Treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumors) with hepatic resection or transplantation

Impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on the tumor burden before liver transplantation for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

The very early experience with liver transplantation (LT) for cholangiocarcinoma (CC) was dismal because of the poor survival outcomes and the high recurrence rates. However, LT for CC in conjunction with neoadjuvant chemoradiation recently has shown encouraging results, although the data are extremely limited. At our institution between 2001 and 2008, 22 CC patients underwent protocol orthotopic LT at a median age of 45 years (range = 24-63 years). At a median follow-up of 601.5 days (range = 111-1388 days), the median survival time of the cohort was 3.3 years. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities were 90%, 70%, and 63%, respectively, whereas the historical 5-year survival rates were 0% to 18% for intrahepatic CC and 23% to 26% for extrahepatic CC when patients underwent transplantation without neoadjuvant therapy. These encouraging survival rates for patients with this type of tumor, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, are no less significant when they are compared to the national 1- and 3-year survival rates (86% and 68%, respectively) of patients undergoing deceased donor LT for malignant neoplasms of the liver (as reported by the United Network for Organ Sharing). In our series, disease recurrence was significantly associated with a larger residual tumor [6.3 versus 2.0 cm (mean values), P = 0.008] and with a shorter waiting time for LT after the chemoradiation protocol [18 versus 56 days (mean values), P = 0.04]. Our LT protocol for CC was found to be promising for patients with truly extrahepatic CC and for patients within stages I to IIB of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging system (100% survival at a median follow-up of 2.2 years), but the results were notably poor for patients with stage III extrahepatic CC (median survival = 1.2 years). These observations highlight the need for accurate preoperative staging of CC for ideal LT recipient selection and the importance of a low tumor burden and a longer wait after neoadjuvant therapy. More effective chemoradiation regimens for reducing the tumor burden and the appropriate timing of LT after neoadjuvant chemoradiation require further research.

Surgical management of proximal bile duct cancers

INTRODUCTION

Tumors arising from the proximal biliary tree remain particularly challenging with respect to their evaluation and treatment. Complete resection with negative histologic margins is the most effective treatment modality.

RESULTS

However, the majority of patients are not candidates for surgery. Over the last decades, advances have evolved to improve resectability and morbidity after major liver and bile duct resection. However, these disease processes still pose a management challenge. Herein, we provide an overview of proximal bile duct cancers, hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCa) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCa).

Efficacy and safety of liver transplantation in patients with cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of liver transplantation in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. According to the requirements of Cochrane systematic review, a thorough literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases between 1995 and 2009 in terms of the key words "liver transplantation" and "cholangiocarcinoma," "cholangiocellular carcinoma" or "bile duct cancer," with restricted articles for the English language. Data were processed for a meta-analysis by Stata 10 software. Altogether 14 clinical trials containing 605 transplanted patients of bile duct cancers were finally enrolled in our study. The overall 1-, 3- and 5-year pooled survival rates were 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65-0.80], 0.42 (95% CI = 0.33-0.51) and 0.39 (95% CI = 0.28-0.51), respectively. Of note, preoperative adjuvant therapies [orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-PAT group] rendered the transplanted individuals with comparably favorable outcomes with 1-, 3- and 5-year pooled survival rates of 0.83 (95% CI = 0.57-0.98), 0.57 (95% CI = 0.18-0.92) and 0.65 (95% CI = 0.40-0.87). In addition, the overall pooled incidence of complications was 0.62 (95% CI = 0.44-0.78), among which that of OLT-PAT group (0.58; 95% CI = 0.20-0.92) was relatively acceptable compared to those of liver transplantation alone (0.61; 95% CI = 0.33-0.85) and liver transplantation with extended bile duct resection (0.78; 95% CI = 0.55-0.94). In comparison to curative resection of cholangiocarcinoma with the 5-year survival rate reported from 20 to 40%, the role of liver transplantation alone is so limited. In the future, attention will be focused on liver transplantation following neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, which requires a well-designed, prospective randomized controlled study.

Surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: experience improves resectability

OBJECTIVES

  In hilar cholangiocarcinoma, resection provides the only opportunity for longterm survival. A US experience of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was examined to determine the effect of clinical experience on negative margin (R0) resection rates.

METHODS

  We conducted a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients presenting over an 18-year period. Analyses were performed using chi-squared, Wilcoxon rank sum and Kaplan-Meier methods, and multivariable Cox and logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

  Of the 110 patients in the cohort, 59.1% were male and 90.9% were White. The median patient age was 64 years. A total of 59 (53.6%) patients underwent resection; 37 of these demonstrated R0. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.1%; the complication rate was 39.0%. The rate of resectability increased over time (36.4% vs. 70.9%; P= 0.001), as did the percentage of R0 resections (10.9% vs. 56.5%; P < 0.001). Of the 59 patients who underwent resection, 23 (39.0%) experienced recurrence. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified resection margins [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.124 for positive vs. negative; P= 0.002] and type of operation (HR = 5.075 for exploration vs. resection; P= 0.001) as significant to survival.

CONCLUSIONS

  Although R0 resection can be achieved in only a minority of patients, these patients have a reasonable chance of longterm survival. The last decade has seen a significant rise in rates of resectability of Klatskin's tumour at specialty centres.

Review article: surgical, neo-adjuvant and adjuvant management strategies in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced, irresectable tumours associated with poor prognosis. The incidence and mortality rates associated with cholangiocarcinoma continue to rise, mandating the development of novel strategies for early detection, improved resection and treatment of residual lesions.

AIM

To review the current evidence base for surgical, adjuvant and neo-adjuvant techniques in the management of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A search strategy incorporating PubMed/Medline search engines and utilising the key words biliary tract carcinoma; cholangiocarcinoma; management; surgery; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; photodynamic therapy; and radiofrequency ablation, in various combinations, was employed.

RESULTS

Data on neo-adjuvant and adjuvant techniques remain limited, and much of the literature concerns palliation of inoperable disease. The only opportunity for long-term survival remains surgical resection with negative pathological margins or liver transplantation, both of which remain possible in only a minority of selected patients. Neo-adjuvant and adjuvant techniques currently provide only limited success in improving survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of novel strategies and treatment techniques is crucial. However, the shortage of randomised controlled trials is compounded by the low feasibility of conducting adequately powered trials in liver surgery, due to the large sample sizes that are required.

Using the modern Silverhawk™ atherectomy catheter to characterize biliary structures that appear malignant: review of initial experience

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of a biliary stricture often hinges on cytological interpretation. In the absence of accompanying stroma, these results can often be equivocal. In theory, advanced shave biopsy techniques would allow for the preservation of tissue architecture and a more accurate definition of biliary pathology.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the initial diagnostic utility of the modern Silverhawk™ atherectomy (SA) catheter in the evaluation of biliary strictures that appear to be malignant.

METHODS

A total of 141 patients with biliary pathology were identified during a retrospective review of medical records for the years 2006-2011. The SA catheter was employed 12 times in seven patients for whom a tissue diagnosis was otherwise lacking.

RESULTS

Neoplasia was definitively excluded in seven specimens from four patients. These four individuals were followed for 1-5 years to exclude the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Samples were positive for CC in three patients, one of whom became eligible for neoadjuvant therapy and orthotopic liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The SA catheter appears to be a useful adjunct in diagnosing patients with biliary pathology. The existence of this technique, predicated on tissue architecture, may impact therapy, allow more timely diagnosis, and exclude cases of equivocal cytology. Although the initial results of SA use are promising, more experience is required to effectively determine its clinical accuracy.

Transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary hepatic neoplasm that arises from malignant transformation of the biliary epithelium. Chronic biliary tree inflammation as occurs in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor for the development of CCA. Surgical resection and liver transplantation following neoadjuvant therapy in patients with early extrahepatic CCA are the only potentially curative modalities. Biliary stenting, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy are palliative treatment options for patients who are not surgical candidates. Liver transplantation following neoadjuvant therapy is an effective therapy for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma that is unresectable or arising in the setting of PSC.

Expandable metal stents for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Most patients with malignant hilar stenoses are candidates for palliation. For this purpose, biliary drainage plays a major role in improving liver function and managing or avoiding cholangitis. Endoscopic interventions are less invasive than the percutaneous approach and should be considered as the first-line drainage procedures in most cases. Transhepatic interventions should be reserved for endoscopic failures or performed as a complementary approach in a combined procedure. After successful endoscopic access to biliary obstruction, implantation of self-expandable metal stents offers advantages over plastic endoprostheses in terms of stent patency and number of reinterventions.

Systematic review: management options for primary sclerosing cholangitis and its variant forms - IgG4-associated cholangitis and overlap with autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains a challenging disease to manage. The main goals are prevention of disease progression and reduction of the increased cancer risk.

AIMS

To review the management strategies for PSC and its variant forms based on published studies.

METHODS

Publications were identified using Pubmed, Medline and Ovid search engines.

RESULTS

Distinguishing PSC from variants, such as IgG4-associated cholangitis, and overlap with autoimmune hepatitis is essential to guide treatment decisions. There is no proven efficacious medical treatment for PSC. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been disappointing in low and moderate doses, and potentially dangerous in higher doses, although its role and optimal dose in chemoprevention requires investigation. The novel bile acid, 24-norursodeoxycholic acid, has shown promise in mouse models; human trials are in progress. Dominant strictures are optimally managed by dilatation and stenting to relieve obstructive complications, although exclusion of biliary malignancy is essential. Liver transplantation is the only proven therapy for those with advanced disease. Cholangiocarcinoma remains the most unpredictable and feared complication. In highly selected groups, neo-adjuvant chemoradiation with liver transplantation seems promising, but requires further validation. Screening for inflammatory bowel disease and surveillance for colorectal carcinoma should not be overlooked.

CONCLUSIONS

The effective management of PSC and its variants is hindered by uncertainties regarding pathogenesis of disease and factors responsible for its progression. Genome studies may help to identify further targets for drug therapy and factors leading to malignant transformation.

Prognostic significance of lymph node ratio after resection of peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymph node (LN) metastases are a major negative prognostic factor for peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCC). Prognostic significance of the extent of LN dissection, number of metastatic LN and the lymph node ratio (LNR) are still under debate.

AIMS

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prognostic value of the LN status, the total number of LNs evaluated and LNR in PCC.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2008, 62 patients with PCC submitted to surgical resection with curative intent were retrospectively evaluated. Number and status of harvested LN were recorded.

RESULTS

In 53 patients (85.4%) regional lymphadenectomy was performed. Median number of LNs examined was 7 (range 1-25). Median survival was 41.9 months in patients with N0 compared with 22.7 months in 21 patients (39.6%) with N+ (P= 0.03). Median survival was 3, 18.5 and 29 months for patients with 0, 1-3 and >3 LN retrieved, respectively (P < 0.01). Five-year survival for patients above and below the LNR cut-off value of 0.25 was 0% and 22.5%, respectively (P= 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

LN metastases are a major prognostic factor for survival after surgical resection of PCC. The number of LN harvested and LNR showed high prognostic value.

Cholangiocarcinoma--controversies and challenges

Cholangiocarcinomas are a diverse group of tumors that are presumed to originate from the biliary tract epithelium either within the liver or the biliary tract. These cancers are often difficult to diagnose, their pathogenesis is poorly understood, and their dismal prognosis has resulted in a nihilistic approach to their management. The two major clinical phenotypes are intrahepatic, mass-forming tumors and large ductal tumors. Among the ductal cancers, lesions at the liver hilum are most prevalent. The risk factors, clinical presentation, natural history and management of these two types of cholangiocarcinoma are distinct. Efforts to improve outcomes for patients with these diseases are affected by several challenges to effective management. For example, designations based on anatomical characteristics have been inconsistently applied, which has confounded analysis of epidemiological trends and assessment of risk factors. The evaluation of therapeutic options, particularly systemic therapies, has been limited by a lack of appreciation of the different phenotypes. Controversies exist regarding the appropriate workup and choice of management approach. However, new and emerging tools for improved diagnosis, expanded indications for surgical approaches, an emerging role for locoregional and intrabiliary therapies and improved systemic therapies provide optimism and hope for improved outcomes in the future.

Cholangiocarcinoma: A position paper by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterology (AIGO), the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) and the Italian Association of Oncological Radiotherapy (AIRO)

The incidence of Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) is increasing, due to a sharp increase of the intra-hepatic form. Evidence-ascertained risk factors for CCA are primary sclerosing cholangitis, Opistorchis viverrini infection, Caroli disease, congenital choledocal cist, Vater ampulla adenoma, bile duct adenoma and intra-hepatic lithiasis. Obesity, diabetes, smoking, abnormal biliary-pancreatic junction, bilio-enteric surgery, and viral cirrhosis are emerging risk factors, but their role still needs to be validated. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis should undergo surveillance, even though a survival benefit has not been clearly demonstrated. CCA is most often diagnosed in an advanced stage, when therapeutic options are limited to palliation. Diagnosis of the tumor is often difficult and multiple imaging techniques should be used, particularly for staging. Surgery is the standard of care for resectable CCA, whilst liver transplantation should be considered only in experimental settings. Metal stenting is the standard of care in inoperable patients with an expected survival >4 months. Gemcitabine or platinum analogues are recommended in advanced CCA whilst there are no validated neo-adjuvant treatments or second-line chemotherapies. Even though promising results have been obtained in CCA with radiotherapy, further randomized controlled trials are needed.

Treatment options for primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra-/extrahepatic bile ducts, leading to multifocal strictures. Primary sclerosing cholangitis exhibits a progressive course resulting in cirrhosis and the need for liver transplantation over a median period of 12 years. The disease is frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease and carries an increased risk of colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Despite extensive research, there is currently no effective medical treatment. Multiple drugs are shown to be ineffective in halting disease progression, including ursodeoxycholic acid, the most widely evaluated drug. High-dose ursodeoxycholic acid (28-30 mg/kg/day) was recently shown to increase the adverse events rate. Endoscopic or radiological dilatation of a 'dominant' stricture may lead to symptomatic and biochemical improvement. However, liver transplantation is the only life-prolonging treatment for patients with end-stage disease. Studies with promising drugs, such as antibiotics, antifibrotic agents and bile acid derivatives, are eagerly awaited.

Liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma

Liver transplantation following high dose neoadjuvant radiotherapy with chemosensitization achieves excellent results for patients with early stage, unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma arising in the setting of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Cholangiocarcinoma: has there been any progress?

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic tumour after hepatocellular carcinoma. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is one of the most commonly recognized risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma; however, approximately 90% of patients have no identifiable risk factors. Extrahepatic type is its most common presentation. Cholangiocarcinoma is considered to be a devastating disease, with a poor survival rate and few therapeutic options. Although surgical resection has been considered the best treatment option for localized cholangiocarcinoma, local recurrences of this cancer are very common, and imply persistent micro-metastatic disease in lymph nodes or at surgical margins, even after extended surgical resection. Consequently, the five year survival rate after attempted curative resection is only 20% to 40%. Early studies of liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma did not show a survival benefit and, currently, this tumour is considered to be an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation in most transplant centres worldwide. Recently, neoadjuvant chemoradiation in combination with liver transplantation for highly selected patients with cholangiocarcinoma has shown impressive results, with five-year survival rates at approximately 76% to 82%--similar to other standard indications for liver transplantation, such as hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. However, this success of liver transplantation applies to only a subset of patients and most of the data originated from a single centre. Wider application of this strategy, especially for patients with potentially resectable disease, will require validation by other centres.

The diagnostic conundrum and liver transplantation outcome for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a rare primary liver malignancy with mixed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) histological features. It is almost impossible to obtain an accurate, preoperative noninvasive diagnosis of cHCC-CC with tumor markers or cross-sectional abdominal imaging due to the mixed histological features. Despite these difficulties, accurate cHCC-CC diagnosis remains an important goal with prognostic significance. In our study, we retrospectively reviewed the tumor markers: AFP and CA 19-9, and cross-sectional liver imaging, in light of liver explant findings, to identify and characterize cHCC-CC features followed by liver transplantation (LT) outcome analysis. The results from this 12 patient cohort failed to identify characteristic features for cHCC-CC. None of the imaging features helped to identify the cHCC-CC tumor and they mimicked either HCC or CC, depending on the degree of glandular differentiation expressed histologically. In our cHCC-CC LT recipients, the 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival probabilities were 79%, 66% and 16%, respectively with a 5-year survival comparable to or better than LT for intrahepatic CC but poorer than LT for HCC following the Milan criteria. Conceivably explained by its cholangiocarcinoma component the LT outcome for this rare and hard to diagnose tumor appears poor.

[Liver transplantation increases R0 resection and survival of patients with a non-disseminated unresectable Klatskin tumour]

INTRODUCTION

There are no established indications for Liver transplant (LT) in patients with a Klatskin tumour (KT) due to the differences in the published results.

OBJECTIVE

To report on our patients who have non-disseminated unresectable KT and who were given a LT, and to compare results with those of patients who have had tumour resection and those who have not.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We have treated 75 patients diagnosed with KT. The mean age was 62 + or - 11 years (range: 38-88 years) and 50 were males (66%). Twenty patients were inoperable. Of the 55 patients who underwent surgery: tumour resection (TR) was performed in 29 cases; there was no tumour dissemination in 11 unresectable cases and therefore these patients were added to the LT waiting list and the remaining 15 unresectable cases had tumour dissemination and remained on palliative treatment.

RESULTS

In the LT group there was no postoperative mortality (during the first month) and the survival rate was 95%, 59% and 36% with a disease-free survival of 75%, 40% and 20%; whereas the patients given RT had a survival rate of 80%, 52% and 38% at 1, 3 and 5 years, with a disease-free survival of 65%, 35% and 19%, without any differences compared to the LT group. Patients with unresectable tumour left on palliative therapy had a lower survival than the unresectable who underwent LT (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-disseminated unresectable KT, LT has a similar survival to that obtained in cases with resectable R0 liver resection. LT improves the survival rate achieved using palliative treatment in patients with non-disseminated unresectable KT.

Disease recurrence patterns after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding the clinical behaviour of hilar cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken of 79 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had undergone major hepatectomy (three or more Couinaud segments) concomitant with caudate lobectomy, and had negative resection margins. Sites of initial disease recurrence were classified as locoregional (porta hepatis) or distant (intrahepatic, peritoneal, para-aortic lymph nodal or extra-abdominal). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors potentially related to recurrence.

RESULTS

Disease recurrence was observed in 42 (53 per cent) of the 79 patients. Cumulative recurrence rates at 3 and 4 years after surgery were 52 and 56 per cent respectively. Locoregional recurrence alone was observed in eight (10 per cent) and distant metastasis in 34 (43 per cent) of the 79 patients after R0 resection. Positive nodal involvement and high International Union Against Cancer tumour (T) stage were independent prognostic factors associated with distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Distant metastases are more common than locoregional recurrence after R0 resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and associated with nodal involvement and high T stage.

Extended bile duct resection and [corrected] liver and transplantation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma: long-term results

For patients with irresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplantation (LT) is currently being reassessed because of promising data for neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. For increased radicality, hepatectomy in combination with pancreatic head resection [extended bile duct resection (EBDR)] was performed for irresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma during our initial experience. EBDR and LT was performed in 16 patients between 1992 and 1998. No neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment was performed. The Union Internationale Contre le Cancer stages were I (n = 6), IIA (5), IIB (3), and IV (2). To evaluate the suspected increase in surgical radicality, a matched pair analysis was performed with 8 patients undergoing LT for hilar cholangiocarcinoma without partial pancreatoduodenectomy. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates after EBDR were 63%, 38%, and 38%, respectively. Twelve patients died: 2 died because of postoperative complications, 8 died because of tumor recurrence, and 2 died while recurrence-free more than 10 years after transplantation. Among the 6 stage I patients, only 1 developed tumor recurrence, but 2 died because of postoperative complications. The following factors showed a trend toward inferior survival: distant metastases, positive lymph nodes, high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, and preoperative percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage. When all lymph node-negative patients were considered after the exclusion of perioperative deaths, 10-year survival was 56%. In conclusion, the overall long-term survival was relatively low in our inhomogeneous cohort but favorable in patients without metastases. However, because of the increased perioperative mortality, EBDR is not recommended as a standard procedure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma instead of LT alone. To further improve the results, other approaches such as (neo)adjuvant therapy have to be increasingly investigated.

Recurrence-free long-term survival after liver transplantation in patients with 18F-FDG non-avid hilar cholangiocarcinoma on PET

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) for predicting biological tumor behavior and outcome after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with otherwise unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Preoperative (18)F-FDG-PET scanning was performed in 13 patients with type IV Klatskin tumor before LT. PET+ status indicated patients with an increased pretransplant (18)F-FDG uptake, whereas PET- recipients had no increased preoperative (18)F-FDG uptake on PET. Pretransplant PET findings were correlated with histopathological tumor characteristics and patient outcome after LT. Eight patients demonstrated positive preoperative PET findings (61.5%), whereas five patients had no increased preoperative (18)F-FDG tumor uptake (38.5%) on PET. One PET+ patient died after 1 month due to liver allograft dysfunction. Seven PET+ liver recipients developed tumor recurrence, whereas five PET- patients were tumor-free alive after a median of 76 months post-LT (p = 0.001). The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate after LT was 100% in PET- patients and 28.6% in the PET+ population (log-rank = 0.008). Our results suggest that patients with (18)F-FDG non-avid HC on PET may achieve recurrence-free long-term survival after LT.

Preemptive surgery for premalignant foregut lesions

INTRODUCTION

Preemptive surgery is the prophylactic removal of an organ at high risk for malignant transformation or the resection of a precancerous or "early" malignant neoplasm in an individual with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. Recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques have improved our understanding of the biologic behavior of these conditions. Predictive testing is an emerging field that attempts to assess the potential risk of cancer development in predisposed individuals. Despite substantial improvement in these forms of testing, all results are imperfect. This information often becomes an important tool that is used by healthcare providers to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of various risk modifying strategies (i.e., intensive surveillance or preemptive surgery).

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using Medline and the bibliographies of all referenced publications to identify articles relating to preemptive surgery for premalignant foregut lesions.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this review, we outline the controversies surrounding predictive risk assessment, surveillance strategies, and preemptive surgery in the management of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE), hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), bile duct cysts, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Resection of BE is supported by the progressive nature of the disease, the risk of occult carcinoma, and the lethality of esophageal cancer. Prophylactic total gastrectomy for HDGC appears reasonable in the absence of accurate screening tests but must be balanced by the impact of surgical complications and altered quality of life. Surgical resection of biliary cysts theoretically eliminates the exposed epithelium to decrease the lifetime risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Liver transplantation for PSC remains controversial given the scarcity of donor organs and inability to accurately identify high-risk individuals. Given the uncertain natural history of pancreatic cystic neoplasms, the merits of selective versus obligatory resection will continue to be debated.

CONCLUSIONS

Preemptive operations require optimal judgment and surgical precision to maximize function and enhance survival. Ultimately, balancing the risk of surgical intervention with less invasive interventions or observation must be individualized on a case-by-case basis.

Initial presentation and management of hilar and peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: is a node-positive status or potential margin-positive result a contraindication to resection?

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) frequently presents at an advanced stage and the majority of patients are unresectable at diagnosis. We sought to examine our recent experience with surgical resection for hilar and peripheral CC.

METHODS

A review of all CC patients who presented to our multidisciplinary liver cancer center for evaluation of their CC between January 2000 and August 2008 was performed. Demographics, therapeutic management, pathologic characteristics, and overall survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 280 patients were evaluated over the 8-year period, and 222 patients (79%) were unresectable at presentation. Fifty-eight out of 280 patients were candidates for resection, of whom, 51 patients underwent resection. Hilar CC was identified in 27 patients (53%) and peripheral CC was present in 24 patients (47%). Morbidity and 90-day mortality were 61 and 9.8%, respectively. Overall, negative margin (R0) resection was achieved in 26 patients (51%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, only margin status was found to be a significant predictor of survival (p = 0.009). Compared with peripheral CC, hilar CC was associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.001) and higher rates of positive margins (p = 0.001) and perineural invasion (p = 0.02), and no difference in angiolymphatic, portal vein, and lymph node involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival benefits can be achieved with resection for cholangiocarcinoma. Given the lack of effective alternative therapy, when confronted with the potential risk of positive margins or isolated nodal disease, we continue to advocate aggressive surgical resection for both hilar and peripheral CC with the ultimate goal of negative margin resection.

The costs of postoperative liver failure and the economic impact of liver function capacity after extended liver resection--a single-center experience

PURPOSE

Postoperative liver failure (PLF) is a relatively frequent and life-threatening complication after extended liver resection. This study describes the economic burden of PLF from the hospitals' perspective and explores the role of liver function capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Economic data of total costs and cost distribution were analyzed for 48 patients who had participated in a prospective study with the LiMAx test, a novel test for liver function capacity. For this population, detailed individual data were available. The economic data were analyzed and adjusted for relevant covariates. In addition, economic data of 916 patients who had undergone liver resection during 2005-2007 were retrieved from the hospitals' medical controlling office for comparison.

RESULTS

A significant difference between the costs of patients with regular recovery (25,980 Euro [95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 9,559 to 42,401]) versus patients developing PLF (82,199 Euro [95%CI = 42,812 to 121,586]; p = 0.013) was observed. The mean additional costs of PLF were 56,219 Euro. An equivalent cost difference of mortality was obtained from the analysis of 916 patients. Patients developing PLF had a decreased LiMAx of 61 microg/kg/h compared to the regular group 122 microg/kg/h (p < 0.001) after surgery. Initial postoperative LiMAx and total costs revealed a linear correlation coefficient of r = -0.340 (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

PLF is a very relevant medical and economic problem. Liver function capacity does not only predict PLF but also correlates with total costs in general.

Cholangiocarcinoma: A 7-year experience at a single center in Greece

AIM: To evaluate survival rate and clinical outcome of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS: The medical records of 34 patients with cholangiocarcinoma, seen at a single hospital between the years 1999-2006, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with a median age of 75 years were included. Seventeen (50%) had painless jaundice at presentation. Sixteen (47.1%) were perihilar, 15 (44.1%) extrahepatic and three (8.8%) intrahepatic. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and/or magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRCP) were used for the diagnosis. Pathologic confirmation was obtained in seven and positive cytological examination in three. Thirteen patients had co-morbidities (38.2%). Four cases were managed with complete surgical resection. All the rest of the cases (30) were characterized as non-resectable due to advanced stage of the disease. Palliative biliary drainage was performed in 26/30 (86.6%). The mean follow-up was 32 mo (95% CI, 20-43 mo). Overall median survival was 8.7 mo (95% CI, 2-16 mo). The probability of 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival was 46%, 20% and 7%, respectively. The survival was slightly longer in patients who underwent resection compared to those who did not, but this difference failed to reach statistical significance. Patients who underwent biliary drainage had an advantage in survival compared to those who did not (probability of survival 53% vs 0% at 1 year, respectively, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION: Patients with cholangiocarcinoma were usually elderly with co-morbidities and/or advanced disease at presentation. Even though a slight amelioration in survival with palliative biliary drainage was observed, patients had dismal outcome without resection of the tumor.

Radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To explore the role of radio-frequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS: Eleven patients with obstructive cholestasis underwent Computed Tomography (CT) examination, occupying lesions were observed in the hepatic hilar region in each patient. All lesions were confirmed as cholangioadenocarcinoma by biopsy and were classified as type III or IV by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Patients were treated with multiple electrodes RFA combined with other adjuvant therapy. The survival rate, change of CT attenuation coefficient of the tumor and tumor size were studied in these patients after RFA.

RESULTS: In a follow-up CT scan one month after RFA, a size reduction of about 30% was observed in six masses, and two masses were reduced by about 20% in size, three of the eleven masses remained unchanged. In a follow-up CT scan 6 mo after RFA, all the masses were reduced in size (overall 35%), in which the most significant size reduction was 60%. The survival follow-up among these eleven cases was 18 mo in average. Ongoing follow-up showed that the longest survival case was 30 mo and the shortest case was 10 mo.

CONCLUSION: RFA is a microinvasive and effective treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgery for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: predictors of survival

The incidence of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is increasing worldwide and is often in an advanced stage at diagnosis and difficult to treat. The TNM (tumor node metastasis) cancer staging system predicts survival on the basis of tumor histopathology and the presence of distant metastases. However, numerous prognostic factors have been described that are not included in the TNM system. This review focuses on the prognostic significance of clinical, surgical, and histopathological factors as reported in the literature. Overall, the most important independent prognostic factors for long-term survival are negative surgical margins, lymph node status, and differentiation grade of the tumor. Further improvement of staging systems and identification of prognostic factors are crucial if we are to better select patients for surgical and adjuvant therapy and, hence, increase the rate of curative resections.

c-Met targeted therapy of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma continues to be a challenging disease to treat. Systemic therapy is used in unresectable disease, disease progression after surgery, and in the palliative setting. Unfortunately, results of multiple phase II trials have rarely yielded positive results. As data on the molecular carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma is developing, we are more able to understand the disease process and can use this understanding to create unique targeted therapies. We reviewed the role of c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the development of cholangiocarcinoma. Furthermore, we explored the use of the c-Met guided cascade as a target to treat cholangiocarcinoma. We reviewed the current use and options for future development of c-Met agents to treat this disease.

Successful liver transplantation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to present recent data demonstrating the success of neoadjuvant therapy followed by liver transplantation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most recent outcomes of a protocol involving neoadjuvant therapy followed by liver transplant for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, placed in context with the most recent data regarding outcomes for surgical resection, are discussed. Data involving the observation and management of an increased rate of vascular complications following this aggressive protocol are described. Additionally, factors which may predict disease recurrence along with the implications of these data on organ allocation policy are reviewed.

SUMMARY

For patients with early stage hilar cholangiocarcinoma which is unresectable or arising in the setting of primary sclerosing cholangitis, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by liver transplantation provides excellent survival benefit. Outcomes are notably superior to other treatment options, including resection. The protocol, however, requires extensive involvement and expertise from multiple specialties to ensure success.

Long-term, tumor-free survival after radiotherapy combining hepatectomy-Whipple en bloc and orthotopic liver transplantation for early-stage hilar cholangiocarcinoma

This retrospective study reviews our experience in surveillance and early detection of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and in using en bloc total hepatectomy-pancreaticoduodenectomy-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT-Whipple) to achieve complete eradication of early-stage CC complicating primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Asymptomatic PSC patients underwent surveillance using endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with multilevel brushings for cytological evaluation. Patients diagnosed with CC were treated with combined extra-beam radiotherapy, lesion-focused brachytherapy, and OLT-Whipple. Between 1988 and 2001, 42 of 119 PSC patients were followed according to the surveillance protocol. CC was detected in 8 patients, 6 of whom underwent OLT-Whipple. Of those 6 patients, 4 had stage I CC, and 2 had stage II CC. All 6 OLT-Whipple patients received combined external-beam and brachytherapy radiotherapy. The median time from diagnosis to OLT-Whipple was 144 days. One patient died 55 months post-transplant of an unrelated cause, without tumor recurrence. The other 5 are well without recurrence at 5.7, 7.0, 8.7, 8.8, and 10.1 years. In conclusion, for patients with PSC, ERCP surveillance cytology and intralumenal endoscopic ultrasound examination allow for early detection of CC. Broad and lesion-focused radiotherapy combined with OLT-Whipple to remove the biliary epithelium en bloc offers promising long-term, tumor-free survival. All patients tolerated this extensive surgery well with good quality of life following surgery and recovery. These findings support consideration of the complete excision of an intact biliary tree via OLT-Whipple in patients with early-stage hilar CC complicating PSC.

Management of hilar biliary strictures

Biliary strictures at the liver hilum are caused by a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant conditions. In the absence of a clear-cut benign etiology, i.e. bile duct damage during surgery, hilar biliary strictures remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for which a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary. A definitive diagnosis can be achieved in only 40-60% of the patients, while in all the other cases strictures are treated as though they are malignant until surgical pathology determines otherwise. Surgical resection is the only treatment that prolongs survival in patients with malignant strictures. Because these tumors frequently extend longitudinally via the hepatic ducts into the liver parenchyma, partial hepatic resection has been gradually added to biliary resection to ensure tumor-free surgical margins. For unresectable cases, endoscopic stenting of biliary obstruction is considered the preferred palliation modality to relieve pruritus, cholangitis, pain and jaundice, while the percutaneous approach has been reserved for cases of failure. Other modalities of treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy currently remain investigational. For benign post surgical hilar strictures, surgical repair can be difficult and requires specific skills and experience. As an alternative, a multi-stent technique with endoscopic placement of an increasing number of stents over time until complete resolution of the stricture has been proposed.

Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a primary hepatic malignancy originating from bile duct epithelium. It is the second most common primary hepatic neoplasia, and its incidence has increased within the last 3 decades. Although several risk factors have been identified, especially chronic biliary tract inflammation, most patients with cholangiocarcinoma have no identifiable risk factors. Recent developments in radiologic and molecular diagnostic methods have helped in the diagnosis of this disease. The only curative therapy is surgical resection or liver transplantation. For patients with advanced stage disease, survival remains limited. With growing understanding of the molecular and cellular etiology of this disease, new targeted therapies are being developed.

Therapeutical concepts and results for Klatskin tumors

INTRODUCTION

Most hilar cholangiocarcinomas (Klatskin tumors) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This article aims to review the literature of resection and palliative treatment in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

All studies with evidence levels I and II and relevant trials with evidence level III from 1996 to 04/2007 were included.

RESULTS

The definition of resectability depends not only on tumor stage but also on operator experience. The best long-term results are achieved by hilar resection combined with extended liver resection. No clear clinical benefit has been demonstrated for neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. The role of liver transplantation requires redefinition in view of good long-term survival after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and the possibility of living-donor liver transplantation. Initial studies of a combination of biliary stenting and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for palliation have shown significantly prolonged survival times compared with stenting alone. There is no established standard palliative chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION

The prognosis of patients with Klatskin tumors has been significantly improved by extended resection procedures. The combination of stenting and PDT is a useful palliative approach.

Cholangiocarcinoma: natural history, treatment, and strategies for surveillance in high-risk patients

Cholangiocarcinoma is a primary malignancy of biliary epithelium. Risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma include primary sclerosing cholangitis and other conditions that produce chronic inflammation of the biliary tree. The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma can be elusive; it is often not made until advanced disease is present and at a stage when a curative surgical resection is not feasible. Currently used diagnostic modalities include serum and bile tumor markers, radiologic and endoscopic imaging, and pathologic analysis. Surveillance strategies to increase the chance of early diagnosis should be strongly considered in individuals at high risk for cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with long-standing primary sclerosing cholangitis would be the ideal candidates for a screening program.

Right hepatic trisectionectomy for hepatobiliary diseases: results and an appraisal of its current role

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of 275 patients undergoing right hepatic trisectionectomy and to clarify its current role.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Right hepatic trisectionectomy is considered one of the most extensive liver resections, and few reports have described the long-term results of the procedure.

METHODS

Short- and long-term outcomes of 275 consecutive patients who underwent right hepatic trisectionectomy from January 1993 to January 2006 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 275 patients, 160 had colorectal metastases, 49 had biliary tract cancers, 20 had hepatocellular carcinomas, 20 had other metastatic tumors, and 12 had benign diseases. Fourteen of the 275 patients underwent right hepatic trisectionectomy as part of auxiliary liver transplantation for acute liver failure and were excluded. Concomitant procedures were carried out in 192 patients: caudate lobectomy in 45 patients, resection of tumors from the liver remnant in 57 patients, resection of the extrahepatic biliary tree in 45 patients, and lymphadenectomy in 45 patients. One-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survivals were 74%, 54%, 43%, and 36%, respectively. Overall hospital morbidity and 30-day and in-hospital mortalities were 41%, 7%, and 8%, respectively. Survivals for individual tumor types were acceptable, with 5-year survivals for colorectal metastasis and cholangiocarcinoma being 38% and 32%, respectively. Multivariate analysis disclosed the amount of intraoperative blood transfusion to be the sole independent predictor for the development of hospital morbidity. Age over 70 years, preoperative bilirubin levels, and the development of postoperative renal failure were found to be independent predictors of long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

Right hepatic trisectionectomy remains a challenging procedure. The outcome is not influenced by additional concomitant resection of tumors from the planned liver remnant. Caution must be taken when considering patients older than 70 years for such resections.

Treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with gemcitabine-based transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE): a single-institution experience

BACKGROUND

Survival for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma is reported to range from only 5-8 months without treatment. Systemic chemotherapy has not been shown to significantly improve survival, but newer regimens involving gemcitabine have shown increased response rates. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been shown to prolong survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but experience using TACE in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma is limited. We report our experience treating cholangiocarcinoma with TACE using chemotherapeutic regimens based on the well-tolerated drug gemcitabine.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma were treated with one or more cycles of gemcitabine-based TACE at our institution. Chemotherapy regimens used for TACE included: gemcitabine only (n=18), gemcitabine followed by cisplatin (n=2), gemcitabine followed by oxaliplatin (n=4), gemcitabine and cisplatin in combination (n=14), and gemcitabine and cisplatin followed by oxaliplatin (n=4).

RESULTS

Patients were 59 years of age (range 36-86) and received a median of 3.5 TACE treatments (range 1-16). Thirty-seven patients (88%) had central cholangiocarcinoma, and five (12%) had peripheral tumors. Nineteen patients (45%) had extrahepatic disease. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs) after TACE treatments were seen in five patients, whereas grade 4 AEs occurred in two patients. No patients died within 30 days of TACE. Median survival from time of first treatment was 9.1 months overall. Results did not vary by patient age, sex, size of largest initial tumor, or by the presence of extra-hepatic disease. Treatment with gemcitabine-cisplatin combination TACE resulted in significantly longer survival (13.8 months) compared to TACE with gemcitabine alone (6.3 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Our report represents the largest series to date regarding hepatic-artery-directed therapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma and provides evidence in favor of TACE as a promising treatment modality in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Our results suggest that gemcitabine-based TACE is well tolerated and confers better survival when given in combination therapy (with cisplatin or oxaliplatin) for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: the Leeds experience

AIM

To review the experience with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and to determine the results of a radical surgical approach in a UK centre.

METHODS

A 10-year review of all patients treated surgically for proximal bile duct carcinoma at a single surgical unit was conducted. Patient demographics, disease details and histopathology reports were reviewed. From January 1993 through December 2003, 106 patients were admitted with the diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 61 patients received surgical exploration.

RESULTS

Tumours were staged as follows (UICC 6th edition): stage IB, n=10 IIA, n=9; IIB, n=20; III, n=8; IV, n=14. Out of 61 patients, 44 had a resection (3 bile duct resection alone, 41 liver resection with bile duct resection), 5 were considered unresectable and 12 underwent liver transplantation (LT). The caudate lobe was excised in 34 of the patients and regional lymphadenectomy was systematically carried out. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 17 cases. Portal vein resection was needed in 17 and hepatic artery resection was performed in 4 cases. Negative histologic margins (R0) were achieved in 20 patients and microscopic margin involvement (R1) was seen in 16. In the remaining 8 resected patients, localised metastasis were found (peritoneal deposits in 2, liver metastasis in 4 and positive para-aortic lymph nodes in 2); nevertheless the resection was performed and it was considered R2. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years for patients who underwent a resection was 43% and 28% including postoperative deaths. The 1-, 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates for patients who underwent R0 resection were 78%, 64% and 45% respectively, including the postoperative deaths (n=3). The median survival time was 41.1 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates for R1 resection and R2 were 60%, 26%, 26% and 25% and 0% respectively, while the median survival time for these groups was 15.4 and 6.8 months respectively. The actuarial survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years for well-differentiated tumours (G1) was 73%, 54% and 40% (median 39.7 months). The figures for G2 were 60%, 48% and 0%. The figures for G3 (poorly differentiated) were 16% and 0% at three years (p=0.03).The overall survival at 3 and 5 years for those patients who had a liver transplant was 41% and 20% including early postoperative mortality. The tumour grading (presence of poorly differentiated tumour) was found to be the only independent factor affecting the survival time producing a hazard ratio of 4.3 (p=0.0034, 95% confidence interval 0.1007-6.342).

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgical resection is the best treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. R0 resection provides acceptable 5-year survival, but R1 resection may also provide acceptable palliation. In our experience TNM stage and tumour grade were the main determinants of long-term survival.

[Surgical therapy of hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Surgical resection provides the only chance of cure for patients suffering from hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the central anatomic localization within the liver hilum, established guidelines of oncologic surgery are difficult to apply. Resection of the hilar bifurcation alone or in combination with limited hepatic resection can be performed with low morbidity and low mortality but shows a high rate of local tumor recurrence. Usually, extended resection is required to achieve adequate safety margins. Right trisectionectomy complies best with the basic rules of oncologic surgery while allowing the maximum safety margin. The 5-year survival rates reported after right trisectionectomy range between 20% and 40% and reach 59% in selected patients. The increasing experience with living donor transplantation and recent advances in neoadjuvant tumor therapy may lead to renewed discussion of liver transplantation in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Liver transplantation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma was accepted as an indication for liver transplantation at the beginning of the transplantation era. Owing to disappointing long-term results for this indication, and in parallel, encouraging results in patients with benign disease, hilar cholangiocarcinoma has generally not been accepted as an indication for liver transplantation in recent years. To improve results, more aggressive approaches have been used: "abdominal organ cluster transplantation" and "extended bile duct resection", which lead to increased long-term survival rates. However, with improving results after conventional extrahepatic bile duct resection in combination with partial hepatectomy, extended procedures in combination with liver transplantation never became a real option in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, new awareness of liver transplantation in the treatment of this cancer has been raised for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the context of underlying liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, which preclude liver resection. Current results show increased survival figures, in particular in well-selected patients with early tumor stages. Further improvements in long-term survival may be reached with new adjuvant and neoadjuvant protocols. Patients with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy show long-term results similar to those for liver transplantation for other indications. Also, photodynamic therapy and the use of new antiproliferative immunosuppressive agents may be an approach for further improvement of the long-term results. Currently, liver transplantation for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma should be restricted to centers with experience in the treatment of this cancer and should be taken into consideration in patients with contraindications to liver resection.

Recent advance in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: hepatectomy with vascular resection

Radical surgical resection has been revealed to be the only hope of cure for the patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, major efforts have been made to increase the resection rate by surgeons employing combined hepatic resection and vascular resection of the portal vein and the hepatic artery. Especially, the technical feasibility and surgical safety of hepatic resection with combined portal vein resection have recently been reported by several authors. On the other hand, there have been few reports of combined hepatic artery resection in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There are fears that combined vascular resection with extended hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma may lead to high surgical morbidity and mortality. Herein, we describe the results of aggressive surgical approaches in our series, and we also review the outcomes of hepatic resection with combined vascular resection in the previously reported literature.

Surgical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: analysis of survival and postoperative complications

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for hilar bile duct cancer. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of surgical management of hilar bile duct carcinoma, including radical hepatectomy, at a single institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 49 consecutive patients who underwent surgery at our hospital between 1990 and 2003.

RESULTS

Altogether, 44 of 49 patients underwent radical hepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. One and four patients underwent partial hepatectomy or bile duct resection, respectively. No patients underwent preoperative portal vein embolization. The 5-year survival rate was 39.7%, with a median survival time of 3.75 years. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 46.8% and 2.0%, respectively. Cox's proportional hazard model revealed that lymph node status and the residual tumor factor were independent prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative hyperbilirubinemia, postoperative complications, and extended surgical procedures were independently associated with postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. After potentially curative resection, 39.4% of patients suffered from disease recurrence. In 60% of the total cases, the sites of recurrence were distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

Surgery, including radical hepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy and lymph node dissection, is a feasible, effective treatment for hilar bile duct cancer.

Current indications and contraindications for liver transplantation

Survival rates after liver transplantation have improved steadily because of earlier referral and timely evaluation, judicious patient selection, improved surgical techniques, superior immunosuppressive regimens, and effective prevention of perioperative opportunistic infections. Indications and contraindications for liver transplantation are undergoing constant modifications with the goal of improving survival and functional status of patients who have end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. Potential candidates for liver transplantation should meet minimal listing criteria and not have contraindications to liver transplantation. Currently, the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score is used for organ allocation, but it may have future application in patient-selection criteria.