Epigenetics could explain some Moroccan population colorectal cancers peculiarities: microsatellite instability pathway exploration.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal Cancers (CRC) are one of the most common malignancies in the world. Their incidence in Morocco, between 2005 and 2007, was 5.6 for 100000 inhabitants, which is very low compared to what found in developed countries. In addition, CRCs show a high frequency of rectal localizations, and occurs in a younger population in Morocco compared to what found in developed countries. The purpose of this study is to confirm these CRC peculiarities in Morocco and try to explain them by exploring the microsatellite instability molecular pathway. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted since January 2010, including 385 patients admitted in Hassan II University Hospital of Fez. We collected clinical, radiological and pathological data. We investigated the expression of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in 214 patients and BRAF gene mutations in 159 patients. RESULTS: Mean age was 55.08 +/- 15.16 years. 36.5% of patients were less than 50 years old and 49.3% of tumors were localized in the rectum. Loss of MMR protein expression was observed in 11.2% of cases. It was independently associated with individual or family history of cancer belonging to Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) spectrum (p = 0.01) and proximal localization (p = 0.02). No BRAF mutation was detected in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the high occurrence of CRCs to young patients and the high frequency of rectal localizations in Moroccan population. They mostly show an absence of BRAF mutation, supposing a rarity of MLH1 promoter hypermethylation pathway, which may even partially explain the CRC peculiarities in our context. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5868184711716884.

Anorectal avulsion: an exceptional rectal trauma.

Anorectal avulsion is an exceptional rectal trauma in which the anus and sphincter no longer join the perineum and are pulled upward. As a result, they ventrally follow levator ani muscles. We present a rare case of a 29-years old patient who was admitted in a pelvic trauma context; presenting a complete complex anorectal avulsion. The treatment included a primary repair of the rectum and a diverting colostomy so as to prevent sepsis. Closure of the protective sigmoidostomy was performed seven months after the accident and the evolution was marked by an anal stenosis requiring iterative dilatations.

[Resectability evaluation in pancreatic cancer]. / Cancer du pancréas : bilan de résécabilité

Accurate staging of pancreatic cancer is essential in order to select patients, which are candidates for curative resection. Multidetector computed tomography is the best imaging for determination of pancreatic cancer loco regional and distal resectability. Endoscopic ultra sonography has complementary role in small tumours. It can guide regional lymph node puncture for accurate staging. Magnetic resonance with MR angiography can be helpful in determining vascular respectability of pancreatic cancer. The use of laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound has been increased last years in order to avoid unnecessary laparotomy. Positron emission tomography may be useful tool for diagnosing occult metastatic disease. It is still in evaluation.

[Cancer patient satisfaction survey in a Moroccan university hospital]. / Enquête de satisfaction des patients atteints de cancer dans un hôpital universitaire au Maroc.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of patient satisfaction helps to guide hospital strategies concerning optimal patient management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of cancer patients hospitalised at Fez university hospital, to study the various components of satisfaction and to integrate the patient in quality of care improvement policies. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in two voluntary wards of the hospital. An anonymous standardized questionnaire was administered to patients hospitalised for cancer surgery or treatment. RESULTS: 87.1% of patients reported that they were very satisfied with their hospitalisation, while 12.9% rated their stay as acceptable. 98.4% would recommend the hospital to their relatives. In contrast, 67.2% of patients surveyed considered that the cost of their stay was too expensive. CONCLUSION: The majority of items were declared as "Very satisfactory" by the patients. They represent a challenge to be maintained in the future: ward reception, comfortable accommodation, the behaviour and availability of staff, the doctor-patient relationship, respect for patient, the explanations provided concerning the health problem and treatment, psychological support and pain management. For items reported to be less satisfactory, recommendations should be implemented concerning the admissions office, administrative formalities on admission, the information provided at the time of discharge, quality of meals, development of nursing skills and dietary advice.