Concomitant hepatic artery resection for advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a case-control study with propensity score matching

The Short- and Long-Term Surgical Results of Consecutive Hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy for Wide-Spread Biliary Malignancy

BACKGROUND

Cancer-free resection (R0) is one of the most important factors for the long-term survival of biliary carcinoma. For some patients with widespread invasive cancer located between the hilar and intrapancreatic bile duct, hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy (HPD) is considered a radical surgery for R0 resection. However, HPD is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, previous reports have not shown lymph node metastasis (LNM) status, such as the location or number, which could influence the prognosis after HPD. In this study, first, we explored the prognostic factors for survival, and second, we evaluated whether the LNM status (number and location of LNM) would influence the decision on surgical indications in patients with widely spread biliary malignancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 54 patients who underwent HPD with hepatectomy in ≥2 liver sectors from January 2003 to December 2021 (HPD-G). We also evaluated 54 unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who underwent chemotherapy from January 2010 to December 2021 (CTx-G).

RESULTS

R0 resection was performed in 48 patients (89%). The median survival time (MST) and 5-year overall survival rate of the HPD-G and CTx-G groups were 36.9 months and 31.1%, and 19.6 months and 0%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that pathological portal vein involvement was an independent prognostic factor for survival (MST: 18.9 months). Additionally, patients with peripancreatic LNM had worse prognoses (MST: 13.3 months) than CTx-G.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with peripancreatic LNM or PV invasion might be advised to be excluded from surgery-first indications for HPD.

Short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of combined major vessel resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a propensity score analysis

Purpose

In the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), combined resection of important hepatic vessels remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative complications and prognosis of combined and non-combined major vessel resections in patients undergoing radical resection for HCCA.

Methods

In this study, patients with HCCA who underwent curative resection between January 2007 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. Postoperative complications and prognosis between the groups were compared using propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

There were 310 patients included in this study. The portal vein resection (PVR) and hepatic artery resection (HAR) groups had a higher incidence of postoperative complications than the control group. Patients in the HAR group had an increased risk of abdominal and pleural effusion after surgery. Patients who underwent combined PVR had better overall survival (OS; P = 0.020) and disease-free survival (DFS; P = 0.020). After curative-intent resection, patients in the HAR group had improved OS (P = 0.027) and DFS (P = 0.023). The postoperative complications of combined vascular resection (VR) did not worsen long-term survival for patients.

Conclusion

In patients with HCCA, combined VR improved prognosis. The postoperative complications of combined VR do not worsen patient survival. Therefore, radical surgical resection is recommended.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with arterial resection

BACKGROUND

With the advances in multimodality treatment, an analysis of the outcome of arterial resections (AR) in surgery of cholangiocarcinoma is lacking. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the currently available evidence onof AR for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

10 retrospective cohort studies published from 2007 to 2020 with 2530 patients (408 AR group and 2122 control group) were identified. Higher in-hospital mortality rates (6.8% vs 3.3%, OR 2.65, 95% CI [1.27; 5.32], p = 0.009), higher morbidity rates (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥3 ) (52% vs 47%, OR 1.44, 95% CI [1.02; 1.75], p = 0.04) and lower 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates (54% vs 69%, OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.34; 0.91 p = 0.02), (34% vs 38%, OR 0.74, 95% CI [0.55; 0.98, p = 0.03), (18% vs 29%, OR 0.54, 95% CI [0.39; 0.75, p = 0.0002) were observed in the AR group when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from non-randomized studies shows a higher morbidity and mortality and shorter long-term survival in patients undergoing AR. However, the results are prone to selection bias, and only randomized trials comparing AR and palliative treatments AR might reveal a possible benefit of AR.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID 223396.

Effects of portal vein resection and hepatic artery resection on long-term survival in Klatskin tumor: a meta-analysis

Background

Surgical treatment is currently the only way to achieve the clinical cure for Klatskin tumor. However, whether combined vascular resection should be combined during surgeries is still controversial. The aim of this article was to analyze the effect of portal vein resection (PVR) and hepatic artery resection (HAR) on the long-term survival after surgery for Klatskin tumor.

Methods

Articles about Klatskin tumor with PVR and HAR, which were published from 2000 to 2020, were searched using PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO. HR with a 95% CI of overall survival, recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival, 3- and 5-year survival rate, and median survival time were reported to evaluate prognosis.

Results

A total of 17 articles were included. The total case number of these studies was 3150 (685 in the PVR group, 345 in the HAR group, and 2120 in the control group). Survival analyses showed that both vascular resection types were poor prognostic factors (PVR: HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.24–1.81, P < 0.001; HAR: HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.26–2.24, P < 0.001; the pooled effect size of the two groups: HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.32–1.82, P < 0.001). In general, the analyses of 3- and 5-year survival and median survival time showed that both vascular resection types tended to be poor prognostic factors, but most of recent researches showed that the PVR did not lead to a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

PVR should be used when necessary to achieve R0 resection of Klatskin tumor and improve the long-term survival of patients. Whether HAR should be performed or not is still need to be evaluated.

Liver Resection for Type IV Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Left or Right Trisectionectomy?

How the side of an extended liver resection impacts the postoperative prognosis of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is still controversial. We compared the outcomes of right (RTS) and left trisectionectomies (LTS) in Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV PHC resection. All patients undergoing RTS or LTS for BC type IV PHC in a single tertiary center between January 2012 and December 2019 were compared retrospectively. The endpoints were perioperative outcomes, long-term overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Among 67 hepatic resections for BC type IV PHC, 25 (37.3%) were LTS and 42 (63.7%) were RTS. Portal vein and artery resection rates were 40% and 52.4% (p = 0.29), and 24% and 0% (p < 0.001) in the LTS and RTS groups, respectively. The severe complication (Clavien−Dindo > IIIa) rate was comparable (36% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.357) while the postoperative liver failure (POLF) rate was lower in the LTS group (16% vs. 38%, p = 0.048). The R0 resection rate was similar between groups (81% vs. 92%; p = 0.154). The five-year OS rate was higher in the LTS group (66% vs. 30%, p = 0.009) while DFS was comparable (43% vs. 18%, p = 0.11). Based on multivariable analysis, the side of the trisectionectomy was an independent predictor of OS. Compared with RTS, LTS is associated with lower POLF and higher overall survival despite more frequent arterial reconstructions in type IV PHC. Although technically more demanding, LTS may be preferred in the treatment of advanced PHC.

Concomitant Hepatic Artery Resection for Advanced Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Narrative Review

Simple Summary

In the eighth edition of their cancer classification system, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) defines contralateral hepatic artery invasion as T4, which is considered unresectable as it is a “locally advanced” tumour. However, in the last decade, several reports on hepatic artery resection (HAR) for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) have been published. The reported five-year survival rate after HAR is 16–38.5%. Alternative procedures for the treatment of HAR have also been reported. In this paper, we review HAR for PHCC, focusing on its history, diagnosis, procedures, and alternative procedures.

Abstract

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) is one of the most intractable gastrointestinal malignancies. These tumours lie in the core section of the biliary tract. Patients who undergo curative surgery have a 40–50-month median survival time, and a five-year overall survival rate of 35–45%. Therefore, curative intent surgery can lead to long-term survival. PHCC sometimes invades the surrounding tissues, such as the portal vein, hepatic artery, perineural tissues around the hepatic artery, and hepatic parenchyma. Contralateral hepatic artery invasion is classed as T4, which is considered unresectable due to its “locally advanced” nature. Recently, several reports have been published on concomitant hepatic artery resection (HAR) for PHCC. The morbidity and mortality rates in these reports were similar to those non-HAR cases. The five-year survival rate after HAR was 16–38.5%. Alternative procedures for arterial portal shunting and non-vascular reconstruction (HAR) have also been reported. In this paper, we review HAR for PHCC, focusing on its history, diagnosis, procedures, and alternatives. HAR, undertaken by established biliary surgeons in selected patients with PHCC, can be feasible.

Predictive model for the intraoperative unresectability of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Reducing futile surgical exploration

Introduction

Surgical exploration is widely performed in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), but the intraoperative resectability rate is only 60%-80%. Exploration substantially increases pain and mental stress, and the costs and length of hospital stay are considerably increased. Identifying preoperative risk factors associated with unresectability could decrease unnecessary exploration.

Materials and methods

In total, 440 HCCA patients from multiple centers were enrolled. Those receiving surgical exploration were divided into the resected and unresected groups. Morphological variables including Bismuth classification, lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion were obtained from radiological exams. Logistic regression for the training cohort was used to identify risk factors for unresectability, and a nomogram was constructed to calculate the unresectability rate. A calibration curve assessed the power of the nomogram.

Results

Among 311 patients receiving surgical exploration, 45 (14.7%) were unresectable by intraoperative judgment. Compared with the resected group, unresected patients had similar costs (p = 0.359) and lengths of hospital stay (p = 0.439). Multivariable logistic regression of the training cohort (235 patients) revealed that CA125, Bismuth-Corlette type IV, lymph node metastasis and hepatic artery invasion were risk factors for unresectability. Liver atrophy (p = 0.374) and portal vein invasion (p = 0.114) were not risk factors. The nomogram was constructed based on the risk factors. The concordance index (C-index) values of the calibration curve for predicting the unresectability rate of the training and validation (76 patients) cohorts were 0.900 (95% CI, 0.835–0.966) and 0.829 (95% CI, 0.546–0.902), respectively.

Conclusion

Analysis of preoperative factors could reveal intraoperative unresectability and reduce futile surgical explorations, ultimately benefiting HCCA patients.

Vascular Resection in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Among the cholangiocarcinomas, the most common type is perihilar (phCC), accounting for approximately 60% of cases, after which are the distal and then intrahepatic forms. There is no staging system that allows for a comparison of all series and extraction of conclusions that increase the long-term survival rate of this dismal disease. The extension of the resection, which theoretically depends on the type of phCC, is not a closed subject. As surgery is the only known way to achieve a cure, many aggressive approaches have been adopted. Despite extended liver resections and even vascular resections, margins are positive in around one third of patients. In the past two decades, with advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques, surgical outcomes and survival rates have gradually improved, although variability is the rule, with morbidity and mortality rates ranging from 14% to 76% and from 0% to 19%, respectively. Extended hepatectomies and portal vein resection, or even right hepatic artery reconstruction for the left side tumors are frequently needed. Salvage procedures when arterial reconstruction is not feasible, as well as hepatopancreatoduodenectomy, are still under evaluation too. In this article, we discuss the aggressive surgical approach to phCC focused on vascular resection. Disparate results on the surgical treatment of phCC made it impossible to reach clear-cut conclusions.

Transhepatic Direct Approach to the "Limit of the Division of the Hepatic Ducts" Leads to a High R0 Resection Rate in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that curative resection (R0 resection) was among the most crucial factors for the long-term survival of patients with PHCC. To achieve R0 resection, we performed the transhepatic direct approach and resection on the limits of division of the hepatic ducts. Although a recent report showed that the resection margin (RM) status impacted PHCC patients' survival, it is still unclear whether RM is an important clinical factor.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technique of transhepatic direct approach and resection on the limit of division of hepatic ducts, investigate its short-term surgical outcome, and validate whether the radial margin (RM) would have a clinical impact on long-term survival of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) patients.

METHODS

Consecutive PHCC patients (n = 211) who had undergone major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection, without pancreaticoduodenectomy, in our department were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

R0 resection rate was 92% and 86% for invasive cancer-free and both invasive cancer-free and high-grade dysplasia-free resection, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate was 46.9%. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen level (> 7.0 mg/dl), pathological lymph node metastasis, and portal vein invasion were independent risk factors, but R status on both resection margin and bile duct margin was not an independent risk factor for survival.

CONCLUSION

The transhepatic direct approach to the limits of division of the bile ducts leads to the highest R0 resection rate in the horizontal margin of PHCC. Further examination will be needed to determine the adjuvant therapy for PHCC to improve patient survival.

Major hepatectomy with combined vascular resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Hepatectomy with vascular resection (VR) for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) is a challenging procedure. However, only a few reports on this procedure have been published and its clinical significance has not been fully evaluated.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgical resection for PHCC from 2002–2017 were studied. The surgical outcomes of VR and non-VR groups were compared.

Results

Some 238 patients were included. VR was performed in 85 patients. The resected vessels were hepatic artery alone (31 patients), portal vein alone (37 patients) or both (17 patients). The morbidity rates were almost the same in the VR (49.4 per cent) and non-VR (43.8 per cent) groups (P = 0.404). The mortality rates of VR (3.5 per cent) and non-VR (3.3 per cent) were also comparable (P > 0.999). The median survival time (MST) was 45 months in the non-VR group and 36 months in VR group (P = 0.124). Among patients in whom tumour involvement was suspected on preoperative imaging and whose carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) value was 37 U/ml or less, MST in the VR group was significantly longer than that in the non-VR group (50 versus 34 months, P = 0.017). In contrast, when the CA19-9 value was greater than 37 U/ml, MST of the VR and non-VR groups was comparable (28 versus 29 months, P = 0.520).

Conclusion

Hepatectomy with VR for PHCC can be performed in a highly specialized hepatobiliary centre with equivalent short- and long-term outcomes to hepatectomy without VR.

External validation study of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center experience in China and proposal for simplification

Background

Several changes have been made to the primary tumor (T) and lymph node (N) categories in the new 8^th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). This study was conducted to validate the 8^th edition of the AJCC staging system for pCCA in China.

Methods

A total of 335 patients who underwent curative-intent resection for pCCA between January 2010 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The overall survival (OS) of groups of patients was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test was used to compare OS between groups. The concordance index (C-index), Akaike information criteria (AIC), and time-dependent area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were computed to evaluate the discriminatory power of the 8^th and 7^th editions of the AJCC staging system.

Results

The T category changed in 25 (7.5%) patients, the N category changed in 39 (11.6%) patients, and the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage changed in 157 (46.9%) patients when the 8^th and 7^th editions were compared. No statistically significant difference in survival was observed between T2aN0M0 and T2bN0M0. The C-index of the 8^th edition was 0.609 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.568-0.650], which was slightly higher than that of the 7^th edition (C-index, 0.599, 95% CI: 0.558-0.640). The time-dependent AUC value also corroborated that the 8^th edition had a better performance than the 7^th edition.

Conclusions

The 8^th edition of the AJCC staging system for pCCA showed a better ability than the 7^th edition to discriminate patient survival. However, further simplification of the 8^th edition is still needed.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Simultaneous Hepatic Artery Resection and Reconstruction for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Introduction

Because surgical resection with simultaneous hepatic artery (HA) resection and reconstruction for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is technically demanding, the surgical indication for this challenging procedure is controversial. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous HA resection and reconstruction for PHC.

Methods

Between January 2002 and January 2018, 13 patients with PHC underwent surgical intervention with simultaneous resection and reconstruction of the HA at Yamaguchi University Hospital (Ube, Japan) and Osaka University Hospital (Suita, Japan).

Results

There were 2 cases (15.4%) of 90-day postoperative mortality. Nine patients (69.2%) developed major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa). Curative resections (R0) were achieved in 8 cases (61.5%). The median survival time (MST) and 1- and 3-year survival rates after resection (including in-hospital deaths) were 20.9 months and 61.5 and 10.3%, respectively. The MST and 1- and 2-year survival rates of 8 patients who underwent R0 resection were significantly better than those of the other 5 patients (24.2 vs. 10.2 months, 75.0 vs. 40.0%, and 50.0 vs. 0.0%, respectively, p = 0.0228).

Conclusions

Simultaneous HA resection and reconstruction is technically possible and may provide long-term survival in selected patients with locally advanced PHC.

Combined Vascular Resection for Locally Advanced Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined vascular resection (VR) in advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Hepatectomy combined with portal vein resection (PVR) and/or hepatic artery resection (HAR) is technically demanding but an option only for tumor eradication against PHC involving the hilar hepatic inflow vessels; however, its efficacy and safety have not been well evaluated.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with PHC during 2001-2018 were included. Patients who underwent resection were divided according to combined VR. Patients undergoing VR were subdivided according to type of VR. Postoperative outcomes and OS were compared between patient groups.

RESULTS

Among the 1055 consecutive patients, 787 (75%) underwent resection (without VR: n = 484, PVR: n = 157, HAR: n = 146). The incidences of postoperative complications and mortality were 49% (without VR vs with VR, 48% vs 50%; P= 0.715) and 2.1% (without VR vs with VR, 1.2% vs 3.6%; P= 0.040), respectively. The OS of patients who underwent resection with VR (median, 30 months) was shorter than that of those who underwent resection without VR (median, 61 months; P < 0.0001); however, it was longer than that of those who did not undergo resection (median, 10 months; P < 0.0001). OS was not significantly different between those who underwent PVR and those who underwent HAR (median, 29 months vs 34 months; P = 0.517).

CONCLUSION

VR salvages a large number of patients from having locally advanced PHC that is otherwise unresectable and is recommended if the hilar hepatic inflow vessels are reconstructable, providing acceptable surgical outcomes and substantial survival benefits.

Conversion surgery for initially unresectable biliary malignancies: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Few studies have focused on conversion surgery for biliary malignancy; thus, it is not clear if this treatment modality can extend the survival of patients with unresectable biliary malignancy. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study to evaluate the surgical outcomes of conversion surgery in this setting and analyze long-term survival.

METHODS

We collected clinical data retrospectively on patients who underwent conversion surgery for biliary malignancy.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients met our inclusion criteria. Preoperative chemotherapy regimens or chemoradiation therapy regimens were administered based on the institutional criteria, and surgical procedures were chosen based on tumor location. Morbidity occurred in 16 patients (66.7%), and 1 patient died of liver failure after surgery. The overall 5-year survival rate following initial therapy was 43.2%, and the median survival time was 57.4 months. The corresponding values following surgery were 38.2% and 34.3 months, respectively. The 5-year survival rate of the 24 patients who received both chemotherapy and surgery was significantly better than that of 110 patients treated with chemotherapy only (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Conversion surgery for initially unresectable biliary malignancies may be feasible and achieve long-term survival for selected patients.

Surgical Outcomes for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Vascular Invasion

PURPOSE

To investigate short- and long-term surgical outcomes for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and vascular invasion.

METHODS

Data from 249 patients who underwent perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient evaluations included short-term surgical outcomes following vascular resection and long-term outcomes in cases with histopathological vascular invasion.

RESULTS

Mortality was 3.6% overall; 16% for hepatic artery resections, 5.4% for portal vein resections, and 1.7% in the absence of vascular resection (p = 0.029). No between-group differences were observed in the incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications. The factors related to perioperative mortality were hepatic artery resection (odds ratio [OR] = 25.5), right trisectionectomy (OR = 13.0), and central bisectionectomy (OR = 13.8). Multivariate analysis for overall survival identified several prognostic factors: carcinoembryonic antigen level ≥ 5 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.68), poor differentiation (HR = 2.39), distant metastasis (HR = 1.97), and R1 invasive resection (HR = 2.13). Five-year overall survival for patients with portal vein invasion and M0R0/1cis was 35.6%, significantly worse than the 53.4% for patients with no portal vein invasion and M0R/1cis but better than the 0% for patients with portal vein invasion and M1 or R1. Those with hepatic arterial invasion and M0R0/1cis were 24.7%, significantly worse than the 53.4% for patients with no hepatic arterial invasion and M0R0/1cis but significantly better than the 0% for patients with hepatic arterial invasion and M1 or R1.

CONCLUSION

Short-term outcomes for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and undergoing vascular resection were poor compared to those without vascular resection. Long-term survival in R0M0 disease was more favorable; aggressive surgery is recommended.

Left Hepatectomy with Combined Resection and Reconstruction of Right Hepatic Artery for Bismuth Type I and II Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Right hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy (RHx) is considered an appropriate procedure for Bismuth type I/II perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in terms of its anatomical and oncological aspect. However, validity of left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy (LHx) concomitant with arterial resection and reconstruction (AR) is not fully evaluated.

METHODS

The patients who underwent surgical resection for Bismuth type I/II perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2002 and 2013 were studied. The standard procedure for Bismuth type I/II cholangiocarcinoma in the institute was RHx, while in patients who had insufficient functional reserve of the left liver, LHx was selected, irrespective of the necessity of AR. The clinicopathologic and perioperative outcomes after LHx + AR were compared with those after RHx.

RESULTS

The surgical procedures comprised LHx + AR in 12 and RHx in 24. The left liver volume and left liver functional reserve were significantly lower with LHx + AR than with RHx (left liver volume: 28.0 vs. 33.7%, p = 0.026; estimated indocyanine green clearance of the left liver: 0.036 vs. 0.046, p < 0.001). The rate of surgical morbidity was almost identical between the two procedures. No arterial reconstruction-related complications occurred. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates and median survival time were 66.7%, 41.7% and 44 months for LHx + AR and 70.8%, 49.0% and 57 months for RHx (p = 0.640).

CONCLUSION

LHx + AR for Bismuth type I/II perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is considered to be a valid alternative to RHx in patients with an insufficient left liver functional reserve.

Outcomes of left trisectionectomy and right hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Right hepatectomy (RH) is the standard surgical procedure for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) with right-sided predominance in many centers. Although left trisectionectomy (LT) is aggressively performed for PHC with left-sided predominance in high-volume centers, the surgical and survival outcomes of LT are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of LT and RH for PHC.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for PHC at Chiba University Hospital from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes of patients with PHC who underwent LT were compared with those who underwent RH following one-to-one propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of 171 consecutive PHC resection patients, 111 were eligible for the study; 41 (37%) underwent LT, and 70 (63%) underwent RH. In a matched cohort (LT: n = 27, RH: n = 27), major complication rates (67% vs. 52%; p = 0.42), 90-day mortality rates (15% vs. 0%; p = 0.11) and R0 resection rates (56% vs. 44%; p = 0.58) were similar in both groups. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (27% vs. 47%; p = 0.27) and overall survival rates (45% vs. 60%; p = 0.17) were also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PHC, LT could achieve similar surgical and survival outcomes as RH.

Morbidity and mortality after major liver resection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are known to be high. However, reported postoperative outcomes vary, with notable differences between Western and Asian series. We aimed to determine morbidity and mortality rates after major hepatectomy in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and assess differences in outcome regarding geographic location and hospital volume.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through November 20, 2017. Risk of bias was assessed and meta-analysis and metaregression were performed using a random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 51 studies were included, representing 4,634 patients. Pooled 30-day and 90-day mortality were 5% (95% CI 3%-6%) and 9% (95% CI 6%-12%), respectively. Pooled overall morbidity and severe morbidity were 57% (95% CI 50%-64%) and 40% (95% CI 34%-47%), respectively. Western studies compared with Asian studies had a significantly higher 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and overall morbidity: 8% versus 2% (P < .001), 12% versus 3% (P < .001), and 63% versus 54% (P = .048), respectively. This effect on mortality remained significant after correcting for hospital volume. Univariate metaregression analysis showed no influence of hospital volume on mortality or morbidity, but when corrected for geographic location, higher hospital volume was associated with higher severe morbidity (P = .039).

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and mortality rates after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are high. The Western series showed a higher mortality compared with the Asian series, even when corrected for hospital volume. Standardized reporting of outcomes is necessary. Underlying causes for differences in outcomes between Asian and Western centers, such as differences in treatment strategies, should be further analyzed.

Actual 5-Year Survivors After Surgical Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and characteristics of actual 5-year survivors after surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) have not been described previously.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for HC from 2000 to 2015 were analyzed through a multi-institutional registry from 10 U.S. academic medical centers. The clinicopathologic characteristics and both the perioperative and long-term outcomes for actual 5-year survivors were compared with those for non-survivors (patients who died within 5 years after surgery). Patients alive at last encounter who had a follow-up period shorter than 5 years were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

The study identified 257 patients with HC who underwent curative-intent resection with an actuarial 5-year survival of 19%. Of 194 patients with a follow-up period longer than 5 years, 23 (12%) were 5-year survivors. Compared with non-survivors, the 5-year survivors had a lower median pretreatment CA 19-9 level (116 vs. 34 U/L; P = 0.008) and a lower rate of lymph node involvement (42% vs. 15%; P = 0.027) and R1 margins (39% vs. 17%; P = 0.042). However, the sole presence of these factors did not preclude a 5-year survival after surgery. The frequencies of bile duct resection alone, major hepatectomy, caudate lobe resection, portal vein or hepatic artery resection, preoperative biliary sepsis, intraoperative blood transfusion, serious postoperative complications, and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

One in eight patients with HC reaches the 5-year survival milestone after resection. A 5-year survival can be achieved even in the presence of traditionally unfavorable clinicopathologic factors (elevated CA 19-9, nodal metastasis, and R1 margins).

A successfully resected case of left trisectionectomy with arterio-portal combined resection for advanced cholangiocarcinoma

•

In case of cholangiocarcinoma invading hilar vessels, adequate simulations and expert skills are required to achieve R0 resection.

Introduction

The present case report demonstrated the successfully radical operation (R0) for the highly advanced cholangiocarcinoma involving hilar hepatic arteries and portal vein, The careful preoperative diagnosis to define the adequate resection area and the expert operation was achieved without postoperative severe complications.

Presentation of case

A 55-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with obstructive jaundice, and the perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PC) was found. At the time of finding PC, enhanced computed tomography showed the widely extension and involved the surrounding right hepatic artery (RHA) and bilateral portal veins (PV). According to extension of PC, left trisectionectomy combined resection of RHA and PV trunk was scheduled. By supporting plastic surgeon’s procedure, the scheduled R0 operation could be achieved and the patient was discharged without any severe complication but delayed intrahepatic abscess formation. After abscess drainage, he could immediately recovered and tumor relapse was not observed for a couple of months. By carefully preoperative examination, a complicated operation was successfully completed.

Discussion

The major hepatectomy with arterio-portal resections and anastomosis for advanced has been challenged at the high-volume center and the improvement of survival seemed to be obtained and, however, operative risk is still remained. This operation could be achieved by the expert surgeons under precise planning or management.

Conclusion

The role of HBP surgeons is to challenge aggressive surgery even for patients with highly advanced local extension of PC.

Hepatic Artery Resection for Bismuth Type III and IV Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Is Reconstruction Always Required?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to examine the feasibility of hepatic artery resection (HAR) without subsequent reconstruction (RCS) in specified patients of Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 63 patients who underwent hepatic artery resection for Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. These patients were subsequently enrolled into two groups based on whether the artery reconstruction was conducted. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term survival outcome were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 29 patients in HAR group and 34 patients in the HAR + RCS group. Patients with hepatic artery reconstruction tended to have longer operative time (545.6 ± 143.1 min vs. 656.3 ± 192.8 min; P = 0.013) and smaller tumor size (3.0 ± 1.1 cm vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 cm; P = 0.036). The R0 resection margin was comparable between the HAR group and HAR + RCS group (86.2 vs. 85.3%; P > 0.05). Twelve patients (41.4%) with 24 complications in HAR group and 13 patients (38.2%) with 25 complications in HAR + RCS group were recorded (P = 0.799). The postoperative hepatic failure rate (13.8 vs. 5.9%) and postoperative mortality rate (3.4% vs. 2.9%) were also comparable between the two groups. In the HAR group, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 72, 41, and 19%, respectively; while in the HAR + RCS group, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 79, 45, and 25%, respectively (P = 0.928).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic artery resection without reconstruction is also a safe and feasible surgical procedure for highly selected cases of Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

5-Aminolevulinic-acid-mediated Photodynamic Diagnosis Enhances the Detection of Peritoneal Metastases in Biliary Tract Cancer in Mice

BACKGROUND/AIM

Previous studies on the accuracy of 5-aminolevulinic-acid-mediated photodynamic diagnosis (5-ALA PDD) have been reported for various cancers and brain surgery. However, biliary tract cancer is rare. Therefore, 5-ALA PDD has not been fully evaluated in biliary tract cancers. Small biliary tract cancer lesions such as peritoneal dissemination, liver metastases, and lymph node metastases are negative prognosticators in patients with biliary cancer. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if 5-ALA PDD could detect small biliary tract cancer lesions in murine models of biliary cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biliary cancer cell lines (TFK-1, HuCCT-1, G415, HuH28, SSP25, RBE, KKU055 and KKU100) and Normal human dermal fibroblast cells were used to evaluate protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation in vitro. Subcutaneous tumor mice were established using two cell lines (TFK-1 and HuCCT-1). 5-ALA (250 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and fluorescent 5ALA-PDD was performed 3 h later to evaluate tumoral PpIX accumulation. A murine peritoneal disseminated nodule model was established by intraperitoneal injection of TFK-1 cells. Four weeks later, 5-ALA was administered intraperitoneally, and 5-ALA-PDD was performed 3 h post administration to evaluate PpIX accumulation in the disseminated nodules. The presence of tumor cells in tumors and nodules was confirmed by haematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

Compared TO non-cancerous cell lines, PpIX accumulation was increased in biliary tract cancer cell lines. PpIX accumulation led to a strong fluorescent signal in all subcutaneous tumors. In the murine model of peritoneal dissemination, microdisseminated nodules (<1 mm) that could not be detected under white light were clearly visible using 5-ALA-PDD.

CONCLUSION

5-ALA PDD was useful for diagnosis of biliary tract cancer and detection of small peritoneal metastatic lesions in murine models of biliary cancers. Clinical studies and applications of 5-ALA PDD for biliary tract cancer are expected in the future.

Postoperative Liver Failure Criteria for Predicting Mortality after Major Hepatectomy with Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection

BACKGROUND

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication after major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection (Hx with EBDR) that may cause severe morbidity and even death. The purpose of this study was to compare several criteria systems as predictors of PHLF-related mortality following Hx with EBDR for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC).

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 222 patients who underwent Hx with EBDR for PHCC. We compared several criteria systems, including previously established criteria (the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criterion; and the "50-50" criterion), and our institution's novel systems "Max T-Bili" defined as total bilirubin (T-Bili) >7.3 mg/dL during post-operative days (POD) 1-7, and the "3-4-50" criterion, defined as total bilirubin >4 mg/dL and prothrombin time <50% on POD #3.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (5.8%) died from PHLF-related causes. The 3-4-50 criterion showed high positive predictive values (39.1%), the 3-4-50, Max T-Bili, and 50-50 criterion showed high accuracies (91.7, 86.9, and 90.5%, respectively) and varying sensitivities (69.2, 69.2, and 38.5% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-4-50, Max T-Bili, and 50-50 criterion were all useful for predicting PHLF-related mortality after Hx with EBDR for PHCC.

Surgical Therapy of Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced disease that is often challenging to diagnose and to treat. The optimal preoperative evaluation requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy.

METHODS

This systematic review delineates surgical treatment strategies for cholangiocarcinoma in general as well as special considerations concerning the particular tumor localization. A literature search (see keywords) was conducted using PubMed and publications between 1990 and 2016 regarding resectable and advanced cholangiocarcinoma were reviewed. Selected studies were utilized based on their significance and innovation.

RESULTS

The type and extent of resection performed depends on the location of the cholangiocarcinoma within the liver or biliary tree and the extent of local tumor invasion. The common surgical strategy contains: (i) for intrahepatic tumors: tailored partial hepatectomy combined with extended hilar, suprapancreatic, celiac axis lymphadenectomy, (ii) for hilar tumors: complete resection of the extrahepatic biliary tree combined with extended hepatectomy inclusive of segment I, resection of portal vein bifurcation, and systematic N1/N2 lymphadenectomy, and (iii) for distal tumors: en bloc pancreatoduodenectomy combined with complete resection of the extrahepatic bile duct below the hepatic confluence and systematic N1/N2 lymphadenectomy. Pathologic confirmation is not required prior to resection. Preoperative biliary drainage and remnant liver volume augmentation are necessary in selected patients with intrahepatic or hilar cholangiocarcinoma considered for extensive liver resection.

CONCLUSION

Cure for cholangiocarcinoma requires complete surgical resection with histologically negative margins. R0 resection provides a satisfactory long-term outcome in patients with lymph node-negative stage. Neoadjuvant treatment followed by liver transplantation provides long-term survival in highly selected cases with localized, unresectable, lymph node-negative hilar cholangiocarcinoma.