[Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with chronic viral B hepatitis]. / Carcinome hépatocellulaire fibrolamellaire chez un patient suivi pour hépatite chronique virale B.

In most cases, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma has specific and distinctive histopathological features that distinguish it from hepatocellular carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide characteristic features to obtain a diagnosis of this entity. We report a case of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma with a radiological-pathological correlation in a 37 year-old man with chronic viral hepatitis B without cirrhosis who underwent right hepatectomy.

Band and port-related morbidity after bariatric surgery: an underestimated problem.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude of the morbidity related to the system used for gastric banding Methods Between January 1997 and December 2004, 286 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) in one center. We used 4 models of LapBand 9.75, 10, 11 and Vanguard with pars flacida route. Recalibration of band was performed in our consultation unit without systematic radiologic control. We considered four kinds of complication: port displacement, port rupture, band rupture and others problems. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 3.3+/-2.8 years with a median 2.9 years. Complications occurred within a mean time of 2.2+/-1.9 years. For the models vanguard and size 11, there were no rupture and 15 (27.7%) displacements whereas for size 9.75 and 10 there were 39 ruptures (14.7%) and 15 (5.6%) displacements. Types of complications were related to the bands used i.e. more port displacements for the models vanguard and size 11 and more band and port ruptures for the models size 9.75 and 10. But when we considered the respective follow up according to the type of band these differences were no longer significant. Moreover rupture rate was significantly high but decreased after March 2002 because of changing of junction between port and catheter. Mean excess weight loss (35.2+/-27.7%) was not different in group whether the patients were reoperated or not. CONCLUSION: Band and port related morbidity is an important aspect of bariatric surgery. We have to pay attention to material evolution and to our follow up for calibration. Some new recent technical advancement could improve the management of these patients.

[Is the debate on mechanical bowel preparation, before colorectal surgery, over?]. / Le débat sur la préparation mécanique du côlon avant chirurgie colorectale est-il clos?

The present "point of view" tries to assess the state of the art in 2008 on the role of mechanical bowel preparation before colorectal surgery. The case of bowel preparation has been questioned by several meta-analyses of small randomized trials, suggesting also its detrimental effect in terms of anastomotic leaks. In 2007 two large trials were published and pooling their data suggested an increased risk of deep abscesses when bowel preparation was omitted. A further meta-analysis including all published data on this topic appeared useful. This meta-analysis included almost 5 000 patients and showed bowel preparation involves no benefit in terms of surgical site infections, with more infections after bowel preparation (Odds ratio 1.40 [1.05-1.87]). Sensitivity analysis showed an increased risk of abscesses when bowel preparation was omitted but this risk is not clinically relevant since the number needed to harm was as high as 333 patients. In conclusion this meta-analysis including a huge number of patients does not confirm the detrimental effect of bowel preparation but did not show any benefit of it; these conclusions being valid only for colonic surgery, rectal surgery needing further studies.

[Repair of rectocele using the Stapled TransAnal Rectal Resection (STARR) technique: intermediate results from a multicenter French study]. / Traitement de la rectocèle par résection rectale transanale à la pince mécanique: résultats à moyen terme d'une étude multicentrique en France.

BACKGROUND: Stapled transanal rectal resection is a new alternative for the treatment of outlet obstruction syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess its feasibility and safety in a multicenter context. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study had a retrospective design and included 102 patients who were operated in 5 centers. All patients complained of symptomatic outlet obstruction. Surgical technique involved a double hemi-circumferential rectal stapling according to the technique described by Longo. Mean follow-up was 17.2 months. RESULTS: The STARR procedure was done in 100 patients (2 patients had a non relaxing sphincter preventing anal dilatation). Immediate postoperative morbidity included bleeding in 4 cases (4%) and rectal stenosis in 3 cases (3%). The main postoperative medium-term complaints were urge to defecate (34%) which was regressive in most patients and de novo incontinence to flatus (9%). Nevertheless, results were considered favorable in 85% of patients. CONCLUSION: This multicenter study, reporting the results of the largest published series, suggests that the STARR technique is feasible and safe in the medium term for the treatment of rectocele. Occurrence of adverse events such as incontinence to flatus should be better evaluated by future studies with longer follow up in order to assess the actual place of STARR in the treatment of rectocele or outlet obstruction.

Phase II trial of chronomodulated infusion of high-dose fluorouracil and l-folinic acid in previously untreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To study tolerability and efficacy of an intensified chronomodulated schedule of fluorouracil (5-FU) and l-folinic acid (l-FA) as first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, 5-FU was given near individually determined dose-limiting toxicity in a multicenter phase II trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients (68 men and 32 women, median age 62 years, World Health Organization performance status less-than-or-equal 2) with previously untreated and inoperable metastases received chronomodulated daily infusion of 5-FU/l-FA (from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM with peak at 4:00 AM). 5-FU dose was escalated from 900 to 1,100 mg/m(2)/d with fixed dose of l-FA at 150 mg/m(2)/d for 4 days every 14 days. RESULTS: 5-FU dose escalation was achieved in 66% of the patients. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities mainly consisted of nausea or vomiting (14% of patients and 1.5% of courses), hand-foot syndrome (38% of patients and 8% of courses), mucositis (26% of patients and 4% of courses), and diarrhea (21% of patients and 2.3% of courses). Objective response rate (ORR) was 41% (95% confidence interval, 31.5% to 50.5%). Twenty patients underwent metastases surgery; among these, 12 had a complete resection. Median progression-free survival was 7 months. Median survival was 17 months; 28% of the patients were alive at 2 years and 18.6% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: The ORR achieved with intensified chronomodulated delivery of 5-FU/l-FA was nearly twice as high as that earlier obtained by our cooperative group using less intensive 5-FU/FA chronotherapy.

Two novel severe mutations in the pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor gene (SPINK1) cause familial and/or hereditary pancreatitis.

Mutations in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 gene (SPINK1) encoding pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) have recently been found to be associated with chronic pancreatitis. Nevertheless, knowledge of severe mutations is particularly scarce, both in terms of number and in the extent of clinical information. The aim of this study was to expand the known spectrum of such mutations. 46 unrelated families, each including at least two pancreatitis patients and carrying neither cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) mutations nor the frequent SPINK1 N34S mutation, participated in this study. The four exons and their flanking sequences of the SPINK1 gene were screened by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography analysis (DHPLC); and mutations were identified by direct sequencing. A heterozygous microdeletion mutation (c.27delC), which occurs within a symmetric element, was identified in two families. In one family, c.27delC showed segregation with the disease across two generations, with a penetrance of up to 75%. But in the other family, however, the same mutation manifested as a low-penetrance susceptibility factor. In addition, a novel heterozygous splicing mutation, c.87+1G>A (G>A substitution at nucleotide +1 of intron 2) was found in one family with familial pancreatitis. Our results also helped to resolve the sharply differing views about PSTI's role in pancreatitis.

The relationship between MIB-1 proliferation index and outcome in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

The expression of the cell-cycle-associated Ki-67 antigen by MIB-1 monoclonal antibody was retrospectively assessed in 35 surgically resected neuroendocrine tumor specimens of the pancreas embedded in paraffin. The MIB-1 proliferation index was correlated with the classification of the neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas proposed by Klöppel et al. Four prognostic factors showed a significant correlation with MIB-1: local invasion, metastases, tumor differentiation, and production of insulin. However, analysis by the Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model showed that only local invasion was an independent predictor of outcome. Finally, our study showed a statistically significant increase in the number of deaths and a statistically significant decrease in survival time when the MIB-1 proliferation index was higher than 4%. We conclude that MIB-1 proliferation index is a simple and reliable tool to predict the clinical outcome of the neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. The index might be useful for determining the prognosis for an individual because of the significant decrease in survival when the index is higher than 4%.

Villous tumors of the duodenum: a retrospective study of 47 cases by the French Associations for Surgical Research.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated villous tumors of the duodenum in regard to preoperative diagnosis of malignancy and the choice of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1974 to October 1992, forty-seven patients with a benign or malignant tumor arising from the duodenal mucosa were studied. Forty-two patients underwent a macroscopically complete resection of the tumor. Nineteen tumors were malignant. RESULTS: Preoperative endoscopic biopsy results had a 52 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity for the diagnosis of malignancy. For the 42 patients who underwent complete resection, jaundice was predictive of malignancy (p < 0.01), whereas tumor size was not (p < 0.2). The five-year survival rate of this group was 69.5 percent (confidence interval: 50 to 84). The recurrence rate was higher (p < 0.01) and the survival rate shorter (p < 0.001) for patients who underwent ampullectomy (n = 8) compared with patients treated by limited resection (n = 20) or pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 14). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of malignancy is difficult for villous tumors of the duodenum. For tumors located near the papilla, it seems that pancreatoduodenectomy is the best treatment.

Evaluation of the 5' spliced form of human cathepsin B mRNA in colorectal mucosa and tumors.

To evaluate the 5' spliced form of human cathepsin B mRNA in colorectal mucosa and tumors, we have determined the ratio of the spliced form for the exon 2/the complete form of cathepsin B mRNAs obtained by RT-PCR. Such ratio is significantly higher in colorectal tumors than in colorectal mucosa (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test) or in skeletal muscle (p < 0.05). Moreover, 2-fold more complete form than the spliced mRNA was found in the tumors than in the colorectal mucosa. Our data indicate that the alternative splicing of human cathepsin B mRNA in the 5'UTR may be considered as an indicator of the cellular transformation, in colorectal cancer.

Specific receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-DR) and human colorectal carcinogenesis.

Because it is a common prerequisite for steroid responsiveness in target tissue, we investigated the presence of specific 1,25-DR in spontaneous human colorectal adenocarcinomas (ADC) and adjacent normal-appearing mucosa (NAM) from 23 operative specimens (12 male and 11 female patients). 1,25-DR was determined in cytosol by a DCC assay technique. 1,25-DR was present in 21 of 23 NAM and in only 4 of 23 HCRA. All positive ADC were well differentiated. Receptor content expressed in femtomoles/mg of protein (mean +/- SEM) was respectively 63.9 +/- 7.6 for right colon NAM and 51.3 +/- 12.9 for left colon or rectum NAM. When we compared all NAM specimens, receptor content was 56.7 +/- 8.0 femtomoles/mg of protein. No difference in 1,25-DR NAM level was observed between right colon and left colon or rectum. In adenocarcinoma the mean content was 66.5 +/- 14 fmoles/mg of protein. Scatchard analysis showed a single class of specific high-affinity saturable 1,25-DR with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.97 +/- 0.57 and 1.03 +/- 0.39 chi 10(-10) M in NAM and ADC respectively. These preliminary data represent the first demonstration of 1,25-DR throughout the entire human colon and indicate that the receptivity for this hormone is often lost during malignant transformation of the human colorectal mucosa. In addition, 1,25-DR could be a marker of differentiation in ADC. These preliminary results provide evidence supporting the addition of Vitamin D to the roster of developmental cancer chemopreventative agents.

Phase II trial of chronomodulated infusion of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Forty three patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) received a daily administration of 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m2/d at the first course, 700 mg/m2/d at the second and 800 mg/m2/d at the third course), and l-folinic acid (150 mg/m2/d) or dl-folinic acid (300 mg/m2/d) both chronomodulated from 22:00 to 10.00 am with peak delivery rate at 4.00 for 5 days every 21 days. Only severe mucositis and diarrhea occurred in 19 courses (5.7% Gr 3; 0.6% Gr 4) in 14 patients. Objective response (OR) was evaluated in 40 patients because of one toxicity and two early progressions. No OR was observed in the 15 previously-treated patients versus 28.5% (8/28) partial responses in chemotherapy naïve patients; overall the median survival was 13 months. These results without toxicity and with low OR rate indicate the necessing of a more intensive treatment and confirm the place of oxaliplatin in the chemotherapy of MCC.

Localization of human BRCA1 and BRCA2 in non-inherited colorectal carcinomas and matched normal mucosas.

We characterized the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 38 sporadic colorectal carcinomas and matched normal mucosas with 9 anti-BRCA1 antibodies and 4 anti-BRCA2 antibodies, raised against several different epitopes, using immunohistochemical technique. We demonstrated an increased BRCA1 and BRCA2 staining in the apical cell pole of epithelial malignant cells and we also revealed a significant increase in BRCA1 and BRCA2 nuclear foci in tumor colorectal specimens in comparison with corresponding normal tissues. These increases in BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression may be explained by the fact that colorectal tissue is subject to very active proliferation and differentiation.

Malignant tumors missed at laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now the treatment of choice for gallstone disease. The wide acceptance of LC resulted in increased cholecystectomy rates and entailed specific drawbacks such as missed malignant tumors of other organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective follow-up of patients who underwent LC was studied, and all patients treated for malignant disease were included regarding a history of LC. RESULTS: Of 838 LCs performed, 5 patients underwent reoperation for missed carcinoma of the pancreas (n=2) and the right colon (n=3). Two other patients with carcinomas of the pancreas and the right colon had a history of LC performed elsewhere. All 7 patients (median age 72 years) complained of recent atypical pain at the time of the LC. Five tumors were resected (2 palliatively); 2 patients died. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the necessity of making a careful semiological analysis of the pain and associated symptoms before performing an LC.

Quality of life before and after laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic fundoplication is a well-established surgical option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to assess the surgical outcomes from the patient's point of view by using a validated quality of life instrument. METHODS: Fifty patients have been prospectively included. All patients underwent a standardized 270-degree posterior fundoplication. Quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), a 36-item-questionnaire. The patients received the questionnaire before surgery, and 3 months and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative score was 95.6+/-21 points. The score increased significantly (P <0.0005) at 3 months (103.6+/-16) and 1 year (111.4+/-22) after surgery. This improvement concerned the four domains of the questionnaire (symptoms, social functioning, physical status, and emotions). The score in patients at 1 year remained, however, significantly lower than that in healthy persons (126+/-18). CONCLUSIONS: GIQLI is a sensitive tool to assess surgical outcomes after fundoplication. The quality of life after surgery did not reach the level of healthy population, not because of failure of surgery to treat GERD but probably because of functional dyspepsia that was present prior to surgery and did not change after fundoplication.

Laparoscopic myotomy for primary esophageal achalasia: prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic myotomy having been previously demonstrated, the purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate its effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with primary esophageal achalasia underwent a laparoscopic modified Heller's myotomy with a posterior fundoplication. Early post-operative course has been uneventful in all cases. Clinical, endoscopic, and manometric prospective evaluations were performed with a median follow-up of 21 months (range 4-40). RESULTS: Excellent or good clinical results were present in all cases. Endoscopic studies were normal in all cases and the post-operative esophageal manometry (n = 7) showed that the median pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter decreased to 8.5 mmHg (range 3-9) which was significant compared to the median pre-operative value of 35 mmHg (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Though this experience is limited, these mean-term results suggest that the laparoscopic myotomy is effective to treat achalasia. It combines the efficacy of surgery and the minimally invasive aspect of dilatations. Thus, a prospective controlled trial comparing laparoscopic myotomy and dilatations is needed.

[First validation of the French version of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)]. / Première validation de la version française de l'index de qualité de vie pour les maladies digestives (GIQLI).

AIM: Gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) was initiated in Germany. The aim of this study was to validate its French version (translation). METHODS: The questionnaire includes 36 items asking about symptoms, physical status, emotions, social dysfunction, and effects of medical treatment. The questionnaire has been applied to 615 persons: 335 healthy individuals and 280 patients. Responsiveness and absolute and relative scores were calculated in both groups. Psychometric analysis was done by measuring the validity (convergent and discriminant) and internal consistency. RESULTS: The responsiveness was 93%. The mean score was 126 for healthy individuals and 96 for patients (P < 0.00001). The validity of the questionnaire (both convergent and discriminant) and the internal consistency were demonstrated. Clinical validity was also suggested by the differences between healthy individuals and patients. CONCLUSION: This study allowed the psychometric validation of the French version of GIQLI. This index could be used in France as a reliable method for measuring quality of life related to gastrointestinal diseases.

[Hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: semeiology and performance of magnetic resonance imaging and lipiodol computed tomography]. / Carcinome hépatocellulaire sur cirrhose: sémiologie et performances de l'imagerie par résonance magnétique et de la tomodensitométrie après artériographie lipiodolée.

OBJECTIVES: a) Describe hepatocellular semiology in magnetic resonance imaging and lipiodol computerized tomography in patients with cirrhosis, who are candidates for surgery; b) Clarify the respective roles of magnetic resonance imaging and lipiodol computerized tomography in hepatocellular detection. METHODS: Twenty four patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma underwent successive magnetic resonance imaging and lipiodol computerized tomography. Thirty-four of the 67 lesions seen by lipiodol computerized tomography and 28 of 52 lesions seen by magnetic resonance imaging were confirmed histologically. RESULTS: In lipiodol computerized tomography, 44% of hepatocellular carcinomas had a dense and homogeneous pattern; 24% had a homogeneous but slightly dense pattern. Sixteen distinct deposits were described: 4 were confirmed as hepatocellular carcinoma and 12 were not controlled histologically. In magnetic resonance imaging 57% of hepatocellular carcinomas have a high intensity on T1 and T2 weighted spin echo images, 38% were hyperintense on T2 and hypo or isointense on T1 weighted images. Eighty-six percent of hyperintense T1 and T2 weighted images were hepatocellular carcinoma. When the gold standard was histology, lipiodol computerized tomography sensitivity (81%) was higher than magnetic resonance imaging (68%). When the gold standard was lipiodol computerized tomography, the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging was 47 +/- 12%. CONCLUSIONS: a) The sensitivity of lipiodol computerized tomography was better than resonance magnetic imaging; b) the homogeneous and slightly dense pattern corresponded to a hepatocellular carcinoma in 50% of cases; c) on magnetic resonance imaging any lesions with high intensity on T1 and T2 spin echo images strongly suggests hepatocellular carcinoma; d) if surgical resection after ultrasonography is being considered, the second step should be an magnetic resonance imaging.

[Segmental absence of colonic muscularis propria. Report of a case in an adult]. / Absence segmentaire de musculeuse colique. A propos d'un cas chez l'adulte.

We report a case of segmental defect of colonic muscularis propria revealed by perendoscopic perforation in a 64-year-old woman. Segmental absence of intestinal musculature is well documented in new-borns and infants and is more frequent in small bowel. It is characterized by localised absence of muscularis propria without fibrous scar. The remaining layers of the bowel wall are intact. The pathogenesis of this lesion is discussed.

[The Prolene Hernia System for inguinal hernia repair]. / Le "Prolene Hernia System" dans la cure des hernies inguinales.

Prosthetic repair is now considered as a standard in hernia surgery. The authors describe herein the technique of placement of Prolene Hernia System (PHS) which has the feature of a "3 in 1 system" according to the principles of Rives and Stoppa on one hand and those of Lichtenstein on the other hand. The steps of surgical technique are described.

[Relation between activity volume and surgeon's results: myth or reality?]. / Relation entre volume d'activité et résultats du chirurgien: mythe ou réalité?

The relationship between volume and surgical outcome seems logical, but needs to be demonstrated in the real world. A qualitative systematic review has been conducted to verify this hypothesis. Five systematic reviews and hundred original papers have been retrieved and analysed. Most of the studies were retrospective and used administrative data instead of medical charts. Moreover few studies involved a good case mix adjustment when comparing surgical units or individual surgeons. These methodological flaws do not allow any evidence based conclusions. Even though a positive relationship is suggested for surgical units, the relationship between volume and outcome was however less obvious for an individual surgeon. There is some evidence that the relationship varied greatly according to the specialty or the procedure evaluated. A new approach based on predictive scores comparing expected versus observed outcomes is mandatory and seems to be the best way to assess objectively the relationship between surgical volume and outcomes.