Impact of ductal resection margin status on long-term survival in patients undergoing resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Impact of Surgical Margin Status on Survival and Recurrence After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Distal Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Microscopic Residual Tumor (R1) Associated with Higher Rates of Local Recurrence?

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing macroscopically curative resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) have high recurrence rates and poor prognoses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgical margin status on survival and recurrence after resection of DCC, specifically focusing on microscopic residual tumor (R1) and its relationship to local recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for DCC between 2005 and 2021. Surgical margin was classified as R0, R1cis (positive bile duct margin with carcinoma in situ), and R1inv (positive bile duct margin with an invasive subepithelial component and/or positive radial margin).

RESULTS

In total, 29 of 133 patients (21.8%) had R1cis and 23 (17.3%) R1inv. The 5-year overall survival (OS) for R0 (55.7%) did not differ significantly from that for R1cis/R1inv (47.4%/33.6%, respectively). The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) for R0 was significantly longer than that for R1inv (50.1% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.003), whereas RFS did not differ significantly between those with R0 and R1cis. R1cis/R1inv status was not an independent predictor of OS and RFS in multivariate analysis. Cumulative incidence of isolated distant recurrence was significantly higher for R1cis/R1inv than for R0 (p = 0.0343/p = 0.0226, respectively), whereas surgical margin status was not significantly associated with rates of local or local plus distant recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margin status does not significantly impact OS and RFS in patients undergoing PD for DCC following precise preoperative imaging evaluation. Additionally, R1 status is significantly linked to higher isolated distant recurrence rather than local recurrence, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary therapy.

Residual biliary intraepithelial neoplasia without malignant transformation at resection margin for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma does not require expanded resection: a dual center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Additional resection for invasive cancer at perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) resection margins has become a consensus. However, controversy still exists regarding whether additional resection is necessary for residual biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN).

METHOD

Consecutive patients with pCCA from two hospitals were enrolled. The incidence and pattern of resection margin BilIN were summarized. Prognosis between patients with negative margins (R0) and BilIN margins were analyzed. Cox regression with a forest plot was used to identify independent risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Subgroup analysis was performed based on BilIN features and tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

306 pCCA patients receiving curative resection were included. 255 had R0 margins and 51 had BilIN margins. There was no significant difference in OS (P = 0.264) or RFS (P = 0.149) between the two group. Specifically, 19 patients with BilIN at distal bile ducts and 32 at proximal bile ducts. 42 patients showed low-grade BilIN, and 9 showed high-grade. Further analysis revealed no significant difference in long-term survival between different locations (P = 0.354), or between different grades (P = 0.772). Portal vein invasion, poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis were considered independent risk factors for OS and RFS, while BilIN was not. Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in long-term survival between the lymph node metastasis subgroup, or between the portal vein invasion subgroup.

CONCLUSION

For pCCA patients underwent curative resection, residual BilIN at resection margin is acceptable. Additional resection is not necessary for such patients to achieve absolute R0 margin.

Practice guidelines for managing extrahepatic biliary tract cancers

Backgrounds/Aims

Reported incidence of extrahepatic bile duct cancer is higher in Asians than in Western populations. Korea, in particular, is one of the countries with the highest incidence rates of extrahepatic bile duct cancer in the world. Although research and innovative therapeutic modalities for extrahepatic bile duct cancer are emerging, clinical guidelines are currently unavailable in Korea. The Korean Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery in collaboration with related societies (Korean Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery Society, Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology, Korean Society of Medical Oncology, Korean Society of Radiation Oncology, Korean Society of Pathologists, and Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine) decided to establish clinical guideline for extrahepatic bile duct cancer in June 2021.

Methods

Contents of the guidelines were developed through subgroup meetings for each key question and a preliminary draft was finalized through a Clinical Guidelines Committee workshop.

Results

In November 2021, the finalized draft was presented for public scrutiny during a formal hearing.

Conclusions

The extrahepatic guideline committee believed that this guideline could be helpful in the treatment of patients.

Clinical impacts of positive intraepithelial neoplasia at pancreatic transection margin in pancreatic cancer surgery

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The outcomes of patients with intraepithelial neoplasia at the pancreatic transection margin after pancreatic cancer surgery remain unclear. We evaluated the clinical impact of pancreatic transection margin status.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 171 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between January 2008 and December 2019. Patients were classified into three groups: negative pancreatic transection margin (group N), positive low-grade (group L), and positive high-grade (group H) intraepithelial neoplasia. The clinicopathological findings and prognoses were analyzed for each group.

RESULTS

There were 140, 14, and 9 patients in groups N, L, and H, respectively. The median age was significantly higher in group H (p = 0.035). There were no significant differences in male ratio, preoperative chemotherapy administration rate, pretreatment tumor markers, operative procedure, operative time, or blood loss. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were not significantly different; however, the cumulative risk of recurrence in the remnant pancreas was significantly higher in group H (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraepithelial neoplasia at the pancreatic transection margin did not affect overall/recurrence-free survival. As patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia at the pancreatic transection margin have an increased risk of recurrence in the remnant pancreas, careful postoperative follow-up is required.

Survival Comparison of Different Operation Types for Middle Bile Duct Cancer: Bile Duct Resection versus Pancreaticoduodenectomy Considering Complications and Adjuvant Treatment Effects

BACKGROUND

Margin status is one of the most significant prognostic factors after curative surgery for middle bile duct (MBD) cancer. Bile duct resection (BDR) is commonly converted to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to achieve R0 resection. Additionally, adjuvant treatment is actively performed after surgery to improve survival. However, the wider the range of surgery, the higher the chance of complications; this, in turn, makes adjuvant treatment impossible. Nevertheless, no definitive surgical strategy considers the possible complication rates and subsequent adjuvant treatment. We aimed to investigate the appropriate surgical type considering the margin status, complications, and adjuvant treatment in MBD cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2008 to 2017, 520 patients diagnosed with MBD cancer at the Samsung Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively according to the operation type, margin status, complications, and adjuvant treatment. The R1 group was defined as having a carcinoma margin.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate for patients who underwent R0 and R1 resection was 54.4% and 33.3%, respectively (p = 0.131). Prognostic factors affecting the overall survival were the age, preoperative CA19-9 level, T stage, and N stage, but not the operation type, margin status, complications, or adjuvant treatment. The complication rates were 11.5% and 29.8% in the BDR and PD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). We observed no significant difference in the adjuvant treatment ratio according to complications (p = 0.675). Patients with PD who underwent R0 resection and could not undergo chemotherapy because of complications reported better survival rates than those with BDR who underwent R1 resection after adjuvant treatment (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The survival outcome of patients with R1 margins who underwent BDR did not match those with R0 margins after PD, even after adjuvant treatment. Due to improvements in surgical techniques and the ability to resolve complications, surgical complications exert a marginal effect on survival. Therefore, surgeons should secure R0 margins to achieve the best survival outcomes.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cholangiocarcinoma

These guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) were commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology liver section. The guideline writing committee included a multidisciplinary team of experts from various specialties involved in the management of CCA, as well as patient/public representatives from AMMF (the Cholangiocarcinoma Charity) and PSC Support. Quality of evidence is presented using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) format. The recommendations arising are to be used as guidance rather than as a strict protocol-based reference, as the management of patients with CCA is often complex and always requires individual patient-centred considerations.

Segmental bile duct resection versus pancreatoduodenectomy for middle and distal third bile duct cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

INTRODUCTION

Data regarding oncologic outcomes of segmental bile duct resection (SBDR) versus pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for bile duct cancers (BDC) are conflicting. We compared SBDR and PD for BDC utilizing pooled data analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive PRISMA 2020 systematic review was performed. Studies comparing SBDR with PD for BDC were included. Pooled mean differences (MD), odds ratios (OR), and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed. Study quality, bias, heterogeneity, and certainty were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twelve studies from 2004 to 2021 were included, comprising 533 SBDR and 1,313 PD. SBDR was associated with positive proximal duct margins (OR 1.56; CI 1.11-2.18; P = .01), and distal duct margins (OR 43.25; CI 10.38-180.16; P < .01). SBDR yielded fewer lymph nodes (MD -6.93 nodes; CI -9.72-4.15; P < .01) and detected fewer nodal metastases (OR 0.72; CI 0.55-0.94; P = .01). SBDR portended less perioperative morbidity (OR 0.31; CI 0.21-0.46; P < .01), but not mortality (OR 0.52; CI 0.20-1.32; P = .17). SBDR was associated with locoregional recurrences (OR 1.88; CI 1.01-3.53; P = .02), and lymph node recurrences (OR 2.13; CI 1.42-3.2; P = .04). SBDR yielded decreased 5-year OS (OR 0.75; CI 0.65-0.85; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite decreased perioperative morbidity, SBDR appears to provide inferior oncologic control for BDC.

Utility and diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen sections in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgical pathology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeries are one of the most challenging and complex procedures. Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) diagnosis plays a pivotal role in management decisions. Comprehensive large cohort studies evaluating utility of IFS in HPB malignancies are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of frozen section analysis and to analyse discrepancies and impact of IFS on the surgical decisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of IFS received for the HPB specimens between years 2009 and 2021. The results were compared to the permanent sections to evaluate diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Indications, disagreements and impact on the surgical management were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 1008 specimens were evaluated: bile duct margin (279; 27.7%), gallbladder (203; 20.1%), liver lesions (125 cases; 12.4%), lymph nodes (147; 14.6%), pancreatic margin (120; 11.9%) and deposits (134; 13.3%). IFS were diagnosed as negative for malignancy (805; 79.9%), positive for dysplasia (8; 0.8%), suspicious for malignancy (6; 0.6%) and positive for malignancy (189; 18.8%). The overall diagnostic accuracy was 98.4%, and the discordant rate was 1.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.7%, 99.4%, 97.5% and 98.6% respectively. The most important reason of discordant results was technical, followed by interpretational and sampling errors.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy (98.4%) of IFS in a large dataset of HPB specimens. This comprehensive analysis apprises of the indications, errors and the impact of IFS diagnosis on subsequent HPB surgical management.

Novel insights into the intraepithelial spread of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: clinicopathological study of 382 cases on extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) is a rare and aggressive disease and consisted of conventional eCCA and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). Intraepithelial spread (IES) of cancer cells beyond the invasive area is often observed in IPNBs; however, the prevalence of IES remains to be examined in conventional eCCAs. Here, we evaluated the clinicopathological features of eCCAs according to tumor location, with a focus on the presence of IES. The IES extension was also compared among biliary tract cancers (BTCs).

Methods

We examined the prevalence and clinicopathological significance of IES in eCCAs (n=382) and the IES extension of BTCs, including gallbladder (n=172), cystic duct (n=20), and ampullary cancers (n=102).

Results

Among the invasive eCCAs, IPNB had a higher rate of IES (89.2%) than conventional eCCAs (57.0%). Among conventional eCCAs, distal eCCAs (75.4%) had a significantly higher prevalence of IES than perihilar eCCAs (41.3%). The presence of IES was associated with a significantly higher survival rate in patients with distal eCCAs (P=0.030). Extension of the IES into the cystic duct (CyD) in distal eCCAs that cancer cells reached the junction of the CyD was a favorable prognostic factor (P<0.001). The association of survival with IES, either on the extrahepatic bile duct or on the CyD, differed depending on the tumor location and type of eCCA. The extension properties of IES were also dependent on different types of tumors among BTCs; usually, the IES incidence became higher than 50% in the tissues that the tumor developed, whereas IES extension to other tissues decreased the incidence.

Conclusion

Thus, eCCAs have different clinicopathological characteristics depending on the tumor location and type.

Rational Extent of Regional Lymphadenectomy and the Prognostic Impact of the Number of Positive Lymph Nodes for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The definition and classification of regional nodes are not standardized for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to clarify the rational extent of regional lymphadenectomy and to elucidate the impact of number-based regional nodal classification on survival of patients with this disease.

METHODS

Data of 136 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgery were reviewed. The incidence of metastasis and the survival of patients with metastasis were calculated for each node group.

RESULTS

The incidence of metastasis for the node groups in the hepatoduodenal ligament (denoted as no. 12) ranged from 3.7% to 25.4%, with 5-year disease-specific survival of 12.9% to 33.3% for patients with metastasis. The incidences of metastasis in the common hepatic artery (no. 8) and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal (no. 13a) node groups were 14.4% and 11.2%, respectively, with 5-year disease-specific survival rates of 16.7% and 20.0% for the patients with metastasis. When these node groups were defined as regional nodes, the 5-year disease-specific survival rates for the patients with pN0 (n = 80), pN1 (1-3 positive nodes, n = 38), and pN2 (≥ 4 positive nodes, n = 18) were 61.4%, 22.9%, and 17.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). The pN classification was independently associated with disease-specific survival (p < 0.001). When only the no. 12 node groups were regarded as regional nodes, pN classification failed to stratify the patients prognostically.

CONCLUSIONS

No. 8 and no. 13a node groups should be considered regional nodes in addition to no. 12 node groups and should be dissected. The number-based regional nodal classification allows patients with this disease to be stratified prognostically.

Adjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin versus capecitabine in node-positive extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: the STAMP randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The effectiveness of gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear in cholangiocarcinoma. We investigated the role of adjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) in a homogeneous group of high-risk patients with resected, lymph node-positive extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Adenocarcinoma of perihilar or distal bile duct with regional lymph node metastasis who underwent curative-intent surgery (R0/R1) was eligible. Patients were randomized to receive GemCis (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) or capecitabine (1250 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14) every 3 weeks for 8 cycles. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and safety. All p values are 1 sided and were considered significant if <0.1. Between July 2017 and November 2020, 101 patients (50 in the GemCis and 51 in the capecitabine group) were included in the intention-to-treat population. Perihilar and distal bile ducts were the primary sites in 45 (44.6%) and 56 (55.4%) patients, respectively, and 32 (31.7%) had R1 resections. Median (1-sided 90% CI) follow-up duration was 33.4 (30.5-35.8) months. In the GemCis and capecitabine group, 2-year disease-free survival rates were 38.5% (29.5%-47.4%) and 25.1% (17.4%-33.5%) [HR=0.96 (CI, 0.71-1.30), p=0.430], and median overall survival was 35.7 months (29.5-not estimated) and 35.7 months (30.9-not estimated) [HR=1.08 (CI, 0.71-1.64), 1-sided p=0.404], respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 42 (84.0%) and 8 patients (16.0%) in the GemCis and capecitabine groups, respectively. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In resected lymph node-positive extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, adjuvant GemCis did not improve survival outcomes compared with capecitabine.

Prognostic Impact of Margin Status in Distal Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

A positive ductal margin is strongly associated with poor survival in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. However, the significance of the radial margin status and its effect on survival are not fully clarified.

METHODS

All patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2000 and December 2018 at Tokai University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Positive margins were divided into positive ductal margin and positive radial margin.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight consecutive patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Margin-negative R0 resection was performed in 85 patients (79%). Twenty-three patients (21%) had a positive resection margin (R1 resection). The 5-year survival rate and median overall survival for patients with R0 resection and those with R1 resection was 64%, 98 months and 25%, 26 months, respectively. There was a significant difference in survival between patients with R0 resection and those with R1 resection (p < 0.001). Patients with positive radial margin (n = 10) had a significantly worse outcome than those with positive ductal margin (n = 13) (p = 0.016). Univariate analysis showed that R1 resection, lymph node metastasis, tumor depth, portal vein invasion, pancreatic invasion, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis confirmed that R1 resection and nodal involvement were significant independent prognostic indicators after surgical resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive surgical margin and nodal involvement were the strongest predictors of poor survival in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with a positive radial margin had a significantly worse outcome than those with a positive ductal margin.

Outcomes of adjuvant radiation therapy after chemotherapy in resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database analysis

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant capecitabine is considered a standard of care for resected cholangiocarcinoma per the BILCAP trial. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy in that trial was not addressed. This study was designed to examine the outcomes of adjuvant radiation in patients who received chemotherapy for resected cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, the authors identified high-risk patients with resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with either positive nodes (N+) or margins (R1) who received adjuvant chemotherapy between 2006 and 2014. Overall survival (OS) was determined with the Kaplan-Meier method. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate analysis (MVA) were performed to identify prognostic factors for survival.

RESULTS

The authors identified 1478 patients after PSM who were included in the analysis. There was no difference in OS between patients receiving single-agent chemotherapy and patients receiving multiagent chemotherapy (p = .69). There was a significant OS benefit associated with radiation therapy. The median OS and the 5-year OS rate for radiated patients versus nonradiated patients were 34 months and 33% versus 27 months and 24% (p < .001) for the whole group, 30 months and 29% versus 24 months and 19% (p = .007) for the N+ subgroup, and 25 months and 23% versus 20 months and 12% (p = .03) for the R1 subgroup. MVA demonstrated that age, N stage, T stage, R1, and grade were associated with increased mortality, whereas adjuvant radiation was associated with decreased mortality (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study showing that adjuvant radiation therapy after chemotherapy resulted in a significant OS benefit for patients with resected high-risk extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Trials are needed to address the role of radiation therapy in this population.

Early Prediction of a Serious Postoperative Course in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Trajectory Analysis of the Comprehensive Complication Index

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to visualize the postoperative clinical course using the comprehensive complication index (CCI) and to propose an early alarming sign for subsequent serious outcomes in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Surgery for this disease carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The developmental course of the overall morbidity burden and its clinical utility are unknown.

METHODS

Patients who underwent major hepatectomy for perihilar cholan-giocarcinoma between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. All postoperative complications were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC), and the CCI was calculated on a daily basis until postoperative day 14 to construct an accumulating graph as a trajectory. Group-based trajectory modeling was conducted to categorize the trajectory into clinically distinct patterns and the predictive power of early CCI for a subsequent serious course was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 4230 complications occurred in the 484 study patients (CDC grade I, n = 27; II, n = 132; IlIa, n = 290; IIIb, n = 4; IVa, n = 21; IVb, n = 1; and V, n = 9). The trajectory was categorized into 3 patterns: mild (n = 209), moderate (n = 235), and severe (n = 40) morbidity courses. The 90-day mortality rate significantly differed among the courses: 0%, 0.9%, and 17.5%, respectively (P<0.001). The cutoff values of the CCI on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7 for predicting a severe morbidity course were 15.0, 28.5, and 40.6 with areas under the curves of 0.780, 0.924, and 0.984, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCI could depict the chronological increase in the overall morbidity burden, categorized into 3 patterns. Early CCI potentially predicted sequential progression to serious outcomes.

Variation in clinical target volume delineation in postoperative radiotherapy for biliary tract cancer

We aimed to evaluate the inter-clinician variability in the clinical target volume (CTV) for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for biliary tract cancer (BTC) including extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EBDC) and gallbladder cancer (GBC). Nine experienced radiation oncologists delineated PORT CTVs for distal EBDC (pT2N1), proximal EBDC (pT2bN1) and GBC (pT2bN1) patients. The expectation maximization algorithm for Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) was used to quantify expert agreements. We generated volumes with a confidence level of 80% to compare the maximum distance to each CTV in six directions. The degree of agreement was moderate; overall kappa values were 0.573 for distal EBDC, 0.513 for proximal EBDC, and 0.511 for GBC. In the distal EBDC, a larger variation was noted in the right, post, and inferior direction. In the proximal EBDC, all borders except the right and left direction showed a larger variation. In the GBC, a larger variation was found in the anterior, posterior, and inferior direction. The posterior and inferior borders were the common area having discrepancies, associated with the insufficient coverage of the paraaortic node. A consensus guideline is needed to reduce inter-clinician variability in the CTVs and adequate coverage of regional lymph node area.

Endoscopic management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Endoscopic management for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) is evolving toward more accurate diagnosis and safer drainage. In imaging, it is important to diagnose the entire lesion using multidetector-row computed tomography to determine resectability and optimal surgical planning, followed by local diagnosis using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Video peroral cholangioscopy and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy have been newly introduced as diagnostic imaging methods and are being applied clinically. In transpapillary forceps biopsy for PHCC diagnosis, the location in the bile duct (for mapping biopsy) and the number of biopsy samples should be determined depending on resectability, the morphological type, and future surgical planning. Preoperative drainage has shifted from percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to endoscopic nasobiliary drainage given the possibility of seeding metastasis. In addition, considering potential patient discomfort from a nasal tube, the usefulness of the placement of a plastic stent above the papilla (inside stent) as a bridging therapy for surgery has been reported. For drainage of unresectable PHCC, the improved prognosis due to advances in chemotherapy has necessitated a strategy that accounts for reintervention. Thus, in addition to uncovered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS), exchangeable slim fully covered SEMS and inside stents have started to be used. In addition to the conventional transpapillary approach, an endoscopic ultrasonography-guided approach has been introduced, and a combination of both methods has also been proposed. To improve the quality of life and prognosis of PHCC patients, endoscopists need to understand and be able to use the various methods of endoscopic management for PHCC.

Patterns of Caudate Lobe Invasion of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Panoramic Histologic Study of Liver

BACKGROUND

At present, caudate lobectomy (CL) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) was controversial. Our study was designed to investigate the features of caudate lobe invasion (CLI) by whole-mount histologic large sections (WHLS).

METHODS

A total of 46 HCCA patients underwent hemihepatectomy or trisectionectomy combined with CL were included. Serial WHLS (120 mm × 100 mm) were collected, and the relationship between caudate lobe and tumor was retained to determine the incidence of CLI. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were completed to further explore the pathway of CLI.

RESULTS

The whole region of the Glisson system in caudate lobe and hilar area can be clearly displayed by WHLS, and 32 (32/46 69.6%) patients were identified with CLI. There were three different pathways of CLI with panoramic IHC staining. The most common pathway is through the fibrous connective tissue along Glisson system (20/32 62.5%, without carcinoma in bile ducts). The Bismuth type, tumor size, vascular invasion, pathological type, and hepatic invasion were related to the CLI (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and distribution of CLI provided histologic evidence for CL in HCCA. Based on the invasion pathway, it is necessary to assess the fibrous connective tissue in Glisson system of caudate lobe in pathological research and practice.

Does Intraoperative Frozen Section and Revision of Margins Lead to Improved Survival in Patients Undergoing Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is a rare malignancy that arises at the biliary confluence. Achieving a margin-negative resection (R0) is challenging given the anatomic location of tumors and remains the most important prognostic indicator of long-term survival. The objective of this study is to review the impact of intraoperative revision of positive biliary margins in PHC on oncologic outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2021. Studies comparing three types of patients undergoing resection of PHC with intraoperative frozen section of the proximal and/or distal bile ducts were identified: those who were margin-negative (R0), those with an initially positive margin who had revised negative margins (R1R0), and those with a persistently positive margin with or without revision of a positive margin (R1). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included risk of postoperative complication.

RESULTS

A total of 449 studies were screened. Ten retrospective observational studies reporting on 1955 patients were included. Patients undergoing successful revision of a positive proximal and/or distal bile duct margin (R1R0) had similar OS to those with a primary margin-negative resection (R0) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-1.19, p = 0.56, I² = 84%], and significantly better OS than patients with a positive final bile duct margin (R1) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.79, p = 0.002, I² = 0%). There was no increase in the risk of postoperative complications associated with additional resection, although postoperative morbidity was inconsistently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This review supports routine intraoperative biliary margin evaluation during resection of PHC with revision if technically feasible.

Oncological outcomes of surgery for recurrent biliary tract cancer: who are the best candidates?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the impact of surgery on outcomes in patients with recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC) and elucidate factors affecting survival after surgery for this disease.

METHODS

A single-center study was undertaken in 178 patients with recurrent BTC, of whom 24 underwent surgery for recurrence, 85 received chemotherapy, and 69 received best supportive care. Then, we carried out a multicenter study in 52 patients undergoing surgery for recurrent BTC (gallbladder cancer, 39%; distal cholangiocarcinoma, 27%; perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, 21%; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 13%).

RESULTS

In the single-center study, 3-year survival after recurrence was 53% in patients who underwent surgery, 4% in those who received chemotherapy, and 0% in those who received best supportive care (p < 0.001). Surgery was an independently prognostic factor (p < 0.001). In the multicenter series, the respective 3-year and 5-year survival after surgery for recurrence was 50% and 29% in the 52 patients. Initial site of recurrence was the only independent prognostic factor (p = 0.019). Five-year survival after surgery for recurrence in patients with single distant, multifocal distant, and locoregional recurrence was 51%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.002). Sites of single distant recurrence included the liver (n = 13, 54%), distant lymph nodes (all from gallbladder cancer, n = 7, 29%), lung (n = 2, 9%), peritoneum (n = 1, 4%), and abdominal wall (n = 1, 4%).

CONCLUSION

Surgery may be an effective option for patients with less aggressive tumor biology characterized by single distant recurrence in recurrent BTC.

Prognostic Impact of Resection Margin Length in Patients Undergoing Resection for Mid-Common Bile Duct Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to analyze survival outcomes after segmental bile duct resection (BDR) for mid-common bile duct cancer according to the length of the tumor-free BDR margins.

METHOD

A total of 133 consecutive patients underwent BDR for mid-bile duct cancers between December 2007 and June 2017. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to verify the cutoff value of the R0 resection margin. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to resection margin status (group 1; R0 resection margin ≥5 mm; group 2, R0 resection margin <5 mm; and group 3, R1 resection margin).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period of the study cohort was 24 months. A resection margin of 5 mm in length was verified to be suitable as a reliable cutoff value. The median disease-free and overall survival (OS) periods were 32 and 49 months in group 1, 13 and 20 months in group 2, and 23 and 30 months in group 3, respectively (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001). The length of the tumor-free resection margin (hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.67; p = 0.022) was independent factor affecting OS.

CONCLUSIONS

BDR for mid-bile duct cancer appears to be a feasible surgical option in selected patients with careful preoperative imaging assessment and intraoperative frozen-section diagnosis. Our results suggest achieving a BDR margin ≥5 mm to improve survival outcomes.

The preoperative elevated plasma fibrinogen level is associated with the prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Elevated fibrinogen (Fbg) levels contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. However, little is known regarding the association of the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) with plasma fibrinogen.

METHODS

Data on the plasma Fbg levels, clinicopathological characteristics, and overall survival were retrospectively collected. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations over 4.0 g/L were classified as hyperfibrinogen, elevated fibrinogen, or abnormal fibrinogen levels. We then analyzed the relationships among plasma fibrinogen level, clinicopathological features, and patient prognosis.

RESULTS

A total of 171 HC patients were included. An elevated plasma fibrinogen level was associated with lymph-node metastasis (P < 0.001), the AJCC stage (P < 0.001), the surgical margin (P = 0.005), and vascular invasion (P = 0.027). Univariate analyses revealed that preoperative plasma fibrinogen (P < 0.001), operative blood loss (P = 0.044), vascular invasion (P < 0.001), CA19-9 (P = 0.003), surgical margin (P < 0.001), T stage (P < 0.001), histologic differentiation (P = 0.007), and lymph-node metastasis (P < 0.001) were associated with OS. The survival time of patients with high Fbg levels was shorter than that of patients with normal fibrinogen levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis showed that fibrinogen was negatively and independently associated with the HC prognosis (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated plasma Fbg level was associated with lymph-node metastasis, vascular invasion, the surgical margin, and the tumor stage, and the Fbg level might therefore be an independent factor associated with poor outcomes in HC patients.

Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Forceps Mapping Biopsy for Evaluation of the Lateral Extension of Biliary Tract Cancer

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS)-guided forceps mapping biopsy (FMB) is a method for the accurate preoperative identification of the extent of the disease of biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, the diagnostic value of POCS-FMB is still uncertain. Objectives: We evaluated the diagnostic utility of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension—superficial intraductal spread longitudinally and continuously from the main lesion—of BTC. Methods: In the retrospective study, patients who received POCS-FMB and surgery for curative resection of BTC between September 2016 and August 2019 at our medical institution were enrolled. The diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension of BTC was evaluated. Furthermore, we also evaluated the factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB. Results: A total of 23 patients with BTC were enrolled, and 24 procedures of POCS-FMB from 96 sites of biliary tracts were performed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of POCS-FMB were 53.8%, 63.9%, and 63.1%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, the biopsy from the bifurcation of biliary tracts was a significant factor affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB (odds ratio 3.538, 95%; confidence interval 1.151–10.875, p = 0.027). Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB for the identification of lateral extension of BTC was insufficient. The biopsy from the bifurcation of biliary tracts was a positive factor affecting the diagnostic accuracy of POCS-FMB.

[Intra and extra hepatic cholangiocarcinomas radiation therapy]

Cholangiocarcinomas are digestive tumors whose incidence remains low and have poor prognosis. The benefits of adjuvant radiochemotherapy and radiotherapy have never been demonstrated in any phase III randomized controlled trial. Chemotherapy with capecitabine 6 months is the standard of care in adjuvant setting. Radiochemotherapy is validated in R1 patients. It is not recommended in neoadjuvant situations given the lack of evidence. Chemotherapy and radiochemotherapy are validated in adjuvant or locally advanced diseases. Stereotactic radiation therapy offers an interesting perspective, at the cost of significant digestive toxicities, requiring evaluation in randomized trials.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers 2019: The 3rd English edition

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery launched the clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers (cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer) in 2007, then published the 2nd version in 2014.

METHODS

In this 3rd version, clinical questions (CQs) were proposed on six topics. The recommendation, grade for recommendation, and statement for each CQ were discussed and finalized by an evidence-based approach. Recommendations were graded as Grade 1 (strong) or Grade 2 (weak) according to the concepts of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

The 31 CQs covered the six topics: (a) prophylactic treatment, (b) diagnosis, (c) biliary drainage, (d) surgical treatment, (e) chemotherapy, and (f) radiation therapy. In the 31 CQs, 14 recommendations were rated strong and 14 recommendations weak. The remaining three CQs had no recommendation. Each CQ includes a statement of how the recommendations were graded.

CONCLUSIONS

This latest guideline provides recommendations for important clinical aspects based on evidence. Future collaboration with the cancer registry will be key for assessing the guidelines and establishing new evidence.

Impact of Remnant Carcinoma in Situ at the Ductal Stump on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Distal Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The management of positive ductal margins with carcinoma in situ (R1-CIS) after resection is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of R1-CIS on survival in patients who underwent resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

We enrolled 121 consecutive patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma. Poor prognostic factors were investigated by multivariable analysis, and we performed a stratified analysis to evaluate the impact of R1-CIS on survival in patients with or without prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis identified node-positive status as the prognostic factor (P = 0.003). Stratified by lymph node status, overall survival (OS) in the R0 group was significantly better than that in the R1-CIS group in node-negative patients (57.1% vs 30.0%; P < 0.050). Although OS was comparable between the two groups in node-positive patients (5-year OS: 22.2% vs 20.0%, respectively; P = not significant). Furthermore, OS in patients in whom R0 was achieved by additional resection was significantly better than that in patients with R1-CIS (5-year OS: 66.7% vs 30.0%, respectively; P < 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Remnant CIS is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with node-negative distal cholangiocarcinoma. Every effort should be made to achieve negative bile duct margins.

Oncologic Reappraisal of Bile Duct Resection for Middle-Third Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although bile duct resection (BDR) in addition to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a surgical approach in patients with middle-third cholangiocarcinoma (MCC), available prognostic information after BDR remains very limited. The aim of this study was to reappraise BDR from the viewpoint of surgical oncology.

METHODS

Patients who underwent BDR or PD for MCC between 2001 and 2010 at 32 Japanese hospitals were included. Clinicopathological factors were retrospectively compared according to surgical procedure to identify a subset cohort who benefited most from BDR.

RESULTS

During the study, 92 patients underwent BDR (n = 38) or PD (n = 54). BDR was characterized by a shorter operation time, less blood loss, less frequent complications, and lower mortality, than PD. The incidence of positive surgical margins was 26.3% versus 5.6% (P = 0.007). The survival rate after BDR was significantly worse than that after PD: 38.8% versus 54.8% at 5 years (P = 0.035), and BDR was independently associated with deteriorated survival [hazard ratio (HR), 1.76; P = 0.023] by multivariable analysis. In the BDR group, tumor length < 15 mm (HR, 3.38; P = 0.017) and ductal margin length ≥ 10 mm (HR, 2.54; P = 0.018) were independent positive prognostic factors. Stratified by these two favorable factors, the 5-year survival rate was 63.0% in patients with 1/2 factors and 6.7% in those with 0 factors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with MCC, BDR provided a better short-term and a worse long-term outcome than PD. However, patient selection using tumor length and ductal margin length may allow a favorable survival probability even after BDR.

Mild Prognostic Impact of Postoperative Complications on Long-Term Survival of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of complications on long-term survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is vulnerable to postoperative complications. The prognostic impact of complications in patients with this disease is unknown.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) was calculated based on all postoperative complications, which were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients were divided into high and low CCI groups by the median score, and survival was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Excluding 8 patients who died in hospital, 369 patients were analyzed. The CDC grade was I in 20 (5.4%), II in 108 (29.3%), III in 224 (60.7%), and IV in 17 (4.6%) patients. The CCI increased with increasing CDC grade; the median was 42.9 (range, 15.0-98.9). Overall survival (OS) differed significantly between the high (n = 187) and low (n = 182) CCI groups (41.2% versus 47.9% at 5 years; p = 0.041). However, multivariable analyses demonstrated that traditional clinicopathological factors were independent predictors of survival and that the dichotomized CCI was not. In addition, the CCI score as a continuous variable was not an independent prognostic factor for OS in the multivariable analyses (hazard ratio per 1 CCI score: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.01, p = 0.775).

CONCLUSION

Cumulative postoperative complications after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma only moderately deteriorate long-term survival, and should not be an argument to deny surgery in this high risk population.

Adequate tissue acquisition rate of peroral cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy

Background

Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS)-guided forceps biopsy is a method for diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures and for the preoperative identification of the exact perihilar and distal margins of biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, POCS-guided forceps biopsy may result in an insufficient amount of specimen at times. Therefore, we evaluated the adequate tissue acquisition rate and the factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary tract.

Methods

Patients who underwent POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary disease between September 2016 and October 2018 at our hospital were enrolled retrospectively. We evaluated the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion and that for non-stenotic bile duct. In addition, the factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy were evaluated.

Results

We enrolled 47 patients with biliary disease and performed POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary lesion and POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy for non-stenotic bile duct in 40 and 36 patients, respectively. The adequate tissue acquisition rates of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for biliary lesions and that for non-stenotic bile duct were 86.4%, and 68.9%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, and previous biliary stenting before POCS were factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion. For non-stenotic bile duct, the location of the biliary lesion, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), and procedure time of POCS were factors affecting the adequate tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy.

Conclusions

Previous biliary stenting was a factor affecting a low tissue acquisition rate of POCS-guided forceps biopsy for the biliary lesion. In the POCS-guided forceps mapping biopsy, the location of the biliary lesion, EST, and procedure time were factors affecting tissue acquisition rates.

Prognostic implication of high grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasia in bile duct resection margins in patients with resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

In surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), it is still controversial as to whether additional resection of the bile duct is needed on high grade (HG) biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) margin.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for PHCC with curative intent between 2001 and 2015 were stratified by resection margin, and were analyzed comparing the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 306 study participants, 217 patients had negative margins (R0), 18 patients had HG BilIN, and 71 patients had positive margins (R1). The median overall survival was 36.0 months in the R0 group, 41.0 months in the HG BilIN group, and 25.0 months in the R1 group while overall survival rates at 5 years were 34.5% in the R0 group, 44.4% in the HG BilIN group, and 21.0% in the R1 group. The median disease-free survival was 15.0 months in the R0 group, 16.5 months in the HG BilIN group, and 12.0 months in the R1 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the HG BilIN group had neoplasia with malignant potential, survival and recurrence outcomes were comparable to those of the R0 group, which suggests that no additional resection is needed when the maximal bile duct margin in PHCC surgery contains HG BilIN.

Peroral cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy versus fluoroscopy-guided forceps biopsy for extrahepatic biliary lesions

Background and Aim

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐related tissue acquisition, including fluoroscopy‐guided forceps biopsy (F‐FB), is a common technique in diagnosing indeterminate biliary lesions. Recently, peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) and POCS‐guided forceps biopsy (POCS‐FB) has also been used for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary lesions. However, it is uncertain which of those techniques were superior for the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of F‐FB for indeterminate biliary lesions compared with POCS‐FB.

Methods

Patients who underwent F‐FB or POCS‐FB to evaluate indeterminate biliary lesions between October 2011 and August 2019 were enrolled retrospectively. We carried out propensity score matching to balance these clinical differences between the F‐FB group and POCS‐FB group. In the propensity score‐matched cohort, we compared the diagnostic performance of F‐FB with that of POCS‐FB based on the pathological evaluation. We also evaluate adverse events associated with F‐FB and POCS‐FB.

Results

We enrolled 113 patients with biliary diseases, and 62 patients were analyzed in the propensity score‐matched cohort. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of F‐FB were 82.4, 100, and 90.3%, and for POCS‐FB, those values were 83.3, 100, and 90.3%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance between F‐FB and POCS‐FB. There were also no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between F‐FB and POCS‐FB (41.9 vs 29.0%, P = 0.289).

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of F‐FB for ECC is similar to that of POCS‐FB. POCS‐FB is not necessary for the initial pathological diagnosis of indeterminate biliary lesions.

How long should follow-up be continued after R0 resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND

Although several studies have been conducted on the patterns of recurrence in resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, the appropriate follow-up period after resection is still controversial.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent an R0 resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2001 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively, focusing on the time and site of initial recurrence. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 404 patients underwent R0 resection, of whom 242 patients (59.9%) developed a recurrence. The most common site of recurrence was locoregional, followed by peritoneum and liver. Approximately 70% of patients were asymptomatic when recurrence was detected. The median survival time in all cohorts was 4.8 years, and the estimated cumulative probability of recurrence was 54.3% at 5 years and 65.7% at 10 years. Multivariate analyses revealed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio 2.80, P < .001) and microscopic venous invasion (hazard ratio, 1.70, P < .001) were independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival. The cumulative probability of recurrence in 84 patients with 2 risk factors was nearly 90% at 5 years; even in the 178 patients without risk factors, the probability at 5 years was 30%, and thereafter, the probability of recurrence gradually increased, reaching nearly 50% at 10 years. No trends in the time and site of recurrence were detected.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 60% of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma experience recurrence after R0 resection. Even in patients without an independent risk for recurrence, the recurrence probability is high, reaching nearly 50% at 10 years. Thus, close surveillance for 10 years is necessary even after R0 resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Prognostic Factors for Surgically Resected Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

To date, postoperative prognostic factors for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) have not been well-established. This study aimed to examine the histopathologic features and postoperative prognosis of the two IPNB subclassifications, as well as factors affecting prognosis, based on the authors' experience at a single institution.

METHODS

The study enrolled 83 patients who underwent surgical resection for pathologically diagnosed IPNB at the authors' institution. The clinicopathologic features and postoperative outcomes for these patients were examined. The study also investigated postoperative prognostic factors for IPNB using uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

More than half of the tumors (64%) diagnosed as IPNB were early-stage cancer (UICC Tis or T1). However, none were diagnosed as benign. The multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 5.78; p = 0.002) and bile duct margin status with carcinoma in situ (D-CIS; HR, 5.10; p = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors, whereas MUC6 expression showed only a marginal influence on prediction of prognosis (HR, 0.32; p = 0.07). The tumor recurrence rate and the proportion of locoregional recurrence were significantly greater among the patients with D-CIS than among those with negative bile duct margins, including those patients with low-grade dysplasia. The patients with D-CIS showed a significantly poorer prognosis than those with negative bile duct margins (5-year survival, 38% versus 87%; p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of resected IPNBs showed cancer in all cases. Avoiding positive biliary stumps during surgery, including resection of carcinoma in situ, would improve the prognosis for patients with IPNB.

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for positive hepatic ductal margin on cholangiocarcinoma

AIM

This study evaluated the effects of postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (A-CRT) for positive hepatic ductal margin (HM+) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC).

METHODS

Patients with EHCC who underwent surgical resection between 2002 and 2014 were included in this retrospective study. For patients with HM+, A-CRT was conducted. The clinical effect of A-CRT for HM+ on the survival and recurrence and prognostic factors of EHCC was reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 340 patients, the hepatic ductal margin was negative in 296 and positive in 44. Of the 44 patients with HM+, 22 received postoperative A-CRT, and 22 did not. Hepatic stump recurrence occurred in 19 patients. The incidence was significantly higher in patients with HM+ (20%, 9/44) than in those with negative hepatic ductal margin (HM-) (3%, 10/296) (P < .001). Among the patients with HM+, the incidence was almost identical between the patients with and without A-CRT: 23% (5/22) in HM+/CRT- and 18% (4/22) in HM+/CRT+ patients (P = .999). The median survival time was 49 months in HM-, 43 months in HM+/CRT-, and 49 months in HM+/CRT+ patients. The differences were not significant among the groups. A multivariate analysis revealed CA 19-9 ≥ 300 U/mL, combined vascular resection, histologic grade G2/G3, and lymph node metastasis to be significant prognostic factors. However, the performance of postoperative A-CRT did not contribute to prolonging survival.

CONCLUSION

A-CRT for HM+ in patients with EHCC did not affect the survival or stump recurrence.

Branch-type intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct treated with laparoscopic anatomical resection: a case report

Background

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is characterized by an intraluminal, growing papillary tumor covered by neoplastic biliary epithelial cells with a fine fibrovascular core. IPNB was introduced as a precancerous and early neoplastic lesion in the 2010 World Health Organization classification of tumors of the digestive system. IPNB eventually invades the bile duct wall and progresses to invasive cholangiocarcinoma. IPNB resembles intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN), particularly the main pancreatic duct type.

IPNB cases, possibly corresponding to branch-type IPMN, have been recently reported, and these cases involved the peribiliary glands significantly and showed gross cystic dilatation. Small branch-type intrahepatic IPNB often mimics simple liver cysts, making the diagnosis of IPNB difficult. Some literature recommended surgical resection for treatment. Laparoscopic resection is a good treatment option for small tumor. We herein present the case of branch-type IPNB that was treated with laparoscopic anatomical liver resection 5 years after being detected.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old woman was undergoing follow-up for primary aldosteronism. In 2012, follow-up computed tomography (CT) incidentally revealed a 7-mm cystic lesion in segment 8 of the liver. From 2012 to 2017, the cystic lesion kept increasing in size, reaching 17 mm. In 2017, CT also revealed a 13-mm mural nodule in the cyst wall. Therefore, the patient was referred to our department for possible malignancy.

We suspected a branch-type IPNB; however, the mass was small and diagnosis could not be made without performing biopsy. Accordingly, surgical resection was performed for diagnosis and treatment. Because branch-type IPNB might show horizontal spread through the intrahepatic bile duct, we believed that anatomical resection of the liver was appropriate considering the malignant potential of the lesion. Therefore, laparoscopic anatomical resection of segment 8 of the liver was performed. The resected tumor measured 17 mm and was histologically diagnosed as a high-grade IPNB.

Conclusion

Branch-type IPNBs are rare but can potentially lead to malignant tumors. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, with laparoscopic anatomical resection being a good treatment option for this small tumor.

Benefits and limitations of middle bile duct segmental resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a standardized strategy for patients with middle and distal bile duct cancers. The aim of this study was to compare clinicopathological features of bile duct segmental resection (BDR) with PD in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Consecutive cases with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent BDR (n = 21) or PD (n = 84) with achievement of R0 or R1 resection in Kobe University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2016 were enrolled in the present study.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent PD were significantly younger than those receiving BDR. The frequency of preoperative jaundice, biliary drainage and cholangitis was not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of surgery was longer and there was more intraoperative bleeding in the PD than in the BDR group (553 vs. 421 min, and 770 vs. 402 mL; both P<0.01). More major complications (>Clavien-Dindo IIIa) were observed in the PD group (46% vs. 10%, P<0.01). Postoperative hospital stay was also longer in that group (30 vs. 19 days, P = 0.02). Pathological assessment revealed that tumors were less advanced in the BDR group but the rate of lymph node metastasis was similar in both groups (33% in BDR and 48% in PD, P = 0.24). The rate of R0 resection was significantly higher in the PD group (80% vs. 38%, P<0.01). Adjuvant chemotherapy was more frequently administered to patients in the BDR group (62% vs. 38%, P = 0.04). Although 5-year overall survival rates were similar in both groups (44% for BDR and 51% for PD, P = 0.72), in patients with T1 and T2, the BDR group tended to have poorer prognosis (44% vs. 68% at 5-year, P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

BDR was comparable in prognosis to PD in middle bile duct cancer. Less invasiveness and lower morbidity of BDR justified this technique for selected patients in a poor general condition.

Comparison of the effects of adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy for resected biliary tract cancer

Background

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) have a poor prognosis even after curative resection because of frequent local and distant recurrences. Therefore, the importance of adjuvant therapy in BTC has been advocated to improve outcomes. However, the choice of adjuvant therapy is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and chemotherapy on resected BTC.

Methods

We analyzed 92 patients who had curatively resected BTC and had received adjuvant CCRT or chemotherapy from January 2000 to December 2017 at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center.

Results

Of the patients, 46 received adjuvant CCRT and 46 received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) for the adjuvant CCRT and chemotherapy groups were 13.8 and 11.2 months (p = 0.014), respectively. The median overall survival (OS) for the adjuvant CCRT and chemotherapy groups were 30.1 and 26.0 months (p = 0.222), respectively. Adjuvant CCRT had significantly better RFS and numerically higher OS than did chemotherapy. For subgroups with no lymph node (LN) involvement (RFS p = 0.006, OS p = 0.420) or negative resection margins (RFS p = 0.042, OS p = 0.098), adjuvant CCRT led to significantly longer RFS and numerically higher OS than did chemotherapy. For multivariate analysis, the pattern of adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy vs. CCRT, p = 0.004, HR 2.351), histologic grade (poor vs. well, p = 0.023, HR 4.793), and LN involvement (p = 0.028, HR 1.912) were the significant prognostic factors for RFS.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the superiority of adjuvant CCRT over chemotherapy for improving RFS in curatively resected BTC.

Comparison of the clinical results of surgical resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma and mid-to-distal cholangiocarcinoma

Backgrounds/Aims

Hilar cholangiocarcinomas (HLC) are known to have worse prognoses than mid-to-distal cholangiocarcinomas (CBDC). We analyzed the clinical results of surgical resections for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas to validate the differences in the prognoses of HLC and CBDC.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty-one patients underwent curative surgical resections for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas at the Department of Surgery in the Korea Cancer Center Hospital. Among them, we analyzed the T2 and T3 patients and compared the clinical results between those with HLC (n=74) and those with CBDC (n=65).

Results

The rate of R1 resections was significantly higher in the HLC patients compared to the CBDC patients (31.1% vs 12.3%, p=0.006). The overall survival rate of the T2/T3 patients was lower in the HLC group than in the CBDC group (24.5% vs 51.7, p=0.039). The recurrence-free survival rate was 23.3% in the HCL patients and 50.9% in the CBDC patients (p=0.06). In the subgroup analysis, the survival rates were not different in patients who had lymph node metastases or in patients who underwent R1 resections between the HLC and CBDC patients. Poor independent prognostic factors for the overall and recurrence-free survival rates in the T2/T3 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients were the presence of lymph node metastases and the hilar locations of tumor.

Conclusions

HLC patients had poorer prognoses than CBDC patients. However, in patients with lymph node metastases, the prognosis was poor and was not different between the HLC and CBDC patients. Other adjuvant treatment methods are needed for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with lymph node metastases to improve their prognoses.

Does high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ of the biliary duct margin affect the prognosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma? A meta-analysis

Background

High-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (HGD/CIS) of the biliary duct margin was found to not affect the prognosis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by recent studies, but it has not yet reached a conclusion.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched by PubMed, PMC, MedLine, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, from Jan. 1, 2000 to Jun. 30, 2019, investigating the influences of surgical margin status of biliary duct on the prognosis of patients with resectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Overall survival (OS) and local recurrence were evaluated by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 11 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 1734 patients in the R0 group, 194 patients in the HGD/CIS group, and 229 patients in the invasive carcinoma (INV) group. The pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 0.98 (95% CI 0.65~1.50), 1.01 (95% CI 0.73~1.41), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.72~1.34), respectively. The pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 1.83 (95% CI 1.09~3.06), 4.52 (95% CI 2.20~9.26), and 3.74 (95% CI 2.34~5.96), respectively. Subgroup analysis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at early stage showed that the pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 0.54 (95% CI 0.21~1.36), 0.75 (95% CI 0.35~1.58), and 0.74 (95% CI 0.40~1.37), respectively, and the pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 3.47 (95% CI 1.09~11.02), 9.12 (95% CI 2.98~27.93), and 9.17 (95% CI 2.95~28.55), respectively. However, the pooled OR for the incidence of local recurrence between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 3.54 (95% CI 1.66~7.53), and the pooled OR for the incidence of local recurrence between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 0.93 (95% CI 0.50~1.74).

Conclusion

With the current data, we concluded that HGD/CIS would increase the risk of local recurrence compared with R0, although it did not affect the prognosis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma regardless of TNM stage. However, the conclusion needs to be furtherly confirmed.

A rare case of symptomatic grossly-visible biliary intraepithelial neoplasia mimicking cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) is often distinguished by what it is not: the precancerous lesions are not mass-forming, are not the cause of bile duct obstruction, and are small enough (less than 5 mm long) to evade detection by the naked eye. Here, we describe an atypical case of BilIN resembling cholangiocarcinoma (CC) that was large enough to be identified by diagnostic imaging and presented with obstructive jaundice caused by a hematoma in the common bile duct (CBD).

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man presented to our hospital with upper abdominal pain and anorexia. Initial laboratory examinations revealed increased total bilirubin and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a dilated CBD. Gastroenterologists performed an endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), which revealed that the cause of obstructive jaundice was a hematoma in the CBD. Enhanced CT scan and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) performed after the hematoma was drained showed improved dilation of the CBD and an enhanced wall thickness of bile duct measuring 25 × 10 mm at the union of the cystic and common hepatic ducts. A cholangioscope detected an elevated tumor covered by sludge in the CBD, and we performed an extrahepatic bile duct resection and cholecystectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful and the pathological examination of the resected tumor revealed that although the ulcerated lesion had inflammatory granulation tissue, it did not contain the components of invasive carcinoma. Many consecutive intraepithelial micropapillary lesions spread around the ulcerated lesion, and the epithelial cells showed an increased nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, nuclear hyperchromasia, and architectural atypia. The pathological diagnosis was BilIN-1 to -2. Immunohistochemical staining showed that S100P was slightly expressed and MUC5AC was positive, while MUC1 was negative and p53 was not overexpressed.

Conclusion

We experienced an atypical case of BilIN mimicking CC that presented with obstructive jaundice caused by a hematoma in the CBD. Our case suggested that the occurrence of BilIN can be triggered by factors other than inflammation, and can grow to a size large enough to be detected by image analyses.

Predictive performance of Blumgart T staging for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in a Japanese center

BACKGROUND

The Blumgart system has been used for local tumor assessment in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma to predict resectability and survival, and T3 tumors are considered unresectable disease. The aim was to validate the predictive performance of this system using a Japanese cohort.

METHODS

Medical records of consecutive patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Resectability, surgical procedure, R0 resection rate, and survival were compared among T stages.

RESULTS

Among 729 study patients, 191 patients had T1 tumors, 94 patients had T2 tumors, and 444 (60.9%) patients had T3 tumors according to the Blumgart T stage. Resection was performed in 513 (70.4%) patients; resectability rate decreased with the progression of T stage: 89.0% in T1, 79.8% in T2, and 60.4% in T3 tumors (P < 0.001). The incidences of left hepatic trisectionectomy and portal vein resection were 44.0% and 54.1%, respectively, in patients with T3 tumors, which were significantly greater than those of T1/2 tumors (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). R0 resection reduced with advanced T stage: 92.4% in T1, 81.3% in T2, and 70.9% in T3 tumors (P < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate was 53.4%, 38.4%, and 19.7% in T1, T2, and T3 tumors, respectively (P < 0.001); that was 59.6%, 48.6%, and 30.7%, respectively, in the resected cohort (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Blumgart T stage was closely associated with the resectability rate, surgical procedures, R0 resection rate, and survival time, suggesting that the T stage works as well as a presurgical staging system. However, the unresectable classification of T3 tumors should be revised.

Our Rationale of Initiating Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Proposal of Criteria for "Borderline Resectable" in the Field of Surgery for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The concept of "borderline resectable" was recently introduced to the field of surgery for pancreatic cancer, and surgical outcomes for this disease with extremely dismal prognosis have improved since the introduction of this concept. However, no such concept has yet been introduced to the field of surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCca).

AIM

To determine a definition and criteria for "borderline resectable" in the field of surgery for HCca.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 88 patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for HCca at our institution between May 1992 and December 2008 to clarify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Survival outcomes were obtained for these 88 patients, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 31.8%. Independent factors predictive of cancer death were determined by multivariate analysis to be the presence of regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) and pathological confirmed vascular invasion (VI). Cumulative survival rates of 23 patients with both LNM and VI who underwent surgery were significantly worse than those of the remaining 65 surgically treated patients and similar to those of 26 patients who were considered to have unresectable disease and treated with non-surgical multidisciplinary treatment during the same study period.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of surgery for cases of HCca showing regional LNM and VI were no better than those of non-surgical treatment for unresectable disease. Coexistence of these two factors indicates oncologically dismal condition and thus such cases should be considered "borderline resectable." Treatments additional to surgery are required for "borderline resectable" cases to obtain better outcomes.

Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Forceps Biopsy and Endoscopic Scraper for the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Extrahepatic Biliary Stricture

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) has become a widely-used technique in diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures, enabling optical viewing of the biliary system and targeted biopsies under direct vision. The diagnostic utility of the new endoscopic scraper, Trefle^®, for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) has also been reported. However, the diagnostic utility of POCS-guided and Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC has never been compared empirically. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for diagnosing ECC compared with POCS-guided tissue sampling. Methods: Patients who underwent Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition or POCS-guided forceps biopsy to differentiate ECC from benign biliary disease between April 2014 and March 2018 were enrolled retrospectively. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy based on pathological evaluation. We also compared adverse events associated with Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition with those of POCS-guided forceps biopsy. Results: We enrolled 34 patients with biliary disease and performed Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided forceps biopsy in 14 and 20 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition were 87.5%, 83.3%, and 85.7%, respectively, and for POCS-guided forceps biopsy, these were 90.0% each. Statistical values of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and POCS-guided tissue acquisition were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition and the POCS-guided forceps biopsy (35.7% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.770). Compared with patients who underwent POCS procedure, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed for fewer patients who underwent Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The diagnostic ability of Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition for ECC is similar to that of POCS-guided tissue acquisition. Trefle^®-assisted tissue acquisition might also help to preserve the sphincter of Oddi and its digestive function.

Radiation therapy for extrahepatic bile duct cancer: Current evidences and future perspectives

Extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EBDC) is a rare malignancy that involves neoplastic changes extending from both hepatic ducts to the common bile duct. The treatment of choice is surgical resection, but the predominant pattern of initial treatment failure is locoregional recurrence. Accordingly, adjuvant radiotherapy has been administered after surgical resection based on these rationales. At this time, there is minimal evidence supporting adjuvant radiotherapy, because there have been no phase III trials evaluating its benefit. Relatively small retrospective studies have tried to compare outcomes associated with EBDC treated with or without radiotherapy. We aimed to review studies investigating adjuvant radiotherapy for resected EBDC. Because less than one-third of EBDC cases are amenable to curative resection at diagnosis, other locoregional treatment modalities need to be considered, including radiotherapy. The next aim of this review was to summarize reports of definitive radiotherapy for unresectable EBDC. Patients with advanced EBDC often experience biliary obstruction, which can lead to jaundice and progress to death. Biliary stent insertion is an important palliative procedure, but stents are prone to occlusion after subsequent ingrowth of the EBDC. Radiotherapy can be effective for maintaining the patency of inserted stents. We also reviewed the benefit of palliative radiotherapy combined with the biliary stent insertion. Lastly, we discuss the existing gaps in the evidence supporting radiotherapy in the management of EBDC.

Cholangiographic Tumor Classification for Simple Patient Selection Prior to Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy for Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is employed for patients with laterally advanced cholangiocarcinoma. However, the survival benefit of this extended approach remains controversial. The aim of this study is to identify a tumor feature benefiting from HPD from the standpoint of long-term survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent HPD with curative intent between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were radiologically classified by preoperative cholangiogram. Diffuse type was defined as significant tumor/stricture located from the hilar to intrapancreatic duct; localized type was defined as tumor otherwise. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify prognostic indicators.

RESULTS

Of 100 study patients, 28 (28%) patients had diffuse tumor type, while the remaining 72 (72%) patients had localized tumors. The former group showed significantly longer lateral length (43 versus 22 mm, P < 0.001) and more frequent pancreatic invasion (50% versus 32%, P = 0.110), advanced T classification (64% versus 49%, P = 0.185), and nodal metastasis (57% versus 47%, P = 0.504), compared with the latter group. The survival for patients with diffuse tumor type was significantly worse than that for patients with localized tumor type, with 5-year survival rates of 59.0% versus 26.3%, respectively (P = 0.003). Multivariable analysis identified four independent factors deteriorating long-term survival: cholangiographic diffuse tumor (P = 0.021), higher age (P = 0.020), percutaneous biliary drainage (P = 0.007), and portal vein resection (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Presurgical cholangiographic classification, diffuse or localized type, is a tumor-related factor closely associated with survival probability; therefore, it may be a useful feature for patient selection prior to HPD for cholangiocarcinoma.

Prognostic comparison of the longitudinal margin status in distal bile duct cancer: R0 on first bile duct resection versus R0 after additional resection

BACKGROUND

This study investigated survival differences following intra-operative frozen-section examination of bile duct resection margins and final longitudinal margin status (LMS) in distal bile duct cancer (BDC).

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-three patients underwent Whipple's operation for curative resection of distal BDC from 2008 to 2016. Patients were sorted into two and three groups according to LMS of the frozen-sections and the final pathological specimen results: R0 on first bile duct resection (primary R0), R0 after additional resection (secondary R0), and no evidence of residual carcinoma (FR0), carcinoma in situ or high-grade dysplasia (FR1-CIS/HGD), or invasive carcinoma (FR1-INV). Survival and prognostic factors according to LMS were analyzed.

RESULTS

The final R0 ratio increased from 82.3% to 90.1% through additional resection. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of primary and secondary R0 were 60.8%, 46.1% (P = 0.969). And disease-free survival of primary and secondary R0 were 54.6%, 54.9% (P = 0.903). The 5-year OS after FR0, FR1-CIS/HGD, FR1-INV were 59.3%, 59.5%, 14.3% (P = 0.842). LMS of the bile duct was an independent prognostic factor by multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

If R0 of final LMS was achieved, it would help to improve survival regardless of R0 through additional resection. And, it should be avoided remaining invasive cancer at the longitudinal margin whenever possible.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration for Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Safe Tissue Sampling Modality

Few studies have compared the diagnostic utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) tissue sampling for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of EUS-FNA for diagnosing ECC compared with ERCP tissue sampling. Patients who underwent EUS-FNA or ERCP tissue sampling to differentiate ECC from benign biliary disease were enrolled retrospectively between October 2011 and March 2017. We evaluated diagnostic performances of EUS-FNA and ERCP tissue sampling based on pathological evaluation. We compared adverse events in EUS-FNA and ERCP tissue sampling. We enrolled 73 patients with biliary disease and performed EUS-FNA and ERCP in 19 and 54 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ERCP tissue sampling were 76.0%, 100%, and 88.9%, respectively, and for EUS-FNA these were 81.8%, 87.5%, and 84.2%, respectively. Statistical values of ERCP tissue sampling and EUS-FNA were not significantly different. The adverse event frequency of EUS-FNA was significantly lower than that of ERCP tissue sampling (0% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.033). The diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA for ECC is similar to that of ERCP tissue sampling. EUS-FNA is a safer tissue sampling modality than ERCP for evaluating biliary disease.