Impact of arsenic exposure on clinicopathological characteristics of bladder cancer: A comparative study between patients from an arsenic-exposed region and nonexposed reference sites.

BACKGROUND: Beyond exposure to arsenic in drinking-water, there is few information about demographic and clinicopathological features of patients with bladder cancer living in arsenic-exposed regions. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of arsenic exposure on clinicopathological characteristics in patients with bladder cancer from a contaminated region compared to those of 2 reference areas. METHODS: Data of 285 patients with bladder cancer (83 with arsenic exposure from Antofagasta and 202 controls from 2 different sites in Santiago) were obtained through personal interviews and from review of medical records. Demographic, clinicopathological parameters, and information on relevant environmental risk factors were compared with parametric and nonparametric tests as needed. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for high grade and muscle-invasive disease (T2-4). RESULTS: We found no significant differences between groups regarding age at presentation (66.4 vs. 66.5 and 67.2 years; P = 0.69, for exposed vs. the 2 nonexposed groups, respectively) and female gender (28.9% vs. 29.8% and 26.2%; P = 0.84). Proportion of current smokers was significantly lower in the exposed population (10.7% vs. 38.6% and 26.9%; P < 0.001). There was a significantly higher proportion of locally advanced (10.8 vs. 1.8 and 0.7% T3/4; P = 0.002) and high-grade tumors (79.5% vs. 63.2% and 64.1%; P = 0.001) within arsenic-exposed patients. Arsenic exposure was the only significant predictor for the presence of high-grade tumors (adjusted OR: 5.10; 95%CI: 2.03-12.77) on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed relevant clinical differences in bladder cancer patients with a history of arsenic exposure as compared to nonexposed cases. The more aggressive phenotype associated to arsenic-related bladder cancer should be considered when designing efficient screening strategies for this high-risk population.

Nefrectomía parcial single-port apoyada con el uso de pinza magnética robótica / Partial nephrectomy single-port supported by the use of robotic magnetic clamp

La Nefrectomía parcial es la técnica quirúrgica ideal en tumores T1 si técnicamente es posible, preservando una mayor cantidad de tejido renal funcional. El abordaje laparoscópico se asocia a menores tiempos de hospitalización, menor dolor y reinserción laboral precoz. El apoyo del abordaje single-port (LESS) se asocia a menos dolor y mejores resultados estéticos, pero conlleva a una mayor complejidad técnica, sin embargo esta dificultad puede ser eliminada con el apoyo robótico, conservando los beneficios de la técnica single port. La tecnología magnética LEVITA facilita aún mas la técnica, pudiendo ser utilizada también en cirugía laparoscópica convencional. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 64 años, sin antecedentes mórbidos, con hallazgo incidental de tumor renal de 1.6 x 1.5 cm en polo inferior izquierdo, R.E.N.A.L. score 6P. Se realizó nefrectomía parcial robóticamente asistida single port. El tiempo operatorio fue de 270 minutos, sangrado estimado de 200cc. Los márgenes fueron negativos. La creatinina en el último control (1.0 mg/dl) es similar a la preoperatoria inmediata (0.9 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONES: La Nefrectomía parcial robóticamente asistida utilizando solo una incisión permite disminuir la morbilidad perioperatoria y mejorar los resultados cosméticos sin que esto signifique una mayor complejidad en la técnica quirúrgica. La tecnología magnética LEVITA es una herramienta útil a considerar en el arsenal del cirujano robótico / laparoscopista.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is the ideal surgical technique in T1 tumors if technically possible, preserving a greater amount of functional renal tissue. The laparoscopic approach is associated to shorter hospitalization time, less pain and early return to work. Support single-port approach is associated with less pain and better cosmetic results but leads to greater technical complexity. However, the latter difficulty can be eliminated with the robotic support, preserving the benefits of the single-port technique. The LEVITA magnetic technology makes it even easier to apply the technique, and can also be used in conventional laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 64-year old male patient without morbid history, with incidental 1.6 x 1.5 cm kidney tumor finding in the left lower pole, R.E.N.A.L. 6P score. Robot-assisted single port partial nephrectomy was performed. The operating time was 270 minutes, estimated blood loss of 200cc. The margins were negative. The ultimate creatinine control (1.0 mg / dl) is similar to the immediate preoperative (0.9 mg / dl). CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using only one incision allows reduction of perioperative morbidity and improvement of cosmetic results without greater complexity in surgical technique. The LEVITA magnetic technology is a useful tool to consider in the arsenal of a robotic / laparoscopic surgeon.