AES with a linear probe is more accurate than MRI in detecting anorectal abscesses complicating Crohn's disease, and much more accurate in the evaluation of complex fistulas.

The choice of the right type of treatment for colonoscopic perforation seems to depend on the size of the lesion. Surgical treatment is appropriate when the perforation has occurred during diagnostic colonoscopy, since the lesion in this case is usually a large colonic laceration, whereas nonsurgical treatment seems to be justified after polypectomy, as long as there is rapid clinical improvement.

These results do not support the recommendation of permanent implantation of a pulse generator in patients with refractory constipation who initially responded to temporary nerve stimulation. Registration number: NCT01629303 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

In tissues from Crohn's disease patients, the density of interstitial cells of Cajal was reduced throughout the tunica muscularis in comparison to control small intestines. The disturbance of intestinal motility that occurs in patients with Crohn's disease may be a consequence of the loss of or defects in specific populations of interstitial cells of Cajal within the tunica muscularis.

Material and methods POPULATION SAMPLEThe six participating regional cancer centres were selected with a view to giving a representative picture of the French population as a whole (south: Marseille, Toulouse; north: Lille; west: Nantes; centre: Paris/St Cloud, Clermont-Ferrand) and covered a total population of more than 4 million inhabitants. The main criterion used for inclusion in the study was the presence of breast cancer running in the family, either in the patient or in at least one first degree relative when she was not affected herself. All the healthy cases included had at least one first degree relative with breast cancer. All the affected ones had a first degree relative with cancer and when the consultand herself was not affected she had at least one first degree relative who was. The consultands were female adult cancer patients and healthy patients who were asked to participate when attending the cancer genetic clinics for the first time between January 1994 and January 1995. CONSULTANDS' QUESTIONNAIRESThe consultands were mailed a standardised questionnaire (with a stamped envelope) during the week after the consultation. If no answer was received within two weeks of the first letter, a reminder was sent, followed after a second period of two weeks by a complete package (letter, questionnaire, and stamped envelope). The questions asked about the attitudes towards breast cancer predictive testing are given in the appendix.Both open ended and closed questions were used to enquire about the transmission of information to relatives about the family cancer risk, how this information was received,

DAE is a new imaging approach to anorectal dynamic disorders, providing a highly reliable means of diagnosing perineal insufficiency as well as rectocele. DAE should be substituted for previous methods since it makes it possible at the same time to assess the anal sphincters and to avoid pelvic irradiation.

Stool consistency and low stimulation intensity have been identified as predictive factors for the short-term outcome of SNS.

We hope not only to provide a guide on patient management to clinical practitioners interested in SNS but also to harmonize our practices.