Predictive factors of disease-free survival after complete pathological response to neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma: retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Many data suggest that patients with low rectal adenocarcinoma who achieved ypT0N0 status have improved survival and disease-free survival (DFS) compared to all other stages however only few data are available regarding the specific prognosis factors of this subgroup. This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors for disease free survival after complete pathological response (CPR) in cases of low rectal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2013, all patients with low rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision and achieved CPR were included at 7 Moroccan and 1 Algerian centres. Predictive factors for disease-free survival were analysed by uni and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Eigthy-four (12.1%) patients achieved a CPR (ypT0N0). Multivariate analysis revealed that both poorly differentiated tumors (OR, 9.23; 95 CI 1.35-62.82; P = 0.023) and the occurrence of perineal sepsis (OR, 13.51; 95 CI 1.96-93.12; P = 0.008) were independently associated with impaired DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low rectal cancer who exhibited a CPR after neoadjuvant therapy have good prognoses; however, the occurrence of perineal sepsis and/or poor initial differentiation may be associated with impaired DFS in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered the 28th July 2018 in ClinicalTrials.gov register with the reference NCT03601689.

Indocyanine Green Retention Rates at 15 min Predicted Hepatic Decompensation in a Western Population.

BACKGROUND: ICGR15 is widely used in Asia to evaluate the liver reserve before hepatectomy, but not in Western countries where patients are selected using the MELD score and/or platelet count. Postoperative liver failure is rare nowadays, but hepatic decompensation (HD), defined by 3-month postoperative ascites, impairs quality of life and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) before liver resection in Western countries, in order to predict HD. METHODS: This prospectively designed study included consecutive adult patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in three French HPB centres. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2014, 147 patients were included (80% of HCC and 20% of ICC). The Child-Pugh status was grade A for all patients. In the overall population and in F3/F4 patients (n = 83), ICGR15 (P = 0.02) and platelet counts (P = 0.02) were predictive of HD under multivariate analysis. Among F3/F4 patients undergoing minor hepatectomy with preoperative ICGR15 > 15%, the rate of HD was 36%. In the overall population, ICGR15 was predictive of HD (P = 0.02) and postoperative ascites (P = 0.03). The ROC curve identified a cut-off point of 15% as being associated with increased HD, with good accuracy for ICGR15 in the study population (AUROC 0.73), mainly before minor hepatectomy (AUROC 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HCC and ICC selected using the MELD score and platelet rate, an ICGR15 > 15% is a relevant, non-invasive and clearly accurate method to predict HD specially before minor hepatectomy.

Ostomy skin complications treated with rhassoul: case studies.

Skin complications are common in people who have an ostomy, and often involve the skin's function as a barrier breaking down. Many products have been developed to prevent and treat complications. However, in developing countries, they may be too expensive for patients to buy or not be available. Three case studies found the use of rhassoul, an affordable clay that is readily available in Morocco, to manage peristomal skin damage and protect the skin. Its protective properties are believed to include its ability to absorb and neutralise substances in ostomy output that damage skin and to act as a barrier.

Impact of seniority on operative time and short-term outcome in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Experience of an academic Surgical Department in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Resident participation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the first steps of laparoscopic training. The impact of this training is not well-defined, especially in developing countries. However, this training is of critical importance to monitor surgical teaching programmes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of seniority on operative time and short-term outcome of LC. DESIGNS AND SETTINGS: We performed a retrospective study of all consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies for gallbladder lithiasis performed over 2 academic years in an academic Surgical Department in Morocco. PARTICIPANTS: These operations were performed by junior residents (post-graduate year [PGY] 4-5) or senior residents (PGY 6), or attending surgeons assisted by junior residents, none of whom had any advanced training in laparoscopy. All data concerning demographics (American Society of Anesthesiologists, body mass index and indications), surgeons, operative time (from skin incision to closure), conversion rate and operative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) were recorded and analysed. One-way analysis of variance, Student's t-test and Chi-square tests were used as appropriate with statistical significance attributed to P < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight LC were performed. No differences were found on univariate analysis between groups in demographics or diagnosis category. The overall rate of operative complications or conversions and hospital stay were not significantly different between the three groups. However, mean operative time was significantly longer for junior residents (n = 27; 115 ± 24 min) compared to senior residents (n = 37; 77 ± 35 min) and attending surgeons (n = 66; 55 ± 17 min) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: LC performed by residents appears to be safe without a significant difference in complication rate; however, seniority influences operative time. This information supports early resident involvement in laparoscopic procedures and also the need to develop cost-effective laboratory training programmes.

Laparoscopic liver resection: initial experience in a North-African single center.

BACKGROUND: Over past decades laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has gained wide acceptance among hepatobiliary surgeons community. To date, few data are available concerning LLR programs in developing countries. This study aimed to assess feasibility and safety of LLR in a Moroccan surgical unit. METHODS: From June 2010 to February 2013, patients that received LLR were identified from a prospective "liver resection" database and included in this study. Parenchymal transection was performed using Harmonic scalpel and bipolar clamp with no Intraoperative ultrasound use or systematic pedicle clamping. LLR difficulty was categorized into 3 categories according to Louisville-statement (I-III). Demographic informations, liver lesion informations, operative details, pathological tumor-margin and 1-months postoperative morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo(C-D) classification were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 104 patients who underwent liver resection 13(12,5%) had LLR. There were 7 females and 6 males with mean age of 57,5 ± 17 years. LLR was performed for benign lesions in 3 cases and malignant ones in 10 (77%) patients: hepatocarcinoma in 7 patients and synchronous rectal-liver metastasis in 3 patients. Lesions were solitary in 12 (92%) patients with median size of 50mm (15 mm-150 mm). Patients with liver metastasis received combined laparoscopic rectal and liver resection. We used pure laparoscopic approach in 12 (92%) patients and hybrid one in 1 patient. LLR difficulty was category I, II and II in respectively 3(23%), 6(46%) and 4(31%)patients. Conversion rate to open liver resection was 15%. Mean blood loss was 395 min ± 270 min with no hepatic pedicle clamping or peroperative blood transfusion. All resections were tumor free margin. Mortality rate was nil and morbidity occurred in 4(30%) patients: ascites (C-D 2) and pelvic sepsis in combined resections (CD 3b). Median hospital stay was 6 days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resection in our context is safe in selected patients, since no operative mortality, blood transfusion requirement or palliative resection was recorded and liver related morbidity rate was low. Intraoperative ultrasound liver examination capacities are mandatory to improve laparoscopic liver resection program's quality and extend indications.

Hydatid cyst at unusual locations: Report of three cases.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatidosis is an anthropozoonosis due to the development in humans of the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus and is endemic in many countries of the Mediterranean region such as Morocco. CASES PRESENTATION: We report three cases of hydatid cyst at unusual locations such as the peritoneum, and the retroperitoneum. DISCUSSION: Hydatid disease usually involves the liver (75 %), the lungs (15.4 %), and the spleen (5.1 %). Almost any anatomic location can be the host site of the parasitic cysts. CONCLUSION: Multiple locations of hydatid cyst often pose a problem of differential diagnosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

Cystic Lymphangioma of the Mesentery in an Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Lymphangiomas are rare benign cystic tumors. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, aiming for complete removal. Diagnosis relies on imaging and histological confirmation. Malignant transformation is exceptionally rare. We report a 25-year-old man admitted for peri-umbilical abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Imaging revealed multilocular peritoneal cystic formations with infiltration of adjacent mesenteric fat. Laboratory findings were unremarkable, and exploratory laparotomy was performed. A voluminous cystic mass originating from the mesentery was discovered, requiring intestinal sacrifice for complete resection. Immediate postoperative recovery was smooth. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma. The patient had a favorable outcome with no tumor recurrence at a three-year follow-up. We emphasize the significance of complete surgical removal to prevent complications associated with cystic lymphangioma and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Giant Cervical Occipital Lipoma: A Case Report.

Lipomas are common, well-circumscribed neoplasms of mesodermal origin, characterized by being slow, painless growths that are mostly subcutaneous, not invasive, and not recurring after surgery. Lipomas are the most prevalent kind of mesenchymal tumor, yet giant lipomas are rare in the cervical region and the occipital area. We report a 46-year-old female with diabetes insipidus was referred with a giant occipital cervical tumor, which she had noticed for 17 years and which had rarely given her any complaints of compressive symptoms. The clinical assessment indicated a firm, painless, and mobile swelling, which demonstrated features of venous ectasia, and there was no external ulceration. Ultrasonography and MRI of the neck revealed a large, subcutaneous fatty tumor with distinctive echographic features on both modalities, including hyperintense signals on T1 and T2 and no ring enhancement after Gadolinium injection. Due to the mass being smooth, round, and not attached to any structure, the patient underwent surgical enucleation under general anesthesia, resulting in full recovery without complications. Pathology revealed a benign adipose tissue tumor without liposarcoma, and there were no difficulties observed during follow-up for two years.

Ovarian tuberculosis mimicking ovarian malignancy in an unvaccinated patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian tuberculosis is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis that usually present with atypical symptoms mimicking ovarian carcinoma. CASE REPORT: We report a case of non-vaccinated 20-years-old women who present with non-specific symptoms and for whom imaging techniques weren't conclusive for ovarian tuberculosis. The ultrasound shows hydronephrosis secondary to the compressive pelvic mass. Regarding the compressive character of the mass and it's consequence on the urinary system as well as the suspicion of malignant origin, laparotomy was performed. Based on histopathological analysis of surgical biopsies a diagnosis of ovarian tuberculosis was made and the patient was put under anti-TB drugs. During the follow up there was a good response to treatment with improvement of health state, regression of the abdominopelvic mass as well as the hydronephrosis. DISCUSSION: Ovarian tuberculosis can occur even in the absence of previous pulmonary TB. The major risk with female genital tuberculosis is infertility. CONCLUSION: Ovarian tuberculosis is a rare form of extra pulmonary TB that should be always considered in differential diagnosis of ovarian TB.

A Report of Two Rare Cases of Buschke-Löwenstein Tumor.

The Buschke-Löwenstein tumor is a rare clinical entity. Its severity is related to the local invasion and the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. It is caused by a viral infection due to the human papillomavirus. The transmission is primarily sexual and often affects the penile region. The perineal location is relatively rare. We report two rare cases of neglected Buschke-Löwenstein tumor due to the late diagnosis treated with large surgical resection. This study aimed to emphasize the contribution of clinical examination in the early diagnosis and the management of our patients.

Spleen-preserving surgery for splenic hydatid cyst: a case report.

Hydatidosis is a zoonosis due to the development of the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus in humans. This disease is very frequent in many countries of North Africa such as Morocco. The most frequent locations of hydatid cysts are the liver (75%) and the lungs (15.4%). Splenic hydatid cyst occurs in only 5.1% of cases. The diagnosis remains challenging and is made upon a hundle of clinical, radiological, biological, and histological arguments. In this paper, we report a case of spleen-preserving surgery for a splenic hydatid cyst to suggest the best management of these hydatid cysts and avoid recurrences.

Pre-sternal Embryonic Dermoid Cyst: A Case Report.

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are benign, usually slow-growing lesions classified as ectodermal inclusion cysts. These cysts form when epithelial remnants become trapped during the closure of the first and second branchial arch; however, a few cases are related to trauma or are iatrogenic. Diagnosis is made based on the cyst development history and imaging such as ultrasound. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice to avoid complications. We report a case report of a dermoid cyst in the pre-sternal region in a 17-year-old male patient.

Pleomorphic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Report of Three Cases.

Pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) is an uncommon and high-grade form of breast carcinoma characterized by the presence of distinctive pleomorphic giant tumor cells exhibiting bizarre nuclei and atypical mitosis. In this study, we report three patients who presented with lesions composed of a proliferation of large pleomorphic cells with a predominance of multinucleated giant cells on a microscope. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed distinct immunologic profiles within the respective malignant components. Notably, this report aims to contribute valuable insights, adding to the understanding of this uncommon tumor, accompanied by a literature review. Despite its rarity, PC in the breast remains clinically relevant due to its distinctive morphological and pathological features. These unique attributes require specific considerations in both clinical presentation and management.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Gastroduodenal Artery: A Rare Complication of Bile Duct Surgery.

Pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is an exceptional complication of common bile duct (CBD) resection. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of cholecystectomy. The patient was admitted to our hospital for surgical management of the cystic dilatation of the CBD. The patient presented on postoperative day 21 with hemodynamic instability related to a pseudoaneurysm of the GDA. An urgent open surgery was performed with dissection and ligation of the GDA.

Gastric Volvulus: A Rare Cause of Intestinal Occlusion.

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare condition characterized by the rotation of all or part of the stomach around its transversal or longitudinal axis. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with the acute form of GV, likely exacerbated by hiatal hernia and age-related ligamentous relaxation, evolving for a week before her admission. She underwent a midline laparotomy with fundoplication at 270° and anterior gastropexy. GV poses life-threatening risks in its acute presentation. Surgical management entails restoring the hemodynamic stability, surgical detorsion of the volvulus, and addressing the etiology (hiatal hernia).

Early Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Surgical Drain Following Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Case Report.

The abdominal drains are commonly used and could be a source of several complications, including infection and small bowel obstruction. We report the case of a 70-year-old male patient with intestinal obstruction related to abdominal drainage after rectal surgery. Acute bowel obstruction remains a rare complication of abdominal drains. Surgeons should be aware of this situation and use drains with caution. The treatment options include conservative treatment or surgery either a laparoscopic approach or laparotomy.

Gastric schwannoma: The gastrointestinal tumor simulator - case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastric schwannoma is a rare and benign tumor originating from the peripheral nerves of the stomach. Despite its benign nature, this tumor typically remains asymptomatic for an extended period, and its radiological and endoscopic presentation poses challenges in distinguishing it from other gastric mesenchymal tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a rare case of a patient experiencing gastric pain and melena secondary to a gastric mass. The initial preoperative diagnosis indicated a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, but subsequent pathological and immunohistochemical staining of the surgical specimen confirmed the presence of gastric schwannoma. DISCUSSION: To gain insights into this uncommon condition, we conducted an electronic search on PubMed using the keywords "gastric schwannoma" and "gastric neurinoma." Our focus centered on case series containing more than five cases of gastric localization, resulting in the analysis of 14 case series involving a total of 321 patients. Our review aims to comprehensively discuss the clinical, radiological, and therapeutic aspects associated with this rare disease. CONCLUSION: In the absence of a definitive preoperative diagnosis, the surgical approach is considered the primary treatment for resectable gastric schwannoma, given its excellent long-term outcomes. However, further studies are imperative to better define the role of endoscopic resection in managing this condition.

Extrahepatic bile duct metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Extrahepatic metastasis is an exceptional site for rectal adenocarcinoma. Its clinical and radiological presentations are similar to those of cholangiocarcinoma, and its management requires collaboration between surgeons, endoscopists, and oncologists. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a unique case of a 58-year-old woman previously treated two and a half years ago for middle rectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis. In the immediate postoperative period, following restoring digestive continuity, she presented cholestatic jaundice from malignant obstruction of the extrahepatic bile duct. A midline laparotomy revealed a tumor of the common bile duct invading the hepatic pedicle. Therefore, external bile drainage, biopsy and hepatic lymph node dissection were performed. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Extrahepatic bile duct metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma manifests as bile duct stenosis or intraluminal lesions, and only pathological examination with immunochemical staining confirms the diagnosis. Radical treatment is possible when general conditions allow it. CONCLUSION: Our case is the twelfth to describe a solitary metastasis of the bile duct metastasis from colorectal adenocarcinoma. The rarity of published cases in the literature means that their development mechanism and management are not well-codified.

A Pigmented Lesion of the Vulva Revealing Aggressive Melanoma: A Case Report.

Vulvar melanoma (VM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. This report presents the case of a 61-year-old female patient and explores the clinical characteristics, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and prognosis associated with VM. The patient presented with a painless mass on the labia majora, which turned out to be an undifferentiated malignant tumor process consistent with melanoma on examination. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis and subsequent imaging revealed metastatic disease necessitating palliative chemotherapy following radiotherapy. VM is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma. While surgery is the standard of care for early stages, advanced stages require a combination of immunotherapy and targeted treatments. Clinical trials are vital to improve our understanding of this condition and the various aspects of its care. Collaboration among experts is essential to achieve progress in managing these patients.