Methods: A total of 53 men consecutively treated for hydrocele at our organization, between December 2015 and June 2019, were retrospectively analyzed (39 with Jaboulay technique and 14 with sclerotherapy). All charts were reviewed, assessing clinical data, ultrasound findings, surgical data, and post-procedure outcomes. The hospital finance department calculated the cost of outpatient evaluation, complementary tests, supplies, drugs, and professionals' costs throughout all procedures. Results: The median age for both groups was similar (58 and 65 years old). Comorbidities were less frequent in the Surgery Group (20; 51%) than in the Sclerotherapy Group (14; 100%, p<0.05). The median length of hospital stay was 34.5±16.3 hours for the Surgery Group and 4 hours for the Sclerotherapy Group. The mean follow-up period was similar for both groups (85.4±114.8 days after surgery, and 60.9±80.1 days after sclerotherapy, p=0.467). No significant complications occurred in any patient. Success rates were 94.8% after surgery and 92.8% after sclerotherapy. The mean cost per patient was US$2,558.69 in the Surgery Group (Hydrocelectomy Group) and US$463.58 in the Sclerotherapy Group (p<0.0001). Costs directly related to in-hospital treatment procedures were significantly higher for surgery versus sclerotherapy (US$2,219.82±US$1,629.06 versus US$130.64±US$249.60; p<0.0001). Conclusion: Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for idiopathic hydrocele as compared to traditional Jaboulay. It has a high success rate, low complication rates, fast discharge and patients return quicker to activities of daily living.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar resultados e custos associados à cirurgia e à escleroterapia como tratamentos das hidroceles. Métodos: Foram tratados consecutivamente para hidrocele em nossa instituição 53 homens, entre dezembro de 2015 e junho de 2019, os quais foram analisados retrospectivamente (39 pela técnica de Jaboulay e 14 por escleroterapia). Todos os prontuários foram revisados, avaliando dados clínicos, achados de ultrassom, dados cirúrgicos e desfechos pós-procedimento. O departamento financeiro do hospital calculou o custo da avaliação ambulatorial, dos exames complementares, dos insumos, dos medicamentos e dos profissionais em todos os procedimentos. Resultados: A idade mediana foi semelhante nos dois grupos (58 e 65 anos). Comorbidades foram menos frequentes no Grupo Cirurgia (20; 51%) do que no Grupo Escleroterapia (14; 100%; p<0,05). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar foi 34,5±16,3 horas para o Grupo Cirurgia e 4 horas para Grupo Escleroterapia. O período médio de seguimento foi semelhante nos dois grupos (85,4±114,8 dias após a cirurgia e 60,9±80,1 dias após escleroterapia; p=0,467). Nenhuma complicação significativa ocorreu nos pacientes. As taxas de sucesso foram de 94,8% após a cirurgia e 92,8% após a escleroterapia. O custo médio por paciente foi de US$2,558.69 para Grupo Cirurgia e US$463.58 para Grupo Escleroterapia (p<0,0001). Os custos relacionados aos procedimentos de tratamento hospitalar foram significativamente maiores para cirurgia em relação à escleroterapia (US$2,219.82±US$1,629.06 versus US$130.64±US$249.60; p<0,0001). Conclusão: A escleroterapia é uma excelente opção de tratamento para hidrocele idiopática em comparação com a tradicional Jaboulay. Apresenta alta taxa de sucesso, baixas taxas de complicações e alta rápida, além de os pacientes retornarem mais rapidamente às atividades diárias.

Impact of bariatric surgery in patients with stress urinary incontinence / Impacto da cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes com incontinência urinária de esforço

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine epidemiologic, anthropometric and clinical variables associated with stress urinary incontinence in obese women, before and after bariatric surgery, and to identify predictive factors of stress urinary incontinence resolution. Methods: Prospective observational study with women enrolled in a bariatric surgery program between 2015 and 2016. Patients were assessed prior to and 6 months after bariatric surgery using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale. Patient assessment also included physical examination and bladder stress tests. Results: A total of 43 women completed the study. There was a 72.7% reduction in stress urinary incontinence (p=0.021). Predictive factors for preoperative diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence included age (p=0.024) and abdominal waist circumference (p=0.048). Urinary symptoms improved after weight loss, especially nocturia (p=0.001) and stress urinary incontinence (p=0.026). Menopause was the most significant predictive factor for persistence of stress urinary incontinence within six months of bariatric surgery (p=0.046). Self-reported outcomes and scores obtained in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement and the Visual Analogue Scale were associated with significant improvement (p=0.012, p=0.025, and p=0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Older women with larger waist circumference have a higher risk of developing stress urinary incontinence prior to bariatric surgery. Menopausal women are highly prone to persistent stress urinary incontinence, even after weight loss. Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery improved stress urinary incontinence symptoms and mitigated related impacts on quality of life in the vast majority of women.

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar as variáveis epidemiológicas, antropométricas e clínicas associadas à incontinência urinária de esforço em mulheres obesas antes e após a cirurgia bariátrica e identificar fatores preditivos da resolução desse tipo de incontinência. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo com mulheres de um programa de cirurgia bariátrica, realizado entre 2015 e 2016. As pacientes responderam ao International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, à Clinical Global Impression-Improvement e à Escala Visual Analógica, sendo submetidas ao exame físico e ao teste de incontinência antes e 6 meses após cirurgia bariátrica. Resultados: Completaram o estudo 43 mulheres. Houve redução de 72,7% na incontinência urinária de esforço (p=0,021). Fatores preditivos para o diagnóstico pré-operatório da incontinência urinária incluíram idade (p=0,024) e circunferência abdominal (p=0,048). Todos os sintomas urinários demonstraram melhora após perda de peso, notadamente noctúria (p=0,001) e incontinência urinária de esforço (p=0,026). A menopausa foi o fator mais crítico para predizer a persistência da incontinência urinária de esforço 6 meses após a cirurgia bariátrica (p=0,046). Os resultados relatados do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, da Patient Global Impression of Improvement e da Escala Visual Analógica tiveram melhora significativa (p=0,012, p=0,025, p=0,002, respectivamente). Conclusão: Mulheres idosas e com maior circunferência abdominal têm maior risco de desenvolver incontinência urinária de esforço antes da cirurgia. Mulheres na menopausa são fortemente propensas a persistir com a incontinência urinária de esforço, mesmo após a perda de peso. A perda de peso após a cirurgia bariátrica melhora os sintomas de incontinência urinária de esforço e seus impactos na qualidade de vida na maioria das mulheres.

Testicular torsion and climate changes in macroregions of São Paulo, Brazil / Torção testicular e diferenças climáticas nas macrorregiões do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the association between climate changes in the macroregions in the state of São Paulo and testicular torsion treated cases. Methods: The cases were selected in the Brazilian Public Health Data System Database from January 2008 to November 2016. All surgical procedure records were identified by the Hospital Admission Authorization document. Two codes were selected to process the search: testicular torsion (surgical cure code) and acute scrotum (exploratory scrototomy code). The macroregions were grouped in five areas linked to climate characteristics by International Köppen Climate Classification. Results: A total of 2,351 cases of testicular torsion were registered in the period. For the areas B, C and E (testicular torsion n=2,130) there were statistical differences found in association of testicular torsion cases and decreased temperature (p=0.019, p=0.001 and p=0.006, respectively), however, in analyses for the areas A and D statistical differences were not observed (p=0.066 and p=0.494). Conclusion: Decrease in temperature was associated with testicular torsion in three macroregions of São Paulo. The findings support the theory of cold weather like a trigger in occurrence of testicular torsion in a tropical climate region.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre mudanças climáticas nas macrorregiões do estado de São Paulo e os casos tratados com torção testicular registrados. Métodos: Os casos foram selecionados no Banco de Dados do Sistema de Dados de Saúde Pública do Brasil de janeiro de 2008 a novembro de 2016. Todos os registros de procedimentos cirúrgicos foram identificados pelo documento de Autorização de Internação Hospitalar. Dois códigos foram selecionados para processar a busca: torção testicular (código de cura cirúrgica) e escroto agudo (código de escrototomia exploratória). As macrorregiões foram agrupadas em cinco áreas ligadas às características climáticas pela Classificação Internacional de Clima Köppen. Resultados: Foram registrados 2.351 casos de torção testicular no período. Para as áreas B, C e E (torção testicular n=2.130), foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas na associação dos casos de torção testicular e diminuição da temperatura (p=0,019, p=0,001 e p=0,006, respectivamente), mas nas análises das áreas A e D não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas (p=0,066 e p=0,494). Conclusão: A diminuição da temperatura foi associada à torção testicular em três macrorregiões de São Paulo. Os resultados apoiam a teoria do clima frio como um gatilho para ocorrência de torção testicular em uma região de clima tropical.

Bladder cancer trends and mortality in the brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Introduction Considering the lack of data on BC trends in Brazilian population, mainly as a result of the difficulty on gathering data, the present manuscript provides an overview of bladder cancer incidence, hospitalization, mortality patterns and trends using the Brazilian Data Center for The Public Health System (DATASUS). Materials and Methods All hospital admissions associated with BC diagnosis (ICD-10 C67) between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Distributions according to year, gender, age group, ethnicity, death, length of hospital stay, and costs were evaluated. Demographic data was obtained from the last Brazilian national census. Results From 2008 to 2017 there were 119,058 public hospital admissions related to BC. Patients were mostly white males aged 60 to 79 years-old. Mortality rates for patients who have undergone surgery was 6.75% on average, being 7.38% for women and 6.49% for men. Mortality rates were higher when open surgeries were performed compared to endoscopic procedures (4.98% vs 1.18%). Considering only endoscopic procedures, mortality rates were three times higher after urgent surgeries compared to elective ones (2.6% vs 0.6%). Over the years the cystectomy/transurethral bladder resection (C/T) ratio significantly decreased in all Brazilian Regions. In 2008, the C/T ratio was 0.19, while in 2017 it reduced to 0.08. Conclusions Despite BC relatively low incidence, it still represents a significant social economic burden in Brazil, as it presents with recurrent episodes that might require multiple hospitalizations and surgical treatment. The set of data collected might suggest that population access to health care has improved between 2008-2017.

Mortality after radical cystectomy is strongly related to the institution's volume of surgeries / Mortalidade pós-cistectomia radical está fortemente associada ao volume de cirurgias da instituição

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze mortality rates and hospitalization data after radical cystectomy in each public healthcare center in São Paulo in the last decade, considering the number of surgeries performed at each center. Methods: This study included patients from the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde from the state of São Paulo, who underwent radical cystectomy between 2008 and 2018. Data analyzed included organization name, number of procedures/year, in-hospital death rates and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 1,377 radical cystectomies were registered in the public health system in São Paulo, between 2008-2018. A total of 91 institutions performed at least one radical cystectomy in the decade analyzed. The number of radical cystectomies performed per organization during the years analyzed ranged from one to 161. Only 45.6% of patients were operated in organizations that performed more than five radical cystectomies yearly. A total of 684 patients were operated in organizations with higher surgical volume. There were 117 in-hospital deaths, representing an 8.5% mortality rate for the state of São Paulo during the last decade. Whereas highest volume organizations (>6 radical cystectomies/year) had a mortality rate of 6.1%, the lowest volume (<1 radical cystectomy /year) had a 17.5% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusion: There was a strong relation between organization volume of radical cystectomy and in-hospital mortality rate after radical cystectomy in São Paulo from 2008-2018. Unfortunately, we could not observe a trend toward centralization of such complex procedures, as it has occurred in developed countries during the last decades.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as taxas de mortalidade e os dados de hospitalização após cistectomia radical em cada unidade pública de saúde de São Paulo na última década, levando em conta o número de cirurgias realizadas por unidade. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu pacientes do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde de São Paulo submetidos à cistectomia radical entre 2008 e 2018. Os dados analisados incluíram o nome da instituição, o número de procedimentos/ano, taxas de mortalidade hospitalar e tempo de internação hospitalar. Resultados: Foram registrados 1.377 cistectomias radicais no sistema público de saúde de São Paulo no período. Um total de 91 instituições realizou pelo menos uma cirurgia na década analisada. O número de cistectomias realizadas por instituição durante os anos analisados variou de uma a 161. Apenas 45,6% dos pacientes foram operados em instituições com volume cirúrgico maior do que cinco cistectomias radicais/ano. Ao todo, 684 pacientes foram operados em instituições com maior volume cirúrgico. Houve 117 óbitos hospitalares, representando taxa de mortalidade de 8,5% para o estado de São Paulo na última década. Enquanto instituições com o maior volume (seis cistectomias radicais/ano) apresentaram mortalidade de 6,1%, as instituições com menor volume (<1 cistectomia radical/ano) apresentaram taxa de mortalidade de 17,5%. Conclusão: Houve forte relação entre o volume institucional de cistectomia radical e a taxa de mortalidade hospitalar após cistectomia radical em São Paulo, no período de 2008 a 2018. Infelizmente, não se observa no Brasil tendência de centralização de procedimentos complexos, como tem ocorrido em países desenvolvidos nas últimas décadas.

Penile cancer trends and economic burden in the Brazilian public health system / Tendências e carga econômica do câncer de pênis no sistema público de saúde brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To gather information on penile cancer epidemiologic trends and its economic impact on the Brazilian Public Health System across the last 25 years. Methods: The Brazilian Public Health System database was used as the primary source of data from January 1992 to December 2017. Mortality and incidence data from the Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva was collected using the International Classification of Diseases ICD10 C60. Demographic data from the Brazilian population was obtained from the last census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, performed in 2010 and its 2017 review. Results: There were 9,743 hospital admissions related to penile cancer from 1992 to 2017. There was a reduction (36%) in the absolute number of admissions per year related to penile cancer in 2017, as compared to 1992 (2.7versus 1.7 per 100,000; p<0.001). The expenses with admissions related to this condition in this period were US$ 3,002,705.73 (US$ 115,488.68/year). Approximately 38% of the total amount was spent in Northeast Region. In 1992, penile cancer costed US$ 193,502.05 to the public health system, while in 2017, it reduced to US$ 47,078.66 (p<0.02). Penile cancer incidence in 2017 was 0.43/100,000 male Brazilian, with the highest incidence rate found in the Northeast Region. From 1992 to 2017, the mortality rates of penile cancer in Brazil were 0.38/100,000 man, and 0.50/100,000 man in the North Region. Conclusion: Despite the decrease in admissions, penile cancer still imposes a significant economic and social burden to the Brazilian population and the Public Health System.

RESUMO Objetivo: Reunir informações sobre as tendências epidemiológicas do câncer de pênis e seu impacto econômico no Sistema Único de Saúde nos últimos 25 anos. Métodos: O banco de dados de informações do Sistema Único de Saúde foi utilizado como fonte primária de dados de janeiro 1992 a dezembro 2017. Os dados demortalidade e incidência do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva foram coletados usando a Classificação Internacional de Doença CID10 C60. Os dados demográficos da população brasileira foram obtidos do último censo do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, realizado em 2010, e em sua revisão, de 2017. Resultados: Ocorreram 9.743 internações relacionadas ao câncer de pênis de 1992 a 2017. Houve redução (36%) nas internações anuais absolutas em 2017 em comparação com 1992 (2,7 versus 1,7 por 100.000; p<0,001). Os gastos com internações neste período foram de US$ 3,002,705.73 (US$ 115,488.68/ano). Cerca de 38% do valor total foi gasto na Região Nordeste. Em 1992, o câncer de pênis custou US$ 193,502.05 ao sistema público, enquanto em 2017 reduziu para US$ 47,078.66 (p<0,02). A incidência em 2017 foi de 0,43/100.000 brasileiro do sexo masculino, com a maior taxa de incidência encontrada na Região Nordeste. De 1992 a 2017, as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de pênis foram de 0,38/100.000 homem, sendo 0,50/100.000 homem na Região Norte. Conclusão: Apesar da diminuição nas hospitalizações, o câncer de pênis ainda impõe uma carga econômica e social significativa à população brasileira e ao Sistema Único de Saúde.

Crossover transseptal vasovasostomy: alternative for very selected cases of iatrogenic injury to vas deferens

ABSTRACT Inguinal herniorraphy is a possible cause of iatrogenic seminal tract obstruction. Diagnosing and correcting these vasal injuries can be challenging. Successful re-anastomosis is technically challenging, with relatively low success rates. An uncommon alternative for selected cases is the crossover transseptal vasovasostomy. We herein report a case of a 36-year-old male patient with vas deferens injury after herniorraphy and a contralateral hypotrophic testis. He was successfully treated through microsurgical crossover transseptal vasovasostomy, with spontaneous pregnancy achieved, and the technique is presented in details.

Analysis of the association between bladder carcinoma and arsenic concentration in soil and water in southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT In approximately 50% of cases of bladder carcinoma, an associated predisposing factor can be established. The main factors are exposure to tobacco, arsenic (As) ore and aromatic compounds. Arsenic is a metalloid with a low average concentration in the earth's crust, and one of the most dangerous substances for human health. The present study aims to evaluate the incidence of hospitalization and mortality from bladder neoplasia and its possible association with As concentration in water and soil in two of the most critical regions of Brazil: the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. We have investigated bladder cancer hospitalization and mortality in the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais during 2010-2014. Water and soil samples were analyzed and As concentrations were established. Data were obtained through the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Correlation was made with water samples from São Paulo and with data on soil analysis from Minas Gerais. The results revealed no direct association in the distinctive municipalities. Areas with high environmental As concentration had a low bladder cancer rate, while areas with normal as levels had similar cancer rates. The quantitative variables did not present a normal distribution (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we did not observe a correlation between as concentration in water or soil and bladder cancer's hospitalization and mortality rates in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Functional outcomes and quality of life after transobturatory slings: hand - made vs. commercial slings

ABSTRACT Surgical correction is the most efficient treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and transobturator sling (TO) has optimal results. The high cost of commercially available sling kits makes it difficult the access in most Brazilian public health services. Hand-made polypropylene slings, on the other hand, have been previously reported. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of commercial vs. hand-made polypropylene mesh slings. Data from 57 women who underwent consecutive TO sling surgery to treat SUI were pros- pectively collected between 2012 and 2014, and divided in two groups for further compa- rison. In Group-1, 31 women underwent surgery with commercial slings. In Group-2, 26 women underwent hand-made polypropylene slings. Women were compared according to epidemiological data, perioperative evaluation, quality of life, urodynamic study, cure and complication rates. Results were objectively (stress test with Valsalva maneuver, with at least 200mL vesical repletion) and subjectively evaluated by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement(PGI-I), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and ICIQ-SF. Success was defined as PGI-I, VAS and negative stress test. Group-1 (n=31) and Group-2 (n=26) had a mean age of 60 vs. 58years (p=0.386). All de- mographic data were similar. The mean VLPP was 75.6cmH2O vs. 76.6cmH2O (p=0.88). The mean follow-up was 24.3 vs. 21.5months (p=0.96). Success rates were 74.2% vs. 80.2% (p=0.556), with ICIQ-SF variation of 12.6 vs.15.5 (p=0.139) and PGI-I of 71% vs. 80% (p=0.225). There was only one major complication (urethrovaginal fistula in Group-1). In conclusion, handmade and commercial slings have similar effectiveness and safety. The manufacture technique has important key-points stated in the present manuscript.