Forty consecutive resections of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with no postoperative mortality and no positive ductal margins: results of a prospective study

Extent of liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The extent of liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) remains controversial despite extensive studies. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of minor and major hepatectomy, selected by predetermined criteria in patients with HC.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2007, 187 patients with HC were studied prospectively; 138 patients underwent resection with curative intent. Minor hepatectomy was performed in 93 patients with Bismuth-Corlette type I, II or III HC without hepatic arterial or portal venous invasion, and major hepatectomy in 45 patients with type III HC with hepatic arterial or portal venous invasion, or type IV HC.

RESULTS

Overall mortality and morbidity rates were 0 and 29.7 per cent respectively, and the bile leak rate was 1.4 per cent. Actuarial 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 87, 54 and 34 per cent respectively in the minor liver resection group, and 80, 42 and 27 per cent for major resection (P = 0.300).

CONCLUSION

Minor liver resection for HC, selected by predetermined criteria, had good results. Major liver resection, which had a higher operative morbidity rate than minor resection, should be reserved for Bismuth-Corlette type III HC with vascular invasion, or type IV HC.

Outcome of surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a special reference to postoperative morbidity and mortality

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze short-term surgical outcomes and to validate our strategies, including preoperative management and selection of operative procedure.

METHODS

We surgically treated 146 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma with a management strategy consisting of preoperative biliary drainage, portal vein embolization, and selection of operative procedure based on tumor extension and hepatic reserve. Major hepatectomy was conducted in 126 patients, and caudate lobectomy or hilar bile duct resection in 20 patients.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 35.5%, with overall in-hospital mortality and morbidity rates of 3.4 and 44%, respectively. Hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin >5 mg/dL, persisted for >7 postoperative days) and liver abscess were the most frequent complications. Five among 9 patients with liver failure (total bilirubin >10 mg/dL) encountered in-hospital mortality. Four out of 5 mortality patients had suffered circulatory impairment of the remnant liver due to other complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that operative time is a single independent significant predictive factor (odds ratio, 1.005; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.010, P = 0.04) for postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, performed in accordance with strict management strategy, achieved acceptably low mortality. Prolonged operative time was a risk for morbidity following hepatobiliary resection.

Surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the "new era": the Nagoya University experience

OBJECTIVE

To review our surgical experience with hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the "new era."

METHODS

The medical records of 428 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent treatment between 2001 and 2008 at the First Department of Surgery, the Nagoya University Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 428 patients, 298 (70%) underwent surgical resection (R0, n = 220; R1, n = 70; R2, n = 8). Portal vein resection was performed in 111 (37%) patients, and hepatic artery resection was performed in 53 (18%) patients. Several different types of postoperative complications occurred in a total of 129 (43%) patients and led to 6 (2%) deaths. Of the 298 resected tumors, 206 (69%) were extrahepatic type tumors, and the remaining 92 (31%) were intrahepatic type tumors. Using the Bismuth classification criteria, we identified 15 (5%) type I, 21 (7%) type II, 120 (40%) type III, and 142 (48%) type IV tumors. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for all 298 patients were 77, 49, and 42%, respectively. The survival rates were highest among the 197 patients with pM0 disease who underwent R0 resection. Patients in this subgroup had a 5-year survival rate of 52%. The 5-year overall survival rate for the 55 patients with pM0 disease who underwent R1 resection was 32%. The survival rate for patients who had pM1 disease and/or underwent R2 resection was the worst of all the subgroups, but was nonetheless significantly better than that of patients with unresectable tumors. The survival rate for patients who underwent vascular resection and reconstruction was unexpectedly better, with 5-year survival of >20%.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach to hilar cholangiocarcinoma has become more challenging in the new era. Nevertheless, surgical outcomes have been improved, with decreased morbidity and mortality rates being observed. Long-term survival has also steadily improved. These findings indicate that biliary surgeons should use an aggressive surgical strategy to treat this intractable disease.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: current management

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature with regard to outcome of surgical management for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor).

BACKGROUND

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Surgical resection provides the only possibility for cure. Advances in hepatobiliary imaging and surgical strategies to treat this disease have resulted in improved postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a review of the English literature on hilar cholangiocarcinoma from 1990 to 2007. This review included preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, issues and controversies in management, prognostic variables, and considerations for future directions.

RESULTS

Complete resection remains the most effective and only potentially curative therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Negative resection margins are associated with improved outcomes, and major hepatic resections have enhanced the likelihood of R0 resection. Portal vein embolization may be indicated in selected patients before extensive hepatic resection. Staging laparoscopy should be considered to detect occult metastatic disease. Orthotopic liver transplantation might be applicable for a highly selected subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection including major hepatic resection remains the mainstay of treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Additional evidence is needed to fully define the role of orthotopic liver transplantation. Improvements in adjuvant therapy are essential for improving long-term outcome.

Role of preoperative biliary drainage of liver remnant prior to extended liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, ipsilateral en bloc hepatic resection improves survival but is associated with increased morbidity. Preoperative biliary drainage of the future liver remnant (FLR) and contralateral portal vein embolization (PVE) may improve perioperative outcome, but their routine use is controversial. This study analyses the impact of FLR volume and preoperative biliary drainage on postoperative hepatic insufficiency and mortality rates.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hepatic resection and for whom adequate imaging data for FLR calculation were available were identified retrospectively. Patient demographic, operative and perioperative data were recorded and analysed. The volume of the FLR was calculated based on the total liver volume and the volume of the resection that was actually performed using semi-automated contouring of the liver on preoperative helical acquired scans. In patients subjected to preoperative biliary drainage, the preoperative imaging was reviewed to determine if the FLR had been decompressed. Hepatic insufficiency was defined as a postoperative rise in bilirubin of 5 mg/dl above the preoperative level that persisted for >5 days postoperatively. Operative mortality was defined as death related to the operation, whenever it occurred.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were identified who underwent hepatic resection between 1997 and 2007 and for whom imaging data were available for analysis. During this period, preoperative biliary drainage of the FLR was used selectively and PVE was used in only one patient. The mean age of the patients was 64 +/- 11.6 years and 68% were male. The median length of stay was 14 days and the overall morbidity and mortality were 53% and 10%, respectively. Preoperative FLR volume was a predictor of hepatic insufficiency and death (P= 0.03). A total of 65% of patients had an FLR volume > or = 30% (39/60) of the total volume. No patient in this group had hepatic insufficiency, but there were two operative deaths (5%), both occurring in patients who underwent preoperative biliary drainage. By contrast, in the group with FLR < 30% (21/60, 35%), hepatic insufficiency was seen in five patients and operative mortality in four patients, and were strongly associated with lack of preoperative biliary drainage of the FLR (P = 0.009). Patients with an FLR > or = 30% were more likely to have radiographic evidence of ipsilateral lobar atrophy and hypertrophy of the FLR (46.2% vs. 9.5% in patients with FLR < 30%; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, FLR volume of < 30% of total liver volume is associated with increased risk for hepatic insufficiency and death. Preoperative biliary drainage of the FLR appears to improve outcome if the predicted volume is < 30%. However, in patients with FLR > or = 30%, preoperative biliary drainage does not appear to improve perioperative outcome and, as many of these patients have hypertrophy of the FLR, PVE is likely to offer little benefit.

Gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival after aggressive surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is dismal although aggressive surgery including major hepatectomy has been performed. The aim of this study was to clarify useful prognostic factors and the usefulness of gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had undergone aggressive surgical resection.

METHODS

Medical records of 42 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate models were used to analyze the effect of various clinicopathological factors on long-term survival.

RESULTS

Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the 42 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were 81%, 42%, and 30%, respectively (median survival time, 21.5 months). Univariate analysis revealed that adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and surgical margin status were associated significantly with long-term survival (P < 0.05). Furthermore, use of a Cox proportional hazards regression model indicated that only adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was a significant independent predictor of a favorable prognosis (P = 0.035). The toxicity of adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was mild. Five-year actuarial survival rates of patients who did or did not receive adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy were 57% and 23%, respectively (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy may be a promising strategy to improve survival after surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A prospective randomized study should be done to confirm the results of this study.

Safety of combined resection of the middle hepatic artery in right hemihepatectomy for hilar biliary malignancy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

In patients with hilar biliary malignancies, preservation of the middle hepatic artery (MHA, segment IV artery) where it runs close to the tumor in the hepatic hilum may lead to resection with positive margins. This retrospective study assessed the safety of combined resection of the MHA with right hemihepatectomy, caudate lobectomy, and bile duct resection for hilar biliary malignancies.

METHODS

Of 61 patients with hilar biliary malignancies who underwent right hemihepatectomy, we classified the branching patterns of the MHA according to the origins and courses in the hilum. The MHA was resected without reconstruction in 16 patients in whom the artery ran close to the tumor. We compared the perioperative outcomes in these patients with those of patients who did not undergo resection of the artery.

RESULTS

Anatomically, the MHA ran on the right side of the umbilical portion of the portal vein in 40 (66%) patients. Perioperative data for the patients who underwent combined resection were similar to those in whom the MAH was preserved. There were no postoperative complications that could be directly related to the arterial resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined resection of the MHA during right hemihepatectomy for hilar biliary malignancies has a safe perioperative course.

No-touch resection of hilar malignancies with right hepatectomy and routine portal reconstruction

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Locoregional recurrence following resection of hilar biliary cancers could be caused by the microscopic dissemination of cancer cells during dissection of the portal vein from the involved bile duct at the hilar region. This retrospective study assessed the feasibility and safety of a new procedure consisting of right-sided hepatectomy, caudate lobectomy, and bile duct resection combined with routine resection of the portal bifurcation to enable no-touch resection of hilar malignancies.

METHODS

Of 64 patients who underwent right-sided hepatectomy for hilar biliary cancer, the portal bifurcation was routinely resected by the above new procedure in 25 patients, based on preoperative imaging diagnoses. Perioperative outcomes were compared with those in patients who underwent conventional portal reconstruction (n = 18) and with those in patients who had preservation of the portal bifurcation (n = 21).

RESULTS

Perioperative data from patients with routine portal reconstruction were similar to those in the patients with conventional portal reconstruction and the patients without portal reconstruction. There were no postoperative complications directly related to portal reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

No-touch resection of hilar malignancies with right hepatectomy and the routine use of portal reconstruction was feasible and safe. The oncologic impact of this technique merits further evaluation.

Clinical significance of biliary vascular anatomy of the right liver for hilar cholangiocarcinoma applied to left hemihepatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of confluence pattern of the right posterior sectional bile duct (RPSBD) on clinocopathological outcome in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent left hemihepatectomy (LH).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Biliary vascular anatomy may affect the cutting line of proximal bile ducts, especially in case of LH, because of the shorter distance from the sectional ramification to the ductal confluence. However, there were few studies as to the relationship between anatomic variation and clinocopathological outcome.

METHODS

A total of 209 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent surgical resection. We retrospectively investigated confluence patterns of the RPSBD in relation to the right portal vein (RPV) by preoperative imaging studies in 63 patients who underwent LH, and classified them into 3 groups (supraportal type: the RPSBD runs cranially around the RPV; infraportal type: the RPSBD runs caudally to the RPV; combined type: one segmental duct runs infraraportally and the other supraportally to the RPV). Furthermore, the effects of these variations on clinocopathological outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

The supraportal type was observed in 53 cases (84.1%), the infraportal type in 8 cases (12.7%), and the combined type in 2 cases (3.2%). Although most of the clinocopathological features were similar between the groups, positive margin of proximal bile duct was significantly lower in the infraportal group, as compared with the supraportal group. Furthermore, it was noted that there was no incidence of bilioenteric anastomotic leakage in the infraportal group.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative proximal margin and secure reconstruction were more easily achieved in the infraportal group than in the supraportal group. Preoperative evaluation of confluence pattern of RPSBD may be clinically useful for the management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma when applied to left-sided hepatectomy.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma arising 34 years after excision of a type IV-A congenital choledochal cyst: report of a case

We report a rare case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) arising many years after excision of a type IV-A congenital choledochal cyst. A 44-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with acute cholangitis more than 34 years after several operations for congenital biliary dilatation. Imaging showed a huge tumor in the left medial section of the liver, extending to the porta hepatis. Although he had no jaundice, the intrahepatic bile ducts showed cylinder-like dilatation with narrowing of the hilar bile duct. At surgery, the tumor was found to arise from the dilated intrahepatic bile duct just above the narrow portion. He underwent a left hepatic trisectionectomy with a vascular procedure. Microscopically, the tumor was confirmed to be moderate-to-well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Thus, when the narrow segment is left untouched, careful long-term follow-up is important to detect new lesions at an early stage.

Preoperative cholangitis independently increases in-hospital mortality after combined major hepatic and bile duct resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the impact of ductal bile bacteria (bactibilia or cholangitis) on the development of surgical site infection (SSI) or in-hospital mortality after resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 81 patients who underwent a combined major hepatic (hemihepatectomy or more extensive hepatectomy) and bile duct resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Ductal bile was submitted for bacterial culture before or during the operation.

RESULTS

The incidence of SSI was higher in patients with preoperative bactibilia (83%) than in patients without (52%; P = 0.008). Preoperative bactibilia was an independent variable associated with SSI (relative risk 9.003; P = 0.002). The incidence of in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with preoperative cholangitis (33%) than in patients without (6%; P = 0.009). Preoperative cholangitis was the only independent variable associated with in-hospital mortality (relative risk 9.115; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative cholangitis independently increases in-hospital mortality after combined major hepatic and bile duct resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, whereas preoperative bactibilia independently increases SSI.

Intraductal carcinoma component as a favorable prognostic factor in biliary tract carcinoma

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of an intraductal carcinoma component and bile duct resection margin status in patients with biliary tract carcinoma. An intraductal carcinoma component was defined as carcinoma within the bile duct outside the main tumor nodule consisting of a subepithelial invasive component. Surgically resected materials from 214 patients were evaluated by histological observations. Seventy-nine patients (36.9%) with an intraductal carcinoma component infrequently developed large tumors and infrequently showed deep invasion and venous, lymphatic and perineural involvement in the main tumor nodule. An intraductal carcinoma component was inversely correlated with advanced clinical stage, and was shown to be a significantly favorable prognostic factor by both univariate and multivariate analyses. Proximal (hepatic) side bile duct resection margin status was categorized into negative for tumor cells, positive with only an intraductal carcinoma component [R1 (is)], and positive with a subepithelial invasive component (R1). Forty-five patients (21.0%) with an R1 resection margin had a poorer prognosis than 148 patients (69.2%) with a negative resection margin, whereas 21 patients (9.8%) with an R1 (is) resection margin did not. In patients with an R1 resection margin, the risk of anastomotic recurrence was higher, and the period until anastomotic recurrence was shorter, than in patients with an R1 (is) resection margin. Surgeons should not be persistent in trying to achieve a negative surgical margin when the intraoperative frozen section diagnosis is R1 (is), and can choose a safe surgical procedure to avoid postoperative complications.

Safety of conservative management of bile leakage after hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The risks associated with the conservative management of bile leakage after hepatectomy and associated cholangiojejunostomy are not well defined.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence and severity of complications associated with bile leakages after liver resection with biliary reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data from 1,034 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection were prospectively collected and reviewed. Bile leakage occurred in 25 out of 119 patients (21.0%) who underwent hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction (group 1) and in 42 out of 915 patients (4.6%) without biliary anastomosis (group 2; p < 0.001). Serum albumin and bilirubin levels were the only preoperative factors significantly different between the two groups. Lymphadenectomy was more frequently performed in patients of group 1 (88% vs 16.7, p < 0.001).

RESULTS

Mortality rates were similar in the two groups (8% in group 1 vs 2.3% in group 2, p = 0.28). One or more postoperative complications occurred in 68% in group 1 and in 40.4% in group 2 (p = 0.02). The incidence of sepsis (32% vs 7.1%, p = 0.01), intra-abdominal abscess (12% vs 0, p = 0.04), and abdominal bleeding (28% vs 0, p = 0.006) was significantly higher in group 1. Bile leaks spontaneously healed in 52% of patients in group 1 vs 76.2% in group 2 (p = 0.04). In order to identify independent predictive factors for abdominal bleeding, we compared clinical data of patients with abdominal bleeding (seven patients) and without abdominal bleeding (18 patients) after hepatectomy and biliary reconstruction. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified the number of reconstructed bile ducts as an independent predictive factor of abdominal bleeding (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management of bile leakage after liver resection with biliary reconstruction is associated with higher rates of morbidity. The most severe complication is abdominal bleeding, which is related to the number of bile ducts requiring reconstruction.

Value of Multidetector-row Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of Portal Vein Invasion by Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although knowledge of cancer invasion of the portal bifurcation is vitally important in planning an operation for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, the diagnostic capability of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for this purpose has not been assessed. We evaluated how well MDCT could identify cancer invasion of the portal bifurcation by perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Between April 2003 and June 2005, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma was resected in 87 patients, 83 of whom underwent MDCT within 1 month before the surgery. Three-dimensional volume-rendered (3DVR) and multiplanar reformation (MPR) images were examined for evidence of portal vein invasion. Agreement with intraoperative and pathologic findings was assessed. Portal bifurcation findings by 3DVR and MPR were classified into no portal vein stenosis, unilateral stenosis, or more extensive stenosis, and also into tumor contact with the bifurcation in no, one of two, or two projections.

RESULTS

For macroscopic portal vein invasion, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were 81.5, 91.1, 81.5, 91.1, and 88.0% in 3D portography and 96.3, 92.6, 86.7, 98.1, and 94.0% in MPR, respectively. Findings by both 3DVR and MPR were significantly correlated with depth of cancer invasion (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MDCT is useful in assessing cancer invasion of the portal vein bifurcation by perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma: A compact review of the literature

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a devastating cancer arising from biliary epithelia. Unfortunately, the incidence of this disease is increasing in Western countries. These tumors progress insidiously, and liver failure, biliary sepsis, malnutrition and cancer cachexia are general modes of death associated with this disease. To date, no established therapy for advanced disease has been established or validated. However, our knowledge in tumor biology is increasing dramatically and new drugs are under investigation for treatment of this notorious tumor. In clinical practice, there are better diagnostic tools in use to facilitate an earlier diagnosis of CC, at least in those patients with known risk factors. CC is resectable for cure in only a small percentage of patients. Preoperative staging for vascular and biliary extension of CC is very important in this tumor. Laparoscopy and recently endosonography seem to protect against unnecessary laparotomies in these patients. During the last 15 years, aggressive surgical approaches, including combined liver resections and vascular reconstructive surgical expertise, have improved survival in patients with CC. Surgery is contraindicated in CC cases having primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Although CC was previously considered a contraindication to liver transplantation, new cautious protocols, including neo-adjuvant chemoradiation therapies and staging procedures before the transplantation, have made it possible to achieve long-term survival after liver transplantation in this disease. New ablative therapies with photodynamic therapy, intraductal high-intensity ultrasonography and chemotherapy-impregnated plastic biliary endoprosthesis are important steps in the palliative management of extra-hepatic CCs. Radiofrequency and chemo-embolization methods are also applicable for intra-hepatic CCs as palliative modes of treatment. We need more prospective randomized controlled trials to evaluate the role of the new emerging therapies for CC patients.

Development and controversy of surgical therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma has always been the focus attracting the attention of surgeons because of its special anatomic location and poor prognosis. At the present time, complete tumor resection has been recognized as the most effective therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, the risk of operation is very high, and there also are many technical difficulties and exploratory progress in attempting to remove the tumor. This article will analyze and discuss the perioperative management and the development and controversy of surgical skills in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinom in order to help clinical surgeons take an active part in improving their practice skills.

Risk factors of liver dysfunction after extended hepatic resection in biliary tract malignancies

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hepatic insufficiency is a critical complication after extended hepatic resection in patients with biliary tract malignancies, the majority of whom suffer from obstructive jaundice. The aim of this study was to assess clinical parameters linked to this type of liver dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 111 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patient background, pre- and intraoperative parameters, and a ratio of remnant liver volume/entire liver volume (RLV/ELV) as a volumetric parameter were compared between patients with and without postoperative hyperbilirubinemia and subsequent fatal outcome.

RESULTS

Logistic regression indicated that only RLV/ELV ratio was an independent factor influencing postoperative hyperbilirubinemia, and RLV/ELV ratio and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes (ICG-R15) were factors affecting survival. Patients with RLV/ELV less than 40% had 7.6 times the risk of postoperative hyperbilirubinemia, while no patients with RLV/ELV greater than 40% and ICG-R15 less than 25% died of liver failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The RLV/ELV ratio was the factor with the greatest impact on liver dysfunction after extended hepatectomy in patients with biliary tract malignancies.

Improved survival following right trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy without operative mortality: surgical treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

We conducted this study to assess the safety of performing right trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma by analyzing postoperative mortality and morbidity, and to evaluate the effect of such procedure on pathological curability and long-term overall survival.

METHODS

A retrospective clinicopathological analysis was performed for 16 hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who underwent right trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy from June 1999 to April 2003. The median follow-up period was 36.9 months. The preoperative Bismuth-Corlette type was type II in four patients, type III(A) in 10 patients, and type IV in two patients.

RESULTS

The median liver volume after hepatic resection was 21.9% of the total liver volume. Postoperative complications including one chronic liver failure developed in 12 patients, but no in-hospital deaths occurred. A postoperative pathological examination showed a cancer free margin in all of the proximal resection sites, although three cases had carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions in the distal margin that were confirmed during surgery. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 94.1%, 64.2%, and 64.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We obtained excellent survival rates without any in-hospital deaths following right trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy. This procedure may be an effective surgical procedure that can be executed to achieve low mortality rate and high pathological curability for hilar cholangiocarcinomas, except for Bismuth type III(B).

Cholangiocellular carcinoma--the role of caudate lobe resection and mesohepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The surgical treatment of perihilar cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is challenging due to the adjacency of the tumor to the hilar vessels, major hepatic veins, bile ducts, and the inferior vena cava. Additionally, the tumour frequently infiltrates the parenchyma of the caudate lobe or/and invades its bile ducts.

CONSENSUS STATEMENTS

Negative margin caudate hepatectomy is rarely feasible. Isolated partial or complete caudate lobe resection is an oncologically inadequate procedure. Extended hepatectomies in combination with caudate lobectomy can provide prolonged survival, even in patients with advanced CCC. Mesohepatectomy is an oncologically adequate procedure for selected patients with CCC and compromised liver function. The procedure is technically demanding; however, it lowers the risk of postoperative liver failure.

Outcome of surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

To evaluate surgical results and the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, we retrospectively analyzed 27 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection (eight bile duct resections, 18 bile duct resections plus hepatectomy, one hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy). There was no operative mortality, and the morbidity was 37%. Curative resection (R0 resection) was achieved in 20 (74%) patients. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 44% and 27%, significantly higher than that of 47 patients who did not undergo resection (3.5% and 0% at 3 and 5 years, p < 0.0001). Survival of patients with positive margins (R1/2 resection) was poor; there were no 5-year survivors. However, survival was better than that of patients who did not undergo resection (median survival: 22 vs 9 months, p = 0.0007). Univariate analysis identified lymph node metastasis as a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.043). Median survival of patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly longer than that of patients who did not (42 vs. 22 months, p = 0.0428). Resection should be considered as the first option for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There appears to be a survival advantage even in patients with cancer-positive margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy may increase long-term survival.

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.

Local surgical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: is there still a place?

In recent decades, surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has moved toward liver surgery in association with biliary resection in order to increase radicality and to achieve better survival. Results of local resection compared with hepatectomy associated with bile duct resection and its actual indications have to be clarified. A systematic review of relevant studies published before December 2007 was performed. Original published studies comparing the results of isolated local excision with those of hepatectomy associated with bile duct resection were identified and the reported results were synthesized. The pathologic data suggest that isolated bile duct resection cannot be adequate: required wide surgical margins; neoplastic extension along perineural sheaths; Segment 1 neoplastic invasion. Considering postoperative outcomes, in the 1990s, local resection had significantly lower mortality rates than liver resection. In recent years, the short-term results of liver surgery have improved significantly, while mortality rates have decreased. The R0 resection rate is significantly higher after associated liver resection. Comparison of survival results between local resection and associated liver surgery is difficult because, in the majority of series, the treatment was planned according to tumor extension. Better long-term outcomes have been reported after liver resection than after isolated bile duct resection, even for Bismuth-Corlette type I-II cholangiocarcinoma. Long-term survivors after local resection have been reported in a few selected patients with Bismuth-Corlette type I Tis-T1 or papillary neoplasm.

Aggressive surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: is it justified? Audit of a single center's experience

BACKGROUND

The current study presents our experience with resectional surgery for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC).

METHODS

Medical records of 73 HC patients who were referred to our department between 1988 and 2006 were reviewed. Resectability rate, surgical mortality, and factors contributing to survival were investigated.

RESULTS

Resectional surgery was performed in 59 patients (80.8%), 51 of whom (86.4%) underwent major hepatic resection. Negative margins were obtained in 35 of 51 patients (68.6%) and were associated with right-sided hepatectomy (80% vs 20%, P = .049). In-hospital mortality and morbidity were 6.8% and 25.4%, respectively. One-, 3- and 5-year survival rates after liver resection were 86%, 48.9%, and 34.9%, respectively. Histologic differentiation, left-sided hepatectomy, and inferior vena cava resection independently predicted survival. Patients undergoing R1 hepatectomy had significantly improved 5-year survival rates compared with patients who were unresectable (P <.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Major hepatic resections with concomitant vascular resection and reconstruction, when needed, are justified for patients with Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma with negative nodes. Reluctance to incorporate segments V and/or VIII into a left lobectomy often results in tumor-positive margins and unfavorable prognosis. Resections for hilar lesions less than stage IVB, even when resulting in microscopically positive margins, confer prolonged survival compared with untreated patients. The results are further improved for patients with well-differentiated HC.

A new technique of biliary reconstruction after "high hilar resection" of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with tumor extension to secondary and tertiary biliary radicals

BACKGROUND

Radical operation for hilar cholangiocellular carcinoma, including extended hepatic resection, seems to improve prognosis by increasing the surgical curability rate. Nevertheless, high postoperative morbidity and mortality have been reported in patients with obstructive jaundice. We describe the technique of "high hilar resection" and a modification of bilioenteric anastomosis for drainage of the multiple secondary or tertiary biliary radicals.

METHODS

Ten patients with advanced hilar cholangiocellular carcinoma underwent a high hilar resection with complete parenchymal preservation, and the biliary drainage was reconstructed by a sheath-to-enteric hepaticojejunostomy. Because of the technical difficulty caused by anastomosis line in the range of the biliary sheath, a modification was performed by dividing the biliary apertures of segments 5 and 4b.

RESULTS

A high hilar resection was successfully performed, and all patients were discharged from the hospital in good condition. No patient died postoperatively. The proximal resection margin was tumor-free in all patients. One patient died after 29 months of peritoneal carcinomatosis. None of the patients developed local recurrence around the hepaticojejunostomy. The remaining nine patients are alive after a mean follow-up of 28.8 months after surgery without any signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

In highly selected patients with advanced hilar cholangiocellular carcinoma, a high hilar resection is technically safe and oncologically justifiable. In combination with our new technique of sheath-to-enteric anastomosis, the patients considerably benefit from the preservation of liver parenchyma with low postoperative morbidity and very short in-hospital stay.

Portal vein resection in surgery for cancer of biliary tract and pancreas: special reference to the relationship between the surgical outcome and site of primary tumor

BACKGROUND

Early and late outcomes after superior mesenteric-portal vein resection (VR) combined with pancreaticoduodenectomy, major hepatectomy, or both for pancreaticobiliary carcinoma were retrospectively evaluated. VR is the most frequently used vascular procedure in this field, but an exact role of VR has not been compared according to the primary site of tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postoperative outcomes were compared between surgery with and without VR in each of the three disease-based groups: hilar cholangiocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with hilar extension (HIC, 56), middle and distal cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma (DGC, 118), and pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (PHC, 77).

RESULTS

VR was performed in 19.6% of HIC, 8.5% of DGC, and 45.5% of PHC. In-hospital death was 7.1% (4 of 56) patients with VR (3 of DGC and 1 of PHC). Operations with VR in DGC showed a larger amount of blood loss and more increased ratio of R1operation than those with no VR. In HIC, DGC, and PHC, median survival time of patients with VR was 37, 6.8, and 20 months and that of patients without VR was 42.9, 28.6, and 20.3 months, respectively. VR did not affect survival either in HIC or in PHC; however, in DGC, VR was accompanied with dismal outcome compared with no VR (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive surgery with VR can be justified both in HIC and in PHC but should not be recommended for DGC. Surgical outcomes of VR differed considerably, depending on the sites of the primary tumor.

Flowcharts for the management of biliary tract and ampullary carcinomas

No strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract carcinoma have been clearly described. We developed flowcharts for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract carcinoma on the basis of the best clinical evidence. Risk factors for bile duct carcinoma are a dilated type of pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) and primary sclerosing cholangitis. A nondilated type of PBM is a risk factor for gallbladder carcinoma. Symptoms that may indicate biliary tract carcinoma are jaundice and pain in the upper right area of the abdomen. The first step of diagnosis is to carry out blood biochemistry tests and ultrasonography (US) of the abdomen. The second step of diagnosis is to find the local extension of the carcinoma by means of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Because resection is the only way to completely cure biliary tract carcinoma, the indications for resection are determined first. In patients with resectable disease, the indications for biliary drainage or portal vein embolization (PVE) are checked. In those with nonresectable disease, biliary stenting, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or best supportive care is selected.

Guidelines for the management of biliary tract and ampullary carcinomas: surgical treatment

The only curative treatment in biliary tract cancer is surgical treatment. Therefore, the suitability of curative resection should be investigated in the first place. In the presence of metastasis to the liver, lung, peritoneum, or distant lymph nodes, curative resection is not suitable. No definite consensus has been reached on local extension factors and curability. Measures of hepatic functional reserve in the jaundiced liver include future liver remnant volume and the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test. Preoperative portal vein embolization may be considered in patients in whom right hepatectomy or more, or hepatectomy with a resection rate exceeding 50%–60% is planned. Postoperative complications and surgery-related mortality may be reduced with the use of portal vein embolization. Although hepatectomy and/or pancreaticoduodenectomy are preferable for the curative resection of bile duct cancer, extrahepatic bile duct resection alone is also considered in patients for whom it is judged that curative resection would be achieved after a strict diagnosis of its local extension. Also, combined caudate lobe resection is recommended for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Because the prognosis of patients treated with combined portal vein resection is significantly better than that of unresected patients, combined portal vein resection may be carried out. Prognostic factors after resection for bile duct cancer include positive surgical margins, especially in the ductal stump; lymph node metastasis; perineural invasion; and combined vascular resection due to portal vein and/or hepatic artery invasion. For patients with suspected gallbladder cancer, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not recommended, and open cholecystectomy should be performed as a rule. When gallbladder cancer invading the subserosal layer or deeper has been detected after simple cholecystectomy, additional resection should be considered. Prognostic factors after resection for gallbladder cancer include the depth of mural invasion; lymph node metastasis; extramural extension, especially into the hepatoduodenal ligament; perineural invasion; and the degree of curability. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is indicated for ampullary carcinoma, and limited operation is also indicated for carcinoma in adenoma. The prognostic factors after resection for ampullary carcinoma include lymph node metastasis, pancreatic invasion, and perineural invasion.

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.

Surgical approach to bismuth Type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinomas: audit of 54 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the optimal surgical strategy for Bismuth type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinomas.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Local or hilar resections is often performed for Bismuth type I and II tumors; however, reported outcomes have been unsatisfactory with a high recurrence and low survival rate. To improve survival, some authors have recommended right hepatectomy. However, the clinical value of this approach has not been validated.

METHODS

Records of 54 consecutive patients who underwent resection of a Bismuth type I or II hilar cholangiocarcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Through 1996, bile duct resection or the smallest necessary hepatic segmentectomy was performed. Beginning in 1997, choice of resection was based on the cholangiographic tumor type. For nodular or infiltrating tumor, right hepatectomy was indicated; for papillary tumor, bile duct resection with or without limited hepatectomy was chosen.

RESULTS

Right hepatectomy was performed in 5 (20.8%) of 24 patients through 1996 and was done in 22 (73.3%) of 30 patients from 1997 (P = 0.0003). In patients without pM1 disease, R0 resection was achieved more frequently in the later period than in the earlier period (23 of 24 = 95.8% vs. 13 of 21 = 61.9%, P = 0.0073), which lead to better survival (5-year survival, 44.3% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.0495). In the 31 patients with nodular or infiltrating tumor, who tolerated surgery and did not have pM1 disease, survival was better in the 18 patients who underwent right hepatectomy than in those who did not (5-year survival, 62.9% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.0030). In cases of papillary tumor, bile duct resection with or without limited hepatectomy was sufficient to improve long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach to Bismuth type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinomas should be determined according to cholangiographic tumor type. For nodular and infiltrating tumors, right hepatectomy is essential; for papillary tumor, bile duct resection with or without limited hepatectomy is adequate.

Radical surgery for right-sided klatskin tumor

Local excision of hilar cholangiocarcinomas results in long-term survival in only very few cases. Therefore, the combination of right or left liver resection and bile duct resection has been the standard treatment since about 1990. Five-year survival rates after curative resection could be improved to 30-40%. Recurrence is frequently seen locally, therefore more extended resection with adherence to the surgical principals of tumor resection, such as the "no-touch technique", appears useful. Excellent results with 5-year survival rates up to 60% after curative resection can be achieved with right trisectionectomy together with principle en bloc hilar resection. Perioperative mortality is still high because of the small remaining liver volume.

Role of three-dimensional imaging in operative planning for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Complex, highly variable, anatomic relationships in the portal hilum complicate the surgical management at hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Preoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging to stage the tumor and define anatomy may help in planning for curative resection.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2006, 20 consecutive patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent preoperative multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography; 3D images of the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile ducts were created and viewed simultaneously. Longitudinal tumor extension was evaluated by direct cholangiography and 3D cholangiography, and contiguous spread by 2D computed tomography (CT). Of 20 patients, 15 underwent surgical resection. Liver resection was planned based on 3D imaging that allowed visualization of the relationship between the tumor and the umbilical portion of the left portal vein, or the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior branch of the right portal vein. Preoperative and operative findings were compared.

RESULTS

All patients tolerated 3D CT without serious complication. The accuracy rates of longitudinal tumor extension, using the Bismuth-Corlette classification system, were 85% (11/13) and 87% (13/15) with direct cholangiography and 3D cholangiography, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates were 100%, 80%, and 87% for portal invasion and 75%, 91%, and 87% for hepatic arterial invasion. The number of bile duct orifices in the cut end of the hilar plate was estimated correctly in 13 of 15 patients. There were no operative deaths. Potentially curative resection was achieved in 14 of 15 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

3D images provide accurate information about the relationship between hilar cholangiocarcinoma and adjacent vessels. This technique is a powerful new tool for improving the proportion of potentially curative resection.

Prognosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: hilar bile duct cancer versus intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus

BACKGROUND

Clinically hepatobiliary resection is indicated for both hilar bile duct cancer (BDC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus (CCC). The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of BDC and CCC.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2004, we surgically treated 158 consecutive patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The clinicopathological data on all of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The overall 3-year survival rate, 5-year survival rate, and median survival time for BDC patients were 48.4%, 38.4 %, and 33.7 months, respectively, and 35.8%, 24.5 %, and 22.7 months, respectively, in CCC patients (P = .033). On multivariate analysis, three independent factors were related to longer survival in BDC patients: achieved in curative resection with cancer free margin (R0) (P = .024, odds ratio 1.862), well differentiated or papillary adenocarcinoma (P = .011, odds ratio 2.135), and absence of lymph node metastasis (P < .001, odds ratio 3.314). Five factors were related to longer survival in CCC patients: absence of intrahepatic daughter nodules (P < .001, odds ratio 2.318), CEA level </=2.9 ng/mL (P = .005, odds ratio 2.606), no red blood cell transfusion requirement (P = .016, odds ratio 2.614), absence or slight degree of lymphatic system invasion (P < .001, odds ratio 4.577), and negative margin of the proximal bile duct (P = .003, odds ratio 7.398).

CONCLUSIONS

BDC and CCC appear to have different prognoses after hepatobiliary resection. Therefore, differentiating between these two categories must impact the prediction of postoperative survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Trends in survival after surgery for cholangiocarcinoma: a 30-year population-based SEER database analysis

The prognosis of patients with cholangiocarcinoma historically has been poor, even after surgical resection. Although data from some single-institution series indicate improvement over historical results, survival after surgical therapy for cholangiocarcinoma has not been investigated in a population-based study. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to identify patients who underwent surgery for cholangiocarcinoma from 1973 through 2002. Multivariate modeling of survival after surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma showed an improvement in survival only within the last decade studied, resulting in a cumulative 34.4% improvement in survival from 1992 through 2002. In contrast, multivariate modeling of survival after surgery for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma revealed a 23.3% increase in adjusted survival per each decade studied, resulting in a cumulative 53.7% improvement from 1973 through 2002. We conclude that survival after surgery for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has dramatically improved since 1973. Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, however, have achieved an improvement in survival largely confined to more recent years. We suggest that these trends are largely caused by developments in imaging technology, improvements in patient selection, and advances in surgical techniques.

Preoperative biliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinomas grow slowly, and metastases occur late in the natural history. Surgical cure and long-term survival have been demonstrated, when resection margins are clear. Preoperative biliary drainage has been proposed as a way to improve liver function before surgery, and to reduce post-surgical complications. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) with multiple drains was previously the preferred method for the preoperative relief of obstructive jaundice. However, the introduction of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) and wider resection has changed preoperative drainage strategies. Drainage is currently performed only for liver lobes that will remain after resection, and for areas of segmental cholangitis. Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) is less invasive than PTBD. Among EBD techniques, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) is preferable to endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS), because secondary cholangitis (due to the retrograde flow of duodenal fluid into the biliary tree) does not occur. ENBD needs to be converted to PTBD in patients with segmental cholangitis, those with a prolonged need for drainage, or when the extent of longitudinal tumor extension is not sufficiently well characterized.

Treatment strategy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, with special reference to the limits of ductal resection in right-sided hepatectomies

The surgical anatomy of the hepatic hilar region is characterized by the three-dimensional formation of the branches of the bile duct, portal vein, and hepatic artery. The limit of ductal resection in hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the most peripheral point where the hepatic ducts can be separated from the vasculature. The limit is different for each type of hepatectomy because the portal vein branches that should be preserved or divided vary with the extent of the hepatectomy, and therefore the limit of separation of the hepatic ducts differs. Surgeons are required to understand the surgical anatomy and to identify the precise area of cancer spread on a preoperative cholangiogram so as to choose the appropriate type of hepatectomy, and to ensure that the remnant ductal margin is cancer-negative.

The use of imaging in the diagnosis and staging of hepatobiliary malignancies

This review addresses the optimal use of imaging in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning of patients with hepatobiliary neoplasms. We focus on primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as well as extrahepatic biliary tract malignancies, including hilar cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. In each section, we provide an overview of the staging requirements for each disease followed by a discussion of various imaging modalities that can be used to optimally stage the disease and plan therapy.

Changing trends in surgical outcomes after major hepatobiliary resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center experience over 25 years

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Hepatobiliary resection (HBR) for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCa) remains a technically demanding procedure and is still associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in surgical outcomes following major HBR for HCCa at a single center over a 25-year period.

METHODS

Between 1980 and 2004, 126 patients undergoing preoperative biliary drainage, portal vein embolization, and major HBR were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the chronological treatment period; i.e., patients who underwent surgery during the initial 20-year period (1980-1999; early group [EG]) and those who underwent surgery during the most recent 5-year period (2000-2004; late group [LG]). Clinicopathological variables were compared retrospectively between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mortality rate improved from 7.9% in the EG to 0% in the LG, but this difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (P = 0.058). The overall survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82.4%, 43.9%, and 35.2%, respectively. The overall survival rate was similar in the two groups (P = 0.153). Morbidity was documented in 57.1% of all the patients, and was comparable in the two groups (P = 0.471), but the rate of major morbidity was significantly higher in the EG (P = 0.031). Red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusion requirements were significantly reduced in the LG, both in regard to the number of patients and the amount of blood product administered. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly reduced, from 74.4 + -56.3 days in the EG to 29.0 + -11.8 days in the LG (P < 0.001). Sixty-nine patients (54.8%) had stage III or IV disease (according to the General rules for surgical and pathological studies on cancer of the biliary tract of the Japanese Society of Biliary Surgery), and 55 patients (43.7%) showed positive surgical margins. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of surgical margins or pathological staging.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements were documented in rates of major morbidity, length of hospital stay, and the mortality rate in the LG when compared with the EG. The overall survival rate was similar in the two groups. Blood transfusion requirements were significantly reduced in the LG when compared with the EG. However, the high proportion of patients with positive surgical margins remains a significant problem.

Preoperative assessment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma by multidetector row computed tomography

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the one of the most difficult carcinomas to diagnose because of the localization of the main tumor at the hepatic hilus, and because of the complex anatomy of the biliary, artery, and portal systems. To perform a curative operation, it is important to evaluate the extent of carcinoma and the resectability. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma often extends along the axis of the bile duct. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogaraphy (PTC) and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) are usually performed to diagnose the extent of the hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, computed tomography (CT) was thought not to be useful because its resolution is poor. Now that multidetector row CT (MDCT) and high-performance imaging systems are available, the diagnostic strategy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma has changed.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the preoperative diagnostic imaging of 24 consecutive patients whose hilar cholangiocarcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination. All patients were submitted to 16-channel MDCT, except for those with an allergy to iodine contrast medium. The data obtained from MDCT were analyzed and checked by both radiologists and surgeons, using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images.

RESULTS

The accuracy of diagnosis of horizontal spreading was 80.9% and that of vertical spreading was 100%. However, the sensitivity for lymph node metastasis was insufficient. Based on the data from MDCT and other examinations, all patients underwent surgery. Curative operation was performed in 15 patients (62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that 16-channel MDCT is reliable for the diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, especially prior to bile duct drainage. Thus, it is important to perform MDCT when patients with obstructive jaundice are encountered.

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.

Radicalidad en la cirugía del colangiocarcinoma hiliar (tumor de Klatskin)

In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, long-term survival critically depends on complete tumor resection. Indeed, there are no long-term survivors with positive resection margins. Furthermore, hilar cholangiocarcinoma seems to have a low propensity for distant metastases and adjuvant therapy after surgery has not been shown to have clear clinical benefits. This evidence should be regarded as arguments for extended resections. The question remains of how to achieve an R0 resection. In the last few years greater use of major hepatectomy has increased resectability and has improved long-term results. Concomitant resection of the caudate lobe is recommended as this site is a prime area of local recurrence. Frozen sections should be routinely used to assess the remnant proximal and distal ductal stumps. However, if the proximal remnant is positive, additional ductal resection at the separating limits is not always feasible. Gross portal vein invasion has a negative impact on survival, but should not be a contraindication to resection. Hepatectomy with portal vein resection can offer long-term survival in some patients with advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The incidence of nodal involvement in resected specimens has been reported to range from 30% to more than 50% and there is a correlation between primary tumor extension and nodal involvement. Lymphatic metastases from hilar cholangiocarcinoma appear to spread first to pericholedochal nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament and then to spread widely toward the posteriorsuperior area around the pancreatic head, portal vein and common hepatic artery. Routine lymphadenectomy should include all these areas. The only factors precluding resection are involvement of celiac, superior mesenteric or para-aortic tumoral nodes. Survival is closely associated with the extent of nodal involvement. The no-touch technique including right trisegmentectomy combined with portal vein resection has been proposed as the surgical procedure of choice for a more radical approach, and as a measure to prevent dissemination of tumor cells during surgery.

Cholangiocarcinoma: thirty-one-year experience with 564 patients at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term survival and prognostic factors in a large series of patients with bile duct cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The incidence of bile duct cancer is low but increasing. Determinants of survival vary in the literature, due to a lack of sufficient numbers of patients in most series.

METHODS

We studied 564 consecutive patients with bile duct cancer operated upon between 1973 and 2004. Patients were divided into intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal groups. Principle outcome measures were complications, 30-day mortality, and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 564 patients, 44 (8%) had intrahepatic, 281 (50%) had perihilar, and 239 (42%) had distal tumors. Approximately half (294, 52%) were treated before 1995, while 270 (48%) were treated thereafter. The perioperative mortality rate was 4%. In log-rank analyses, survival was higher in the later time period (P = 0.002), in patients with intrahepatic disease (P = 0.001), with negative resection margins (P < 0.001), with well/moderately differentiated tumors (P < 0.001), and those with negative lymph nodal status (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, negative margins (P < 0.001), tumor differentiation (P < 0.001), and negative nodal status (P < 0.001), but not tumor diameter, were significant independent prognostic factors. In R0-resected patients, lymph node status (P < 0.001), but not tumor diameter, histology, or differentiation, further predicted survival. The median survivals for R0-resected intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal tumors were 80, 30, and 25 months, respectively, and the 5-year survivals were 63%, 30%, and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

R0 resection remains the best chance for long-term survival, and lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor following R0 resection.

Cholangiocarcinoma: thirty-one-year experience with 564 patients at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term survival and prognostic factors in a large series of patients with bile duct cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The incidence of bile duct cancer is low but increasing. Determinants of survival vary in the literature, due to a lack of sufficient numbers of patients in most series.

METHODS

We studied 564 consecutive patients with bile duct cancer operated upon between 1973 and 2004. Patients were divided into intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal groups. Principle outcome measures were complications, 30-day mortality, and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 564 patients, 44 (8%) had intrahepatic, 281 (50%) had perihilar, and 239 (42%) had distal tumors. Approximately half (294, 52%) were treated before 1995, while 270 (48%) were treated thereafter. The perioperative mortality rate was 4%. In log-rank analyses, survival was higher in the later time period (P = 0.002), in patients with intrahepatic disease (P = 0.001), with negative resection margins (P < 0.001), with well/moderately differentiated tumors (P < 0.001), and those with negative lymph nodal status (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, negative margins (P < 0.001), tumor differentiation (P < 0.001), and negative nodal status (P < 0.001), but not tumor diameter, were significant independent prognostic factors. In R0-resected patients, lymph node status (P < 0.001), but not tumor diameter, histology, or differentiation, further predicted survival. The median survivals for R0-resected intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal tumors were 80, 30, and 25 months, respectively, and the 5-year survivals were 63%, 30%, and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

R0 resection remains the best chance for long-term survival, and lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor following R0 resection.

Hepaticojejunostomy--analysis of risk factors for postoperative bile leaks and surgical complications

Anastomoses between the jejunum and the bile duct are an important component of many surgical procedures; however, risk factors for clinically relevant bile leaks have not yet been adequately defined. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of bile leaks after hepaticojejunostomy and to define predictive factors associated with this risk and with surgical morbidity. Between October 2001 and April 2004, hepaticojejunostomies were performed in 519 patients in a standardized way. Patient- and treatment-related data were documented prospectively. A bile leak was defined as bilirubin concentration in the drains exceeding serum bilirubin with a consecutive change of clinical management or occurrence of a bilioma necessitating drainage. Surgical morbidity occurred in 15% of patients, the incidence of a bile leak was 5.6%. Multivariate analysis confirmed preoperative radiochemotherapy, preoperative low cholinesterase levels, biliary complications after liver transplantation necessitating a hepaticojejunostomy, and simultaneous liver resection as risk factors for bile leakages, whereas biliary complications after liver transplantation necessitating hepaticojejunostomy, simultaneous liver resection, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with postoperative surgical morbidity. Our results demonstrate that hepaticojejunostomy is a safe procedure if performed in a standardized fashion. The above found factors may help to better predict the risk for complications after hepaticojejunostomy.

Successful duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction after right hemihepatectomy. Operative planning using virtual 3D reconstructed images

Accurate knowledge of partial anatomy is essential in hepatic surgery but is difficult to acquire. We describe the potential impact of a new technique for constructing three-dimensional virtual images of the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile ducts and present a representative case. An 80-year-old man was suspected of having papillary cholangiocarcinoma arising in S8 of the liver and extending to the hepatic hilum intraluminaly. Right hemihepatectomy with bile duct resection was planned. However, it was uncertain whether duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction would be possible based on the appearance of the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts on cholangiogram and conventional computed tomograph. Virtual three-dimensional images of the liver were constructed and revealed vascular and biliary anatomy. They showed that the upper margin of bile duct excision would be 19 mm from the umbilical point of the left portal vein, and that the site of the left branch of the caudate lobe bile duct could be preserved. Based on this information, we performed a sphincter-preserving biliary operation safely without complications. Planning complex biliary surgery may be improved by the use of virtual three-dimensional images of the liver. This approach is especially useful in candidates for postoperative regional chemotherapy.

Prognostic significance of lymph node metastasis and surgical margin status for distal cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prognostic indicators for patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma have not been confirmed because of its rarity. The aim of this study was to identify useful prognostic factors in patients undergoing surgical resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Charts of 43 patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed in 35 patients, and segmental bile duct resection in 8. Potential clinicopathological prognostic factors were examined by univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred after surgery in 19 patients (44%), but there was no mortality. Overall survival rates were 72%, 53%, and 44% for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively (median survival time, 26.0 months). Univariate analysis found that older age, pathological pancreatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion, positive surgical margin, and TNM stages II and III were significant predictors of poor prognosis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, lymph node metastasis and positive surgical margin were found to be significant independent predictors of poor prognosis with a Cox proportional hazards regression model (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that lymph node metastasis and positive surgical margin as determined by surgical resection might be useful in predicting post-surgical outcome in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.