Curative-intent surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: prognostic factors for clinical decision making

Clinical features and prediction of long-term survival after surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) poses specific challenges not only due to its high perioperative complication rates but also due its dismal long-term prognosis with only a few long-term survivors (LTS) among the patients. Therefore, in this analysis characteristics and predictors of LTS in pCCA patients are investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this single center analysis, patients undergoing curative-intent liver resection for pCCA between 2010 and 2022 were categorized into long-term and short-term survivors (STS) excluding perioperative mortality. Binary logistic regression was used to determine key differences between the groups and to develop a prognostic composite variable. This composite variable was subsequently tested in the whole cohort of surgically treated pCCA patients using Cox Regression analysis for cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

Within a cohort of 209 individuals, 27 patients were identified as LTS (median CSS = 125 months) and 55 patients as STS (median CSS = 16 months). Multivariable analysis identified preoperative portal vein infiltration (OR = 5.85, p = 0.018) and intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions (OR = 10.29, p = 0.002) as key differences between the groups. A prognostic composite variable based on these two features was created and transferred into a Cox regression model of the whole cohort. Here, the composite variable (HR = 0.35, p<0.001), lymph node metastases (HR = 2.15, p = 0.001) and postoperative complications (HR = 3.06, p<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of CSS.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival after surgery for pCCA is possible and is strongly negatively associated with preoperative portal vein infiltration and intraoperative PRBC transfusion. As these variables are part of preoperative staging or can be modulated by intraoperative technique, the proposed prognostic composite variable can easily be transferred into clinical management to predict the oncological outcome of patients undergoing surgery for pCCA.

Comparing Survival of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma After R1 Resection Versus Palliative Chemotherapy for Unresected Localized Disease

BACKGROUND

Resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a complex procedure with a high risk of postoperative mortality and early disease recurrence. The objective of this study was to compare patient characteristics and overall survival (OS) between pCCA patients who underwent an R1 resection and patients with localized pCCA who received palliative systemic chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of pCCA between 1997-2021 were identified from the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA) registry. pCCA patients who underwent an R1 resection were compared with patients with localized pCCA (i.e., nonmetastatic) who were ineligible for surgical resection and received palliative systemic chemotherapy. The primary outcome was OS.

RESULTS

Overall, 146 patients in the R1 resection group and 92 patients in the palliative chemotherapy group were included. The palliative chemotherapy group more often underwent biliary drainage (95% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) and had more vascular encasement on imaging (70% vs. 49%, p = 0.012) and CA 19.9 was more frequently >200 IU/L (64 vs. 45%, p = 0.046). Median OS was comparable between both groups (17.1 vs. 16 months, p = 0.06). Overall survival at 5 years after diagnosis was 20.0% with R1 resection and 2.2% with chemotherapy. Type of treatment (i.e., R1 resection or palliative chemotherapy) was not an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.55-1.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative systemic chemotherapy should be considered instead of resection in patients with a high risk of both R1 resection and postoperative mortality.

Survival analysis of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of laparoscopic versus open resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) and analyzed potential prognostic factors.

METHODS

The study included patients who underwent HCCA resection at our center from March 2012 to February 2022. Perioperative complications and postoperative prognosis were compared between the laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) groups.

RESULTS

After screening 313 HCCA patients, 68 patients were eligible for the study in the LS group (n = 40) and OS group (n = 28). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that overall survival > 2 years and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were more common in the LS than OS group, but the rate of 2-year DFS was lower in the LS group than OS group. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed age (< 65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were associated with reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.380, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.150-0.940, P = 0.036; HR = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.010-0.710, P = 0.024 and HR = 0.380, 95% CI = 0.150-0.960, P = 0.040), whereas preoperative biliary drainage was an independent factor associated with increased risk of death (HR = 2.810, 95% CI = 1.130-6.950, P = 0.026). Perineuronal invasion was identified as an independent risk factor affecting DFS (HR = 5.180, 95% CI = 1.170-22.960, P = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with OS, laparoscopic HCCA resection does not significantly differ in terms of clinical efficacy. Age (<65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy reduce the risk of death, and preoperative biliary drainage increases the risk of death.

The value of total caudate lobe resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is widely considered to have a poor prognosis. In particular, combined caudate lobe resection (CLR) as a strategy for radical resection in HCCA is important for improving the R0 resection rate. However, the criteria for R0 resection, necessity of CLR, optimal extent of hepatic resection, and surgical approach are still controversial. This review aimed to summarize the findings and discuss the controversies surrounding CLR. Numerous clinical studies have shown that combined CLR treatment for HCCA improves the R0 resection rate and postoperative survival time. Whether surgery for Bismuth type I or II is combined with CLR depends on the pathological type. Considering the anatomical factors, total rather than partial CLR is recommended to achieve a higher R0 resection rate. In the resection of HCCA, a proximal ductal margin greater than or equal to 10 mm should be achieved to obtain a survival benefit. Although there is no obvious boundary between the right side (especially the paracaval portion) and the right posterior lobe of the liver, Peng's resection line can serve as a reference marker for right-sided resection. Laparoscopic resection of the caudate lobe may be safer, more convenient, accurate, and minimally invasive than open surgery, but it needs to be completed by experienced laparoscopic doctors.

Risk Factors for Negative Emotions in Patients Undergoing Radical Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma and Their Influence on Prognosis

Background

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a common malignant tumor of the biliary system. Factors such as limited physical function, intractability, and high mortality caused by the tumor lead to negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression in patients. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for negative emotions in patients undergoing radical resection of HCCA during the perioperative period and its effect on prognosis to provide strategies for alleviating the negative emotional disorders of patients and improving prognosis.

Methods

From September 2016 to August 2021, we retrospectively examined 205 patients with HCCA who underwent radical resection in our hospital. The incidence of negative emotions and the clinical parameters of patients were compared using Chi-square tests and t-tests. The independent risk factors for unfavorable feelings in patients during the perioperative period were determined using binary logistic regression. The key variables influencing the postoperative survival status of HCCA patients were identified using the log-rank univariate analysis and Cox proportional risk regression analysis.

Results

The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that perioperative negative emotions were independently influenced by family monthly income (OR = 0.069), medical insurance (OR = 0.089), family care (OR = 0.013), sleep quality (OR = 0.071), TNF-α (OR = 5.851), and bile leakage (OR = 29.412) (P < 0.05). The age of the patient (OR = 2.003), preoperative CA19-9 (OR = 2.038), lymph node metastases (OR = 2.327), and negative mood (OR = 3.054) were independent risk variables that affected the survival status of patients, as determined by the results of Cox regression analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, we found that anxiety and depression in patients undergoing radical operation of HCCA are related to family monthly income, medical insurance, sleep quality, family care, TNF-α, and bile leakage; also, negative emotions have adverse effects on prognosis.

Early postoperative decrease of skeletal muscle mass predicts recurrence and poor survival after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Preoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of poor survival in cancer patients. We hypothesized that sarcopenia could progress as occult metastasis arose, especially after highly invasive surgery for highly aggressive malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of postoperative changes in skeletal muscle mass volume with survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated from axial computed tomography images taken preoperatively and 3-6 months postoperatively (early postoperative period). The associations of clinicopathological variables, including changes of SMI after surgery, with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Moreover, the associations of decreased SMI and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level with early recurrence and poor survival was compared.

RESULTS

Among 56 patients, 26 (46%) had sarcopenia preoperatively and SMI decreased in 29 (52%) in the early postoperative period. During the median follow-up of 57.9 months, 35 patients (63%) developed recurrence and 29 (50%) died. Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period was independently associated with a shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-6.18; P = 0.049) and a shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.57; P = 0.039), whereas elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period may be used as a predictor for recurrence and poor survival in patients undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Does Caudate Resection Improve Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Curative Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Margin-negative (R0) resection is the strongest positive prognostic factor in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). Due to its anatomic location, the caudate lobe is frequently involved in PHC. This review aimed to examine the impact of caudate lobe resection (CLR) in addition to hepatectomy and bile duct resection for patients with PHC.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed from inception to October 2021 to identify studies comparing patients undergoing surgical resection with hepatectomy and bile duct resection with or without CLR for treatment of PHC. Outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving R0 resection, overall survival (OS), and perioperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Altogether, 949 studies were screened. The review included eight observational studies reporting on 1137 patients. The patients who underwent CLR had a higher likelihood of R0 resection (odds ratio [OR], 5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.64-12.95) and a better OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.54-0.79) than those who did not. The use of CLR did not increase the risk of perioperative morbidity (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.65-1.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the higher likelihood of R0 resection, improved OS, and no apparent increase in perioperative morbidity, this review supports routine caudate lobectomy in the surgical management of PHC. These results should be interpreted with caution given the lack of high-quality prospective data and the high probability of selection bias.

Actual 10-Year Survival after Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: What Factors Preclude a Chance for Cure?

Simple Summary

Long-term survival for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is rare. The median overall survival of patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for pCCA is 19 to 39 months. This multicenter study aimed to determine the cure rate and to identify clinicopathological factors that may preclude cure. Four hundred and sixty patients were included with a median follow-up of 10 years. Median OS was 29.9 months. Twenty-nine (6%) patients reached 10-year OS. The observed cure rate was 5%. Factors that virtually precluded cure (i.e., below 1%) according to the mixture cure model included age above 70, Bismuth–Corlette type IV tumors, hepatic artery reconstruction, and positive resection margins. Cure was unlikely (i.e., below 3%) in patients with positive lymph nodes or poor tumor differentiation. These factors need to be considered in patient counseling and long-term follow-up after surgery.

Abstract

Complete resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is the only potentially curative treatment. Long-term survival data is rare and prognostic analyses are hindered by the rarity of the disease. This study aimed to determine the cure rate and to identify clinicopathological factors that may preclude cure. All consecutive resections for pathologically confirmed pCCA between 2000 and 2009 in 22 centers worldwide were included in a retrospective cohort study. Each center included its retrospective data series. A total of 460 patients were included with a median follow-up of 10 years for patients alive at last follow-up. Median overall survival (OS) was 29.9 months and 10-year OS was 12.8%. Twenty-nine (6%) patients reached 10-year OS. The observed cure rate was 5%. Factors that virtually precluded cure (i.e., below 1%) according to the mixture cure model included age above 70, Bismuth-Corlette type IV tumors, hepatic artery reconstruction, and positive resection margins. Cure was unlikely (i.e., below 3%) in patients with positive lymph nodes or poor tumor differentiation. These factors need to be considered in patient counseling and long-term follow-up after surgery.

A combined prediction model for biliary tract cancer using the prognostic nutritional index and pathological findings: a single-center retrospective study

Background

The prognostic nutritional index, a marker of nutritional status and systemic inflammation, is a known biomarker for various cancers. However, few studies have evaluated the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index in patients with biliary tract cancer. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic significance of the prognostic nutritional index, and developed a risk-stratification system to identify prognostic factors in patients with biliary tract cancer.

Methods

Between July 2010 and March 2021, 117 patients with biliary tract cancer were recruited to this single-center, retrospective study. The relationship between clinicopathological variables, including the prognostic nutritional index, and overall survival was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The median age was 75 (range 38–92) years. Thirty patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; 29, gallbladder carcinoma; 27, distal cholangiocarcinoma; 17, ampullary carcinoma; and 13, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Curative (R0) resection was achieved in 99 patients. In univariate analysis, the prognostic nutritional index (< 42), lymph node metastasis, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level (> 20 U/mL), preoperative cholangitis, tumor differentiation, operation time (≥ 360 min), and R1–2 resection were significant risk factors for overall survival. The prognostic nutritional index (P = 0.027), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.040), and tumor differentiation (P = 0.006) were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. A combined score of the prognostic nutritional index and pathological findings outperformed each marker alone, in terms of discriminatory power.

Conclusions

The prognostic nutritional index, lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors after surgical resection in patients with biliary tract cancer. A combined prediction model using the prognostic nutritional index and pathological findings accurately predicted prognosis, and can be used as a novel prognostic factor in patients with biliary tract cancer.

Effect of vascular resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of vascular resection (VR), including portal vein resection (PVR) and hepatic artery resection (HAR), on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

BACKGROUND

Resection surgery and transplantation are the main treatment methods for PHC that provide a chance of long-term survival. However, the efficacy and safety of VR, including PVR and HAR, for treating PHC remain controversial.

METHODS

This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020223330). The EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were used to search for eligible studies published through November 28, 2020. Studies comparing short- and long-term outcomes between patients who underwent hepatectomy with or without PVR and/or HAR were included. Random- and fixed-effects models were applied to assess the outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and R0 resection rate, as well as the impact of PVR and HAR on long-term survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies including 4,091 patients were deemed eligible and included in this study. The meta-analysis showed that PVR did not increase the postoperative morbidity rate (odds ratio (OR): 1.03, 95% confidenceinterval (CI): [0.74-1.42], P = 0.88) and slightly increased the postoperative mortality rate (OR: 1.61, 95% CI [1.02-2.54], P = 0.04). HAR did not increase the postoperative morbidity rate (OR: 1.32, 95% CI [0.83-2.11], P = 0.24) and significantly increased the postoperative mortality rate (OR: 4.20, 95% CI [1.88-9.39], P = 0.0005). Neither PVR nor HAR improved the R0 resection rate (OR: 0.70, 95% CI [0.47-1.03], P = 0.07; OR: 0.77, 95% CI [0.37-1.61], P = 0.49, respectively) or long-term survival (OR: 0.52, 95% CI [0.35-0.76], P = 0.0008; OR: 0.43, 95% CI [0.32-0.57], P < 0.00001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PVR is relatively safe and might benefit certain patients with advanced PHC in terms of long-term survival, but it is not routinely recommended. HAR results in a higher mortality rate and lower overall survival rate, with no proven benefit.

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.

Double rarity: malignant masquerade biliary stricture in a situs inversus totalis patient

Background

Situs inversus totalis is a rare anatomical variation of both the thoracic and the abdominal organs. Common bile duct strictures can be caused by malignant and benign diseases as well. 7–18% of the latter ones are 'malignant masquerade’ cases, as pre-operative differentiation is difficult.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 68y male patient with known situs inversus totalis and a recent onset of obstructive jaundice caused by a malignant behaving common bile duct stricture. Technically difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, brush cytology, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, and percutaneous transhepatic drainage with stent implantation were performed for proper diagnosis. Cholecystectomy, common bile duct resection with hilar lymphadenectomy, and hepatico-jejunostomy have been performed following multidisciplinary consultation. The final histology report did not confirm any clear malignancy, the patient is doing well.

Conclusion

In situs inversus patients, both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can lead to various difficulties. Benign biliary strictures are frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively as cholangiocellular carcinoma. Surgery is usually unavoidable, involving a significant risk of complications. The co-existence of these two difficult diagnostic and therapeutic features made our case challenging.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01155-w.

Eligibility for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) has been performed in a select group of patients presenting with unresectable or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-associated perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) in the Mayo Clinic with a reported 5-year overall survival (OS) of 53% on intention-to-treat analysis. The objective of this study was to estimate eligibility for LT in a cohort of pCCA patients in two tertiary referral centers.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with pCCA between 2002 and 2014 were included from two tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands. The selection criteria used by the Mayo Clinic were retrospectively applied to determine the proportion of patients that would have been eligible for LT.

RESULTS

A total of 732 consecutive patients with pCCA were identified, of whom 24 (4%) had PSC-associated pCCA. Overall, 154 patients had resectable disease on imaging and 335 patients were ineligible for LT because of lymph node or distant metastases. An age limit of 70 years led to the exclusion of 50 patients who would otherwise be eligible for LT. After applying the Mayo Clinic criteria, only 34 patients (5%) were potentially eligible for LT. Median survival from diagnosis for these 34 patients was 13 months (95% CI 3-23).

CONCLUSION

Only 5% of all patients presenting with pCCA were potentially eligible for LT under the Mayo criteria. Without transplantation, a median OS of about 1 year was observed.

Effect of structured use of preoperative portal vein embolization on outcomes after liver resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed to reduce the risk of liver failure and subsequent mortality after major liver resection. Although a cut‐off value of 2·7 per cent per min per m² has been used with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) for future remnant liver function (FRLF), patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) potentially benefit from an additional cut‐off of 8·5 per cent/min (not corrected for body surface area). Since January 2016 a more liberal approach to PVE has been adopted, including this additional cut‐off for HBS of 8·5 per cent/min. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this approach on liver failure and mortality.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective study in which consecutive patients undergoing liver resection under suspicion of PHC in 2000–2015 were compared with patients treated in 2016–2019, after implementation of the more liberal approach. Primary outcomes were postoperative liver failure (International Study Group of Liver Surgery grade B/C) and 90‐day mortality.

Results

Some 191 patients with PHC underwent liver resection. PVE was performed in 6·4 per cent (9 of 141) of the patients treated in 2000–2015 and in 32 per cent (16 of 50) of those treated in 2016–2019. The 90‐day mortality rate decreased from 16·3 per cent (23 of 141) to 2 per cent (1 of 50) (P = 0·009), together with a decrease in the rate of liver failure from 19·9 per cent (28 of 141) to 4 per cent (2 of 50) (P = 0·008). In 2016–2019, 24 patients had a FRLF greater than 8·5 per cent/min and no liver failure or death occurred, suggesting that 8·5 per cent/min is a reliable cut‐off for patients with suspected PHC.

Conclusion

The major decrease in liver failure and mortality rates in recent years and the simultaneous increased use of PVE suggests an important role for PVE in reducing adverse outcomes after surgery for PHC.

Comparison of short- and long-term outcomes between anatomical subtypes of resected biliary tract cancer in a Western high-volume center

BACKGROUND

Outcomes for the four anatomical subtypes of biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) - intrahepatic, perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma (ICC, PHCC, DCC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) - are often combined. However, large cohorts comparing short- and long-term outcomes for the anatomical subtypes of BTC are lacking.

METHODS

All patients who underwent resection for pathology proven ICC, PHCC, DCC or GBC (2000-2016) from a single Western high-volume center were retrospectively selected. Clinicopathological characteristics, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the four anatomical subtypes.

RESULTS

Overall, 361 patients with resected BTC were included (33 ICC, 135 PHCC, 148 DCC, 45 GBC). Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications were 48%, 51%, 36% and 8% (p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality was 9%, 15%, 3%, 4% (p < 0.001), for ICC, PHCC, DCC, GBC. Median overall survival was 37, 42, 29 and 41 months (p = 0.722), for ICC, PHCC, DCC, GBC. Five-year survival ranged between 29% and 37%. Anatomical subtype was not an independent predictor for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

In this large single-center cohort of resected BTC, major morbidity and 90-day mortality varied between the four anatomical subtypes of BTC, mainly due to differences in surgical approach However, a significant difference in overall survival was not detected.

Robotic radical surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A single-centre case series

BACKGROUND

Radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is considered one of the most complicated abdominal operations. We report our initial experience with robotic radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Between March 2017 and February 2019, the perioperative outcomes of 48 patients were analysed. In addition, there were two techniques for hepaticojejunostomy in the robotic approach. Comparison of the conventional and novel methods for hepaticojejunostomy was also performed to assess the efficacy of the technique.

RESULTS

The operative duration and intraoperative blood loss volume was 276 minutes and 150 mL, respectively. The overall morbidity was 58.3% and the major morbidity was 10.4%. The overall mortality was 0%. No significant differences in the perioperative outcomes of hepaticojejunostomy were found between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Robotic resection is a potential alternative to open surgery for appropriately selected patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Further studies are required to detect the long-term outcomes of this procedure.

Minimally invasive surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is quickly becoming mainstream in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery because of presumed advantages. Surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is highly demanding which may hamper the feasibility and safety of MIS in this setting. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature on MIS for PHC. A systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched and all studies describing MIS in patients with PHC were included. Data extraction and risk of bias were assessed by two independent researchers. Overall, 21 studies reporting on a total of 142 MIS procedures for PHC were included. These included 82 laparoscopic, 59 robot-assisted and 1 hybrid procedure(s). Risk of bias was deemed substantial. Pooled conversion rate was 7/142 (4.9%), pooled morbidity 30/126 (23.8%), and pooled mortality rate 4/126 (3.2%). The only comparative study, comparing 10 robot-assisted procedures to 32 open procedures, reported a significant increased operative time and higher morbidity rate with MIS. The available evidence on MIS for PHC is limited and generally of poor quality. This systematic review shows that the implementation of MIS for patients with PHC is still in its infancy.

Predictive factors of early recurrence after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A single institution experience in China

Prediction of early postoperative recurrence is of great significance for follow‐up treatment. However, there are few studies available that focus on high‐risk factors of early postoperative recurrence or even the definition the exact time of early recurrence for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Thus, we aimed to examine the optimal cut‐off value for defining the early in patients with R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and to investigate prognostic factors associated with early recurrence. Two hundred and fifty‐eight patients with R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2000 and 2015 were included. The minimum P value approach was used to define the optimal cut‐off of early recurrence. The prognostic factors associated with early recurrence were investigated. The optimal cut‐off value for dividing patients into early and non‐early recurrence groups after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 12 months. Sixty‐two patients were recorded as early recurrence, and the remaining 196 patients were labeled as non‐early recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.756, 95% CI 1.409‐5.393; P = 0.003), poor differentiation (OR = 1.653; 95% CI 1.040‐2.632; P = 0.034), increased postoperative CA 19‐9 levels (OR = 1.965, 95% CI 1.282‐3.013; P = 0.002), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio > 3.41 (OR = 5.125, 95% CI 2.419‐10.857; P < 0.001) and age > 60 years (OR = 2.018, 95% CI 1.032‐3.947; P = 0.040) were independent determinants of early and non‐early recurrence. Poor differentiation (HR = 2.609, 95% CI 1.600‐4.252; P < 0.001), Bismuth classification type III/IV (HR = 2.510, 95% CI 1.298‐4.852; P = 0.006) and perineural invasion (HR=2.380, 95% CI 1.271‐4.457; P = 0.007) were independent factors of overall survival in the subgroup of patients who developed early recurrence. The optimal cut‐off value for dividing early recurrence after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 12 months. Tumor differentiation, Bismuth classification, and perineural invasion were independent factors of overall survival in the subgroup of patients with early recurrence. Patients with risk factors should be monitored closely after curative surgery.

Clinical Value of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Scores to Predict the Resectability of Hyperbilirubinemia Patients with Potentially Resectable Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine whether inflammation-based prognostic scores could predict tumor resectability in a cohort of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients with preoperative hyperbilirubinemia. We also sought to investigate the prognostic factors associated with overall survival in the subgroup of patients with an R0 resection.

METHODS

A total of 173 patients with potentially resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, as judged by radiological examinations, were included. The potential relationship of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), modified GPS, platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and prognostic index (PI) with tumor resectability were investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 173 patients, 134 had R0 resection margins. Univariate analysis identified that patients with PLR ≥ 150, NLR ≥ 3, PNI ≥ 45, GPS (0.1/2), modified GPS (0.1/2), preoperative CA 125 > 35 U/mL, and a tumor size ≥ 3 cm were more likely to have unresectable tumors. Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size ≥ 3 cm (OR = 2.422, 95% CI: 1.053-5.573; P = 0.037), PLR ≥ 150 (OR = 3.324, 95% CI: 1.143-9.667; P = 0.027), preoperative CA 125 > 35 U/mL (OR = 3.184, 95% CI: 1.316-7.704; P = 0.010), and GPS (0.1/2) (OR = 2.440, 95% CI: 1.450-4.107; P = 0.001) were independent factors associated with tumor resectability. In selected patients with an R0 resection in this cohort, nodal status (P = 0.010) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.025) were predictive of poor survival outcome.

CONCLUSION

Patients with higher GPS, CA 125, and PLR levels, and a larger tumor size, tend to have unresectable tumors even if they were judged as potentially resectable using preoperative radiological examinations.

Low Skeletal Muscle Density Is Associated with Early Death in Patients with Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Regardless of Subsequent Treatment

BACKGROUND

Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and worse survival following resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). We investigated the predictive value of skeletal muscle mass and density for overall survival (OS) of all patients with suspected PHC, regardless of treatment.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics and parameters regarding disease and treatment were collected from all patients with PHC from 2002 to 2014. Skeletal muscle mass and density were measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on CT. The association between skeletal muscle mass and density with OS was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox survival.

RESULTS

Median OS in 233 included patients did not differ between those with and without low skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.203), whereas a significantly different median OS (months) was observed between patients with low (HR 7.0, 95% CI 4.7-9.3) and high (HR 12.1, 95% CI 8.1-16.1) skeletal muscle density (p = 0.004). Low skeletal muscle density was independently associated with decreased OS (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.07, p = 0.040) within the first 6 months but not after 6 months (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.44-1.07, p = 0.093), after adjusting for age, tumour size and suspected peritoneal or other distant metastases on imaging.

CONCLUSION

A time-dependent effect of skeletal muscle density on OS was found in patients with PHC, regardless of subsequent treatment. Low skeletal muscle density may identify patients at risk for early death.

Minimally invasive surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: state of art and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) occurs in the core section of the biliary system and has a strong tendency to broadly invade the surrounding vascular system, perineural tissue and major liver parenchyma. Thus, minimally invasive resection can only be achieved in limited cases. This article reviews the current laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques for HCCA and analyses the difficulties and limitations of the current minimally invasive surgical techniques for HCCA.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases. All studies involving minimally invasive resections of HCCA were included (up to November 2017).

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included, of which eight concerned laparoscopic surgery of HCCA and four involved robotic surgery for HCCA. For laparoscopic surgery, most of the surgical procedures were limited to partial hepatectomy or even bile duct resection; the post-operative morbidity rate was approximately 38.9% (range 0-100%); those with fewer complications were mostly restricted to Bismuth type I or type II carcinomas. For robotic surgery, only one study concerned caudate lobectomy of HCCA, with a reported median operative time of 703 min and post-operative morbidity of 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery for HCCA is restricted to highly selected cases and is deemed technically achievable in experienced hands. However, technical and instrumental improvement is needed to reduce the relevant morbidity and popularize the use of minimally invasive surgery to treat HCCA.

Endoscopic versus percutaneous biliary drainage in patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, biliary drainage is recommended to treat obstructive jaundice and optimise the clinical condition before liver resection. Little evidence exists on the preferred initial method of biliary drainage. We therefore investigated the incidence of severe drainage-related complications of endoscopic biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with potentially resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, randomised controlled trial at four academic centres in the Netherlands. Patients who were aged at least 18 years with potentially resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma requiring major liver resection, and biliary obstruction of the future liver remnant (defined as a bilirubin concentration of >50 μmol/L [2·9 mg/dL]), were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive endoscopic biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage through the use of computer-generated allocation. Randomisation, done by the trial coordinator, was stratified for previous (attempted) biliary drainage, the extent of bile duct involvement, and enrolling centre. Patients were enrolled by clinicians of the participating centres. The primary outcome was the number of severe complications between randomisation and surgery in the intention-to-treat population. The trial was registered at the Netherlands National Trial Register, number NTR4243.

FINDINGS

From Sept 26, 2013, to April 29, 2016, 261 patients were screened for participation, and 54 eligible patients were randomly assigned to endoscopic biliary drainage (n=27) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (n=27). The study was prematurely closed because of higher mortality in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage group (11 [41%] of 27 patients) than in the endoscopic biliary drainage group (three [11%] of 27 patients; relative risk 3·67, 95% CI 1·15-11·69; p=0·03). Three of the 11 deaths among patients in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage group occurred before surgery. The proportion of patients with severe preoperative drainage-related complications was similar between the groups (17 [63%] patients in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage group vs 18 [67%] in the endoscopic biliary drainage group; relative risk 0·94, 95% CI 0·64-1·40). 16 (59%) patients in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage group and ten (37%) patients in the endoscopic biliary drainage group developed preoperative cholangitis (p=0·1). 15 (56%) patients required additional percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage after endoscopic biliary drainage, whereas only one (4%) patient required endoscopic biliary drainage after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

INTERPRETATION

The study was prematurely stopped because of higher all-cause mortality in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage group. Post-drainage complications were similar between groups, but the data should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size. The results call for further prospective studies and reconsideration of indications and strategy towards biliary drainage in this complex disease.

FUNDING

Dutch Cancer Foundation.

Pattern of the First Recurrence Has No Impact on Long-Term Survival after Curative Intent Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinomas

AIM

To explore the pattern of the first recurrence and impact on long-term survival after curative intent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinomas (PHC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with curative intent surgery for PHC between 1996 and 2017 were analyzed. Survival times were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Comparisons were made with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

A number of 139 patients were included. The median overall survival was 26 months. A recurrence was observed in 86 patients (61.9%), during a median follow-up time of 89 months. The median disease-free survival was 21 months with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year estimated recurrence rates of 38%, 60%, 69%, and 77%, respectively. A number of 57 patients (41%) developed distant only recurrence, while 26 patients (18.7%) presented local and distant recurrences. An isolated local recurrence was observed in 3 patients (2.2%). The median overall survival was 15 months for patients with local recurrence, 15 months for patients with liver metastases, and 17 months for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (p = 0.903) as the first recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Curative intent surgery for PHC is associated with high recurrence rates. Most patients will develop distant metastases, while an isolated local recurrence is uncommon. The pattern of recurrence does not appear to have a significant impact on survivals.

Effect of preoperative cholangitis on prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with preoperative cholangitis and noncholangitis patients to determine whether the preoperative cholangitis would be able to serve as an independent predictive factor on hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCC) outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search for reported preoperative cholangitis in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was performed in 4 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, published from 1979 to 2017.

RESULTS

In total, the initial search identified 1228 articles. Of these studies only 9 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. Differences between preoperative cholangitis existing and noncholangitis patients were observed in terms of mortality (RR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.48-3.52; P = .0002), overall morbidity (RR = 1.15;95% CI = 1.00-1.32; P = .04), Liver failure (RR = 1.15;95% CI = 1.00-1.32; P = .04), Infection (RR = 1.52;95% CI = 1.16-2.00; P = .003), sepsis (RR = 2.40;95% CI = 1.25-4.5; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

The results lend support to the notion that in hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients, the existence of preoperative cholangitis is statistically associated with the higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. Also that it increases the risk of liver failure and infection. therefore, it is very important to properly control the preoperative cholangitis before surgery.

Preoperative Risk Score to Predict Occult Metastatic or Locally Advanced Disease in Patients with Resectable Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma on Imaging

BACKGROUND

Many patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) on imaging are diagnosed intraoperatively with occult metastatic or locally advanced disease, precluding a curative-intent resection. This study aimed to develop and validate a preoperative risk score.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with resectable PHC on imaging who underwent operations in 2 high-volume centers (US and Europe) between 2000 and 2015 were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the risk score. Cross-validation was used to validate the score, alternating the 2 centers as "training" and "testing" datasets.

RESULTS

Of 566 patients who underwent operations, 309 (55%) patients had a resection, and in 257 (45%) patients, a curative-intent resection was precluded due to distant metastasis (n = 151 [27%]) or locally advanced disease (n = 106 [19%]). Preoperative predictors included bilirubin >2 mg/dL, bile duct involvement on imaging, portal vein involvement on imaging (≥180 degrees), hepatic artery involvement on imaging (≥180 degrees), and suspicious lymph nodes on imaging. The new risk score (c-index 0.75 after cross-validation) provided significantly more accurate predictions than the Bismuth classification (c-index 0.62), Blumgart T-staging (c-index 0.67), and cTNM staging (c-index 0.68). The new risk score identified 4 risk groups for occult metastatic or locally advanced disease: low (14.7%), intermediate (29.5%), high (47.3%), and very high risk (81.3%). The preoperative score groups also predicted survival after operation, irrespective of intraoperative findings (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The validated risk score can predict occult distant metastatic or locally advanced PHC based on 5 preoperatively available factors. The score can be useful in preoperative shared decision making and selection of patients in neoadjuvant clinical trials.

Validation of the Mayo Clinic Staging System in Determining Prognoses of Patients With Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Most systems for staging perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) have been developed for the minority of patients with resectable disease. The recently developed Mayo Clinic system for staging PHC requires only clinical and radiologic variables, but has not yet been validated. We performed a retrospective study to validate the Mayo Clinic staging system.

METHODS

We identified consecutive patients with suspected PHC who were evaluated and treated at 2 tertiary centers in The Netherlands, from January 2002 through December 2014. Baseline characteristics (performance status, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level) used in the staging system were collected from medical records and imaging parameters (tumor size, suspected vascular involvement, and metastatic disease) were reassessed by 2 experienced abdominal radiologists. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison of staging groups was performed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Discriminative performance was quantified by the concordance index and compared with the radiologic TNM staging of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (7th ed).

RESULTS

PHCs from 600 patients were staged according to the Mayo Clinic model (23 stage I, 80 stage II, 357 stage III, and 140 stage IV). The median overall survival time was 11.6 months. The median overall survival times for patients with stages I, II, III, and IV were 33.2 months, 19.7 months, 12.1 months, and 6.0 months, respectively; with hazard ratios of 1.0 (reference), 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-3.58), 2.71 (95% CI, 1.59-4.64), and 4.00 (95% CI, 2.30-6.95), respectively (P < .001). The concordance index score was 0.59 for the entire cohort (95% CI, 0.56-0.61). The Mayo Clinic model performed slightly better than the radiologic American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM system.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study of 600 patients with PHC, we validated the Mayo Clinic system for staging PHC. This 4-tier staging system may aid clinicians in making treatment decisions, such as referral for surgery, and predicting survival times.

Relationship of tumor size with pathological and prognostic factors for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective

To determine the correlation of different tumor-size cutoffs with prognostic factors and survival outcomes to provide a reference for the modification of the T-stage classification in the DeOliveira staging system for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 216 patients who underwent curative surgery for HCCA (mean tumor diameter, 2.8 cm) between 2000 and 2013. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the correlation of tumor-size cutoffs with various factors.

Results

Tumor differentiation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.649, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.065–2.555, P = 0.025), node status (OR: 1.971, 95% CI: 1.060–3.664, P = 0.032), resection margin (OR: 2.465, 95% CI: 1.024–5.937, P = 0.044), and hepatectomy (OR: 2.373, 95% CI: 1.226–4.593, P = 0.01) were independently correlated with the 2-cm cutoff, while tumor differentiation (OR: 1.755, 95% CI: 1.062–2.091, P = 0.028), node status (OR: 2.166, 95% CI: 1.054–4.452, P = 0.035), and tumor margin (OR: 2.539, 95% CI: 1.089–5.919, P = 0.031) were independently associated with the 3-cm cutoff.

Conclusions

The 2-cm and 3-cm cutoffs were strongly correlated with resection margin, node status, tumor differentiation and survival. The 2-cm cutoff may be added to the DeOliveira staging system.

Best option for preoperative biliary drainage in Klatskin tumor: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The operative treatment combined with preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) has been established as a safe Klatskin tumor (KT) treatment strategy. However, there has always been a dispute for the preferred technique for PBD technique. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the biliary drainage-related cholangitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and the success rates of palliative relief of cholestasis between percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD), to identify the best technique in the management of KT.PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched systematically for prospective or retrospective studies reporting the biliary drainage-related cholangitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and the success rates of palliative relief of cholestasis in patients with KT. A meta-analysis was performed, using the fixed or random-effect model, with Review Manager 5.3.PTBD was associated with lower risk of cholangitis (risk ratio [RR] = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.67; P < .00001), particularly in patients with Bismuth-Corlette type II, III, IV KT (RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33-0.77; P = .05). Compared with EBD, PTBD was also associated with a lower risk of pancreatitis (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69; P = 0.003) and with higher successful rates of palliative relief of cholestasis (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.31; P < .0001). The incidence of hemorrhage was similar in these 2 groups (RR 1.29, 95% CI: 0.51-3.27; P = .59). The risk of biliary drainage-related cholangitis (RR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.96-4.01; P = .06) and pancreatitis (RR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.76-3.47; P = .21) was similar between endoscopic nasobiliary drainage groups and biliary stenting.In patients with type II or type III or IV KT who need to have PBD, PTBD should be performed as an initial method of biliary drainage in terms of reducing the incidence of procedure related cholangitis, pancreatitis, and improving the rates of palliative relief of cholestasis. Well-conducted randomized controlled trials with a universial criterion for PBD are required to confirm these findings.

Ablation with irreversible electroporation in patients with advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (ALPACA): a multicentre phase I/II feasibility study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The majority of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) has locally advanced disease or distant lymph node metastases on presentation or exploratory laparotomy, which makes them not eligible for resection. As the prognosis of patients with locally advanced PHC or lymph node metastases in the palliative setting is significantly better compared with patients with organ metastases, ablative therapies may be beneficial. Unfortunately, current ablative options are limited. Photodynamic therapy causes skin phototoxicity and thermal ablative methods, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiofrequency ablation, which are affected by a heat/cold-sink effect when tumours are located close to vascular structures, such as the liver hilum. These limitations may be overcome by irreversible electroporation (IRE), a relatively new ablative method that is currently being studied in several other soft tissue tumours, such as hepatic and pancreatic tumours.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this multicentre phase I/II safety and feasibility study, 20 patients with unresectable PHC due to vascular or distant lymph node involvement will undergo IRE. Ten patients who present with unresectable PHC will undergo CT-guided percutaneous IRE, whereas ultrasound-guided IRE will be performed in 10 patients with unresectable tumours detected at exploratory laparotomy. The primary outcome is the total number of clinically relevant complications (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, score of≥3) within 90 days. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, tumour response, metal stent patency and survival. Follow-up will be 2 years.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by the local ethics committees. Data and results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

The Ablation with irreversible eLectroportation in Patients with Advanced perihilar CholangiocarcinomA (ALPACA) study is designed to assess the feasibility of IRE for advanced PHC. The main purpose is to inform whether a follow-up trial to evaluate safety and effectiveness in a larger cohort would be feasible.

Clinical Implications of Biliary Confluence Pattern for Bismuth-Corlette Type IV Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Applied to Hemihepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Since biliary variations are commonly seen, our aims are to clarify these insidious variations and discuss their surgicopathologic implications for Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) applied to hemihepatectomy.

METHODS

Three-dimensional images of patients with distal bile duct obstruction (n = 97) and advanced HC (n = 79) were reconstructed and analyzed retrospectively. Normal biliary confluence pattern was defined as the peripheral segment IV duct (B4) joining the common trunk of segment II (B2) and segment III (B3) ducts to form the left hepatic duct (LHD) that then joined the right hepatic duct (RHD). The lengths from left and right secondary biliary ramifications to the right side of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein (Rl-L) and the cranio-ventral side of the right portal vein (Rr-R) were measured, respectively, and compared with the resectable bile duct length in HCs. Surgicopathologic findings were compared between different BC types.

RESULTS

The resectable bile duct length in right hemihepatectomy for eradication of type IV tumors was significantly longer than the Rl-L length in normal biliary configuration (17.4 ± 1.8 and 10.3 ± 3.4 mm, respectively, p < 0.001), and type III variation (B2 joining the common trunk of B3 and B4) was the predominant configuration (53.8%). The resectable length in left hemihepatectomy for eradication of type IV tumors was comparable with the Rr-R length in RHD absent cases (15.2 ± 2.5 and 16.4 ± 2.6 mm, respectively, p = 0.177) but significantly longer than that in normal configuration (p < 0.001). The estimated length was 8.5 ± 2.0 mm in unresectable cases. There was no significant difference between type III and IV tumors, except for the rate of nodal metastasis (29.7 and 76.0%, respectively, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hemihepatectomy might be selected for curative-intent resection of BC type IV tumors considering the advantageous biliary variations, whereas anatomical trisegmentectomy is recommended for the resectable bile duct length less than 10 mm. Biliary variations might result in excessive classification of BC type IV but require validation on further study.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma prognostic determination using pre-operative serum C-reactive protein levels

Background

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute inflammatory response biomarker, has been recognized as an indicator of malignant disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of CRP levels collected before tumor removal in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma requires further investigation.

Methods

We sampled the CRP levels in 140 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomies with regional lymphadenectomies between 2006 and 2013. A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data was performed. We focused on the impact of serum CRP on the patients’ cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates.

Results

High levels of preoperative serum CRP were significantly associated with well-established clinicopathologic features, including gender, advanced tumor stage, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between high levels of serum CRP and adverse cancer-specific survival (P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In patients with stage I/II intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for cancer-specific survival. In patients with stage I/II or stage III/IV, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate analysis identified serum CRP level in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We confirmed a significant association of elevated pre-operative CRP levels with poor clinical outcomes for the tested patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicate that the serum CRP level may represent a useful factor for patient stratification in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management.

A Comparison of Prognostic Schemes for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Although widely used, the 7th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) may be limited. Disease-specific nomograms have been proposed as a better means to predict long-term survival for individual patients. We sought to externally validate a recently proposed nomogram by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) for PHC, as well as identify factors to improve the prediction of prognosis for patients with PHC.

METHODS

Four hundred seven patients who underwent surgery for PHC between 1988 and 2014 were identified using an international, multi-center database. Standard clinicopathologic and outcome data were collected. The predictive power of the AJCC staging system and nomogram were assessed.

RESULTS

Median survival was 24.4 months; 3- and 5-year survival was 37.2 and 20.8 %, respectively. The AJCC 7th edition staging system (C-index 0.570) and the recently proposed PHC nomogram (C-index 0.587) both performed poorly. A revised nomogram based on age, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymph node metastases performed better (C-index 0.682). The calibration plot of the revised PHC nomogram demonstrated good calibration.

CONCLUSION

The 7th edition AJCC staging system and the MSKCC nomogram had a poor ability to predict long-term survival for individual patients with PHC. A revised nomogram provided more accurate prediction of survival, but will need to be externally validated.

Combined liver and extrahepatic bile duct resection for biliary invasion of colorectal metastasis: a case-cohort analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) with biliary invasion can be treated with a combined liver and extrahepatic bile duct resection. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of this procedure in a case-cohort analysis and systematic review.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent a major liver resection for CRLM between 2003 and 2013 were selected from a single center prospective database, comparing patients with and without biliary invasion. A specific and a general search strategy were used to identify relevant articles in the systematic review.

RESULTS

Ten patients (13.2%) underwent combined liver and extrahepatic bile duct resection for CLRM with biliary invasion, among 76 patients included. An R0 resection was achieved in five of ten patients (50%); one of ten patients died postoperatively. Median overall survival was 19 months among patients with biliary invasion, versus 106 months among patients without biliary invasion (P=0.12). The systematic review yielded a large variability in 5-year survival after resection of CLRM with biliary invasion, ranging between 33-80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of CLRM with central biliary invasion is feasible, but survival in these patients tends to be lower due to a high rate of non-radical resections.

Perioperative blood transfusion is not associated with overall survival or time to recurrence after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood transfusions have been associated with worse oncological outcome in several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of perioperative blood transfusions on time to recurrence and overall survival (OS) in patients who underwent curative-intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with resected PHC between 1992 and 2013 in a specialized center. Patients with 90-day mortality after surgery were excluded. Patients who did and did not receive perioperative blood transfusions were compared using univariable Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 145 included patients, 80 (55.2%) received perioperative blood transfusions. The median OS was 49 months for patients without and 41 months for patients with blood transfusions (P = 0.46). In risk-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis, blood transfusion was not associated with OS (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.59-1.68, P = 0.99) or time to recurrence (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.57-1.78, P = 0.99). In addition, no differences in effect were found between different types of blood products transfused.

CONCLUSION

Blood transfusion was not associated with survival or time to recurrence after curative resection of PHC in this series. The alleged association is presumably related to the circumstances necessitating blood transfusions.

Diagnostic accuracy of staging laparoscopy for detecting metastasized or locally advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite extensive preoperative staging, still almost half of patients with potentially resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) have locally advanced or metastasized disease upon exploratory laparotomy. The value of routine staging laparoscopy (SL) in these patients remains unclear with varying results reported in the literature. The aim of the present systematic review was to provide an overview of studies on SL in PHC and to define its current role in preoperative staging.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in PubMed and EMBASE regarding studies providing data on the diagnostic accuracy of SL in PHC. Primary outcome measures were the overall yield and sensitivity to detect unresectable disease. Secondary outcomes were the yield and sensitivity for recent studies (after 2010) and large study cohorts (≥100 patients) and specific (metastatic) lesions. Methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.

RESULTS

From 173 records, 12 studies including 832 patients met the inclusion criteria. The yield of SL in PHC varied from 6.4 to 45.0 % with a pooled yield of 24.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 16.4-33.4]. Sensitivity to detect unresectable disease ranged from 31.6 to 75 % with a pooled sensitivity of 52.2 % (95 % CI 47.1-57.2). Sensitivity was highest for peritoneal metastases (80.7 %, 95 % CI 70.9-88.3). Subgroup analysis revealed that the yield and sensitivity tended to be lower for studies after 2010. Considerable heterogeneity was detected among the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the pooled analyses suggest that one in four patients with potentially resectable PHC benefits from SL. Given considerable heterogeneity, a trend to lower yield in more recent studies and further improvement of preoperative imaging over time, the routine use of SL seems discouraging. Studies that identify predictors of unresectability, that enable selection of patients who will benefit the most from this procedure, are needed.

Double primary hepatic cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) in a single patient: A case report

Double primary hepatic cancer, consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) located separately within a single liver simultaneously, is extremely rare. The present study reports a case of double hepatic nodules, in which HCC and ICC occurred simultaneously in the right hepatic lobe. The 47-year-old male patient, who was a carrier of hepatitis B virus, was admitted to our hospital for physical examination, which revealed two liver masses. The results of initial laboratory tests, including liver function tests, were within normal limits, with the exception of mildly elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and decreased albumin levels. α-fetoprotein was in the normal range, while carbohydrate antigen 19-9 was marginally elevated. Abdominal ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography revealed two tumors located in segments (S) VI and VII of the liver, respectively, with malignant behavior. Examination of the two masses following resection of S VI and VII confirmed a diagnosis of combined HCC and ICC. After 8 months of follow-up, no signs of recurrence have been observed with chemical therapy.

Recurrence Rate and Pattern of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma after Curative Intent Resection

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate and pattern of recurrence after curative intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

STUDY DESIGN

Patients were included from 2 prospectively maintained databases. Recurrences were categorized by site. Time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to identify independent poor prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Between 1991 and 2012, 306 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria. Median overall survival was 40 months. A recurrence was diagnosed in 177 patients (58%). An initial local recurrence was found in 26% of patients: liver hilum (11%), hepaticojejunostomy (8%), liver resection margin (8%), or distal bile duct remnant (2%). An initial distant recurrence was observed in 40% of patients: retroperitoneal lymph nodes (14%), intrahepatic away from the resection margin (13%), peritoneum (12%), and lungs (8%). Only 18% of patients had an isolated initial local recurrence. The estimated overall recurrence rate was 76% at 8 years. After a recurrence-free period of 5 years, 28% of patients developed a recurrence in the next 3 years. Median RFS was 26 months. Independent prognostic factors for RFS were resection margin, lymph node status, and tumor differentiation. Only node-positive PHC precluded RFS beyond 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma will recur in most patients (76%) after resection, emphasizing the need for better adjuvant strategies. The high recurrence rate of up to 8 years justifies prolonged surveillance. Only patients with an isolated initial local recurrence (18%) may have benefited from a more extensive resection or liver transplantation. Node-positive PHC appears incurable.

The DNA index as a prognostic tool in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to the devastating prognosis of patients suffering from hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) valid prognostic factors are urgently needed to guide treatment decisions in a personalized concept. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of the DNA index in a large single-center cohort of patients undergoing resection of HCCA.

METHODS

A total of 154 patients who underwent resection of HCCA were included in this prospective study. The DNA index was assessed by image cytometry of fresh tumor samples and correlated, as well as standard histopathological parameters, with patient survival.

RESULTS

The median DNA index was 1.61 ± 0.32. Univariate survival analysis identified eight parameters including DNA index, but not DNA ploidy as prognostic markers. In the Cox proportional hazard model DNA index (P = 0.021), tumor size (P = 0.029) and lymph nodes status (P = 0.039) could be shown to be independent predictors of patient survival.

CONCLUSION

The DNA index represents an independent prognostic marker in HCCA which is superior to most standard histopathological factors. Since the DNA index can be assessed not only post- but also preoperatively, it might be a potential tool in the preoperative decision-making process.

Survival after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma-development and external validation of a prognostic nomogram

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to derive and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict disease-specific survival (DSS) after a curative intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A nomogram was developed from 173 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, USA. The nomogram was externally validated in 133 patients treated at the Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Prognostic accuracy was assessed with concordance estimates and calibration, and compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. The nomogram will be available as web-based calculator at mskcc.org/nomograms.

RESULTS

For all 306 patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 40 months and the median DSS 41 months. Median follow-up for patients alive at last follow-up was 48 months. Lymph node involvement, resection margin status, and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors in the derivation cohort (MSKCC). A nomogram with these prognostic factors had a concordance index of 0.73 compared with 0.66 for the AJCC staging system. In the validation cohort (AMC), the concordance index was 0.72, compared with 0.60 for the AJCC staging system. Calibration was good in the derivation cohort; in the validation cohort patients had a better median DSS than predicted by the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed nomogram to predict DSS after curative intent resection of PHC had a better prognostic accuracy than the AJCC staging system. Calibration was suboptimal because DSS differed between the two institutions. The nomogram can inform patients and physicians, guide shared decision making for adjuvant therapy, and stratify patients in future randomized, controlled trials.

Use of an autologous liver round ligament flap zeros postoperative bile leak after curative resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Postoperative bile leak is a major surgical morbidity after curative resection with hepaticojejunostomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, especially in Bismuth-Corlette types III and IV. This retrospective study assessed the effectiveness and safety of an autologous hepatic round ligament flap (AHRLF) for reducing bile leak after hilar hepaticojejunostomy.

METHODS

Nine type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients were consecutively hospitalized for elective perihilar partial hepatectomy with hilar hepaticojejunostomy using an AHRLF between October 2009 and September 2013. The AHRLF was harvested to reinforce the perihilar hepaticojejunostomy. Main outcome measures included operative time, blood loss, postoperative recovery times, morbidity, bile leak, R0 resection rate, and overall survival.

RESULTS

All patients underwent uneventful R0 resection with hilar hepaticojejunostomy. No patient experienced postoperative bile leak.

CONCLUSIONS

The AHRLF was associated with lack of bile leak after curative perihilar hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, without compromising oncologic safety, and is recommended in selected patients.

Preoperative endoscopic versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in potentially resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (DRAINAGE trial): design and rationale of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Liver surgery in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is associated with high postoperative morbidity because the tumor typically causes biliary obstruction. Preoperative biliary drainage is used to create a safer environment prior to liver surgery, but biliary drainage may be harmful when severe drainage-related complications deteriorate the patients’ condition or increase the risk of postoperative morbidity. Biliary drainage can cause cholangitis/cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhage, portal vein thrombosis, bowel wall perforation, or dehydration. Two methods of preoperative biliary drainage are mostly applied: endoscopic biliary drainage, which is currently used in most regional centers before referring patients for surgical treatment, and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Both methods are associated with severe drainage-related complications, but two small retrospective series found a lower incidence in the number of preoperative complications after percutaneous drainage compared to endoscopic drainage (18-25% versus 38-60%, respectively). The present study randomizes patients with potentially resectable PHC and biliary obstruction between preoperative endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

Methods/Design

The study is a multi-center trial with an “all-comers” design, randomizing patients between endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. All patients selected to potentially undergo a major liver resection for presumed PHC are eligible for inclusion in the study provided that the biliary system in the future liver remnant is obstructed (even if they underwent previous inadequate endoscopic drainage). Primary outcome measure is the total number of severe preoperative complications between randomization and exploratory laparotomy. The study is designed to detect superiority of percutaneous drainage: a provisional sample size of 106 patients is required to detect a relative decrease of 50% in the number of severe preoperative complications (alpha = 0.95; beta = 0.8). Interim analysis after inclusion of 53 patients (50%) will provide the definitive sample size. Secondary outcome measures encompass the success of biliary drainage, quality of life, and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Discussion

The DRAINAGE trial is designed to identify a difference in the number of severe drainage-related complications after endoscopic and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients selected to undergo a major liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register [NTR4243, 11 October 2013].

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-015-0251-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.