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

Survival outcomes of surgical resection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in endemic area of O. Viverrini, Northeast Thailand

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is an intractable malignancy and remains the most challenge for surgeon. This study aims to investigate survival outcomes and prognostic factors in pCCA patient.

METHODS

From October 2013 to December 2018, 240 consecutive patients with pCCA underwent surgical exploration were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological parameters and surgical outcomes were extracted. Patients were divided into two groups: unresectable and resectable group. The restricted mean survival time between two groups were analyzed. Factors associated with overall survival in resectable group were explored with multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 240 patients, 201 (83.75%) were received surgical resection. The survival outcomes of resectable group were better than unresectable group significantly. The restricted mean survival time difference were 0.5 (95%CI 0.22-0.82) months, 1.8 (95%CI 1.15-2.49) months, 4.7 (95%CI 3.58-5.87) months, and 9.1 (95%CI 7.40-10.78) months at four landmark time points of 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. The incidence of major complications and 90-day mortality in resectable group were 35.82% and 11.44%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that Bismuth type IV (HR:4.43, 95%CI 1.85-10.59), positive resection margin (HR:4.24, 95%CI 1.74-10.34), and lymph node metastasis (HR:2.29, 95%CI 1.04-4.99) were all independent predictors of long-term survival. For pM0, R0 and pN0 patients, the median survival time was better than pM0, R1 or pN1/2 patients and pM0, R1 and pN1/2 patients (32.4, 10.4 and 4.9 months, respectively; p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Surgical resection increased survival in pCCA. Bismuth type IV, positive resection margin and lymph node metastasis were independent factors for long-term survival.

Transgelin-2, a novel cancer stem cell-related biomarker, is a diagnostic and therapeutic target for biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a relatively rare but aggressive gastrointestinal cancer with a high mortality rate. Cancer stem cell (CSC) populations play crucial roles in tumor biology and are responsible for the low response to anti-cancer treatment and the high recurrence rate. This study investigated the role of Transgelin-2 (TAGLN2), overexpressed in CSC in BTC cells, and analyzed its expression in patient tissues and serum to identify potential new targets for BTC.

METHODS

TAGLN2 expression was suppressed by small-interfering or short hairpin RNAs, and its effects on tumor biology were assessed in several BTC cell lines. Furthermore, the effects of TAGLN2 silencing on gemcitabine-resistant BTC cells, differentially expressed genes, proteins, and sensitivity to therapeutics or radiation were assessed. TAGLN2 expression was also assessed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry in samples obtained from patients with BTC to validate its clinical application.

RESULTS

Suppression of TAGLN2 in BTC cell lines decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor size, in addition to a reduction in CSC features, including clonogenicity, radioresistance, and chemoresistance. TAGLN2 was highly expressed in BTC tissues, especially in cancer-associated fibroblasts in the stroma. Patients with a low stromal immunohistochemical index had prolonged disease-free survival compared to those with a high stromal immunohistochemical index (11.5 vs. 7.4 months, P = 0.013). TAGLN2 expression was higher in the plasma of patients with BTC than that in those with benign diseases. TAGLN2 had a higher area under the curve (0.901) than CA19-9, a validated tumor biomarker (0.799; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TAGLN2 plays a critical role in promoting BTC cell growth and motility and is involved in regulating BTC stemness. Silencing TAGLN2 expression enhanced cell sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs. The expression of TAGLN2 in patient tissue and plasma suggests its potential to serve as a secretory biomarker for BTC. Overall, targeting TAGLN2 could be an appropriate therapeutic strategy against advanced cancer following chemotherapy failure.

Surgical management, including the role of transplantation, for intrahepatic and peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic and peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma are life threatening disease with poor outcomes despite optimal treatment currently available (5-year overall survival following resection 20-35%, and <10% cured at 10-years post resection). The insidious onset makes diagnosis difficult, the majority do not have a resection option and the high recurrence rate post-resection suggests that occult metastatic disease is frequently present. Advances in perioperative management, such as ipsilateral portal vein (and hepatic vein) embolisation methods to increase the future liver remnant volume, genomic profiling, and (neo)adjuvant therapies demonstrate great potential in improving outcomes. However multiple areas of controversy exist. Surgical resection rate and outcomes vary between centres with no global consensus on how 'resectable' disease is defined - molecular profiling and genomic analysis could potentially identify patients unlikely to benefit from resection or likely to benefit from targeted therapies. FDG-PET scanning has also improved the ability to detect metastatic disease preoperatively and avoid futile resection. However tumours frequently invade major vasculo-biliary structures, with resection and reconstruction associated with significant morbidity and mortality even in specialist centres. Liver transplantation has been investigated for very selected patients for the last decade and yet the selection algorithm, surgical approach and both value of both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies remain to be clarified. In this review, we discuss the contemporary management of intrahepatic and peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

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

BACKGROUND

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Essential updates 2021/2022: Update in surgical strategy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Resection is the only potential curative treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC); however, complete resection is often technically challenging due to the anatomical location. Various innovative approaches and procedures were invented to circumvent this limitation but the rates of postoperative morbidity (20%-78%) and mortality (2%-15%) are still high. In patients diagnosed with resectable PHC, deliberate and coordinated preoperative workup and optimization of the patient and future liver remnant are crucial. Biliary drainage is recommended to relieve obstructive jaundice and optimize the clinical condition before liver resection. Biliary drainage for PHC can be performed either by endoscopic biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. To date there is no consensus about which method is preferred. The volumetric assessment of the future remnant liver volume and optimization mainly using portal vein embolization is the gold standard in the management of the risk to develop post hepatectomy liver failure. The improvement of systemic chemotherapy has contributed to prolong the survival not only in patients with unresectable PHC but also in patients undergoing curative surgery. In this article, we review the literature and discuss the current surgical treatment of PHC.

Different Oncologic Outcomes According to Margin Status (High-Grade Dysplasia vs. Carcinoma) in Patients Who Underwent Hilar Resection for Mid-Bile Duct Cancer

Margin positivity after hilar resection (HR) for bile duct cancer is commonly observed due to its longitudinal spread along the subepithelial plane; nevertheless, we cannot draw conclusions regarding the prognostic effects of margins with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the oncologic effect according to the margin status after HR, particularly between the R1 HGD and the R1 carcinoma. From 2008 to 2017, 149 patients diagnosed with mid-bile duct cancer in Samsung Medical Center, South Korea, were divided according to margin status after HR and retrospectively analyzed. Recurrence patterns were also analyzed between the groups. There were 126 patients with R0 margins, nine with R1 HGD, and 14 with R1 carcinoma. The mean age of the patients was 68.3 (±8.1); most patients were male. The mean age was higher in R1 carcinoma patients than in R1 HGD and R0 patients (p = 0.014). The R1 HGD and R1 carcinoma groups had more patients with a higher T-stage than R0 (p = 0.079). In univariate analysis, the prognostic factors affecting overall survival were age, T- and N-stage, CA19-9, and margin status. The survival rate of R0 was comparable to that of R1 HGD, but the survival rate of R0 was significantly better compared to R1 carcinoma (R0 vs. R1 HGD, p = 0.215, R0 vs. R1 carcinoma, p = 0.042, respectively). The recurrence pattern between the margin groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.604). Extended surgery should be considered for R1 carcinoma; however, in R1 HGD, extended operation may not be necessary, as it may achieve oncologic outcomes similar to R0 margins with HR.

Phase I study of neoadjuvant S-1 plus cisplatin with concurrent radiation for biliary tract cancer (Tokyo Study Group for Biliary Cancer: TOSBIC02)

Aim

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy may improve survival in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma. This Phase I study aimed to determine the recommended dose of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and decide whether to move to a Phase II study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with resectable stage II-IVa cholangiocarcinoma were administered cisplatin (40 [level 0], 50 [level 1 as starting dose], or 60 [level 2] mg/m2), 80 mg/m2 of S-1, and 50.4 Gy of external beam radiation. The recommended dose was defined as a dose one-step lower than the maximum-tolerated dose, which was defined when dose-limiting toxicity was observed in three or more of the six patients.

Results

Twelve patients were eligible from November 2012 to May 2016. Ten patients had perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and two patients had distal cholangiocarcinoma. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed in one of the first six patients at level 1 and two of the next six patients at level 2; thus, the maximum-tolerated dose was not determined even at level 2 and the recommended dose was determined as level 2. Four patients had partial response, four patients had stable disease, and two patients had progression of disease because of liver metastases. Finally, nine patients underwent radical surgery and seven cases achieved R0 resection. However, five cases suffered biliary leakage and one suffered intrahospital death due to rupture of the hepatic artery.

Conclusion

We determined the recommended dose of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for resectable cholangiocarcinoma. However, we terminated the trial due to a high incidence of morbidity and unexpected mortality.

Application of mesohepatectomy with caudate lobectomy for the treatment of type III-IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The main surgical procedure for Bismuth‒Corlette III-IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is hemihepatectomy/extended hemihepatectomy. However, many patients have no opportunity for surgery due to having an insufficient remnant liver volume. Preservation of more liver volume on the premise of ensuring R0 resection is the goal. Mesohepatectomy with caudate lobectomy may be a new method to meet these requirements.

METHODS

The clinical data of 41 patients with Bismuth‒Corlette III-IV HCCA, including 18 patients who underwent mesohepatectomy with caudate lobectomy (the mesohepatectomy group) and 23 patients who underwent hemihepatectomy or extended hemihepatectomy (the hemihepatectomy group), were analyzed retrospectively. The perioperative indicators and prognostic survival time between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mesohepatectomy group was compared with the hemihepatectomy group, and the operation time was 7.95 ± 1.2 vs. 7.15 ± 1.5 h (P > 0.05); the intraoperative blood loss was 600.0 ± 153.4 vs. 846.1 ± 366.8 mL (P < 0.05); the postoperative hospital stay was 9.9 ± 2.2 vs. 13.8 ± 3.0 days (P < 0.05); and the R0 resection rate was 100% vs. 87.0% (P > 0.05). The postoperative complications of the two groups included bile leakage (22.2% vs. 21.7%), pleural effusion (11.1% vs. 8.7%), and fever (16.7% vs. 8.7%), with no significant differences in the incidences (P > 0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the two groups were 87.5%, 55.7%, 27.8% and 83.5%, 56.1%, 24.5%, respectively, with no significant differences (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mesohepatectomy with caudate lobectomy can preserve more functional liver volume while ensuring the bile duct margin. It can be applied as the surgical treatment of Bismuth‒Corlette III-IV HCCA.

Lymph Node Staging in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: The Key to the Big Picture

Klatskin tumors have a bad prognosis despite aggressive therapy. The role and extent of lymph node dissection during surgery is a matter of discussion. This retrospective study analyzes our current experience of surgical treatments in the last decade. Patients and Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of patients (n = 317) who underwent surgical treatment for Klatskin tumors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional analysis were performed. The primary endpoint was to investigate the role of lymph node metastasis for patient survival after complete tumor resection. The secondary endpoint was the prediction of lymph node status and long-term survival from preoperatively available parameters. Results: In patients with negative resection margins, a negative lymph node status was the prognosis-determining factor with a 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate of 87.7%, 37%, and 26.4% compared with 69.5%, 13.9%, and 9.3% for lymph-node-positive patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression for complete resection and negative lymph node status demonstrated only Bismuth type 4 (p = 0.01) and tumor grading (p = 0.002) as independent predictors. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of survival after surgery were the preoperative bilirubin level (p = 0.03), intraoperative transfusion (p = 0.002), and tumor grading (G) (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Lymph node dissection is of utmost importance for adequate staging in patients undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. In spite of extensive surgery, long-term survival is clearly associated with the aggressiveness of the disease.

Can the Limits of Liver Transplantation Be Expanded in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma?

The most common location of cholangiocarcinomas is the perihilar region with a frequency of 50-70%. Current standard treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinomas (pCCA) is surgical resection. In cases where resection treatment is possible, the 5-year survival rate is 8-40%. However, using a very strict patient selection, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (NRCT), staging laparotomy, and liver transplantation (LT), called "the Mayo protocol," 5-year survivals of up to 70% in pCCA were reported. This treatment protocol clearly requires an intensive workforce and a harmonious multidisciplinary approach. Reoperation and retransplantation rates are high, which is a reflection of the NRCT. Multicenter studies, systemic reviews, and meta-analysis results, comparing both resection and LT in pCCA treatment and evaluating only LT results, pointed to LT with strict patient selection and full compliance with the treatment. The results of centers experienced in LT are better in treating pCCA. According to Mayo clinical data, histopathological diagnosis could not be obtained in half of the patients with pCCA before NRCT was given. This situation can be explained by the necrosis of the tumor due to the effect of NRCT and the fact that the tumor cannot be detected in the explant liver. This situation raises the following questions: did all patients actually have pCCA? Were these good results due to some patients not having pCCA? The 5-year survival rate was worse in patients with a pathological diagnosis than those without a pathological diagnosis. However, interestingly, recurrence rates were statistically similar in both groups. There was no difference in survival between LT and resection in the R₀N₀ subgroup in de novo pCCA. There are still many issues that need to be addressed and corrected in pCCA, which is one of the most problematic indications for LT. Significant success has been achieved with NRCT, staging laparotomy, and LT in selected patients with pCCA developing on the basis of PSC or early-stage unresectable de novo pCCA. It can be expected that new NRCT modalities will provide better survival by expanding the indications for LT in pCCA.

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.

How we do it-the use of peritoneal patches for reconstruction of vena cava inferior and portal vein in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery

PURPOSE

Extended resections in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery frequently require vascular resection to obtain tumor clearance. The use of alloplastic grafts may increase postoperative morbidity due to septic or thrombotic complications. The use of suitable autologous venous interponates (internal jugular vein, great saphenous vein) is frequently associated with additional incisions. The aim of this study was to report on our experience with venous reconstruction using the introperative easily available parietal peritoneum, focusing on key technical aspects.

METHODS

All patients who underwent HPB resections with venous reconstruction using peritoneal patches at our department between January 2017 and November 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis with median follow-up of 2 months (IQR: 1-8 months). We focused on technical aspects of the procedure and evaluated vascular patency and perioperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Parietal peritoneum patches (PPPs) were applied for reconstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) (13 patients) and portal vein (PV) (4 patients) during major hepatic (n = 14) or pancreatic (n = 2) resections. There were no cases of postoperative bleeding due to anastomotic leakage. Following PV reconstruction, two patients showed postoperative vascular stenosis after severe pancreatitis with postoperative pancreatic fistula and bile leakage, respectively. In patients with reconstruction of the IVC, no relevant perioperative vascular complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a peritoneal patch for reconstruction of the IVC in HPB surgery is a feasible, effective, and low-cost alternative to alloplastic, xenogenous, or venous grafts. The graft can be easily harvested and tailored to the required size. More evidence is still needed to confirm the safety of this procedure for the portal vein regarding long-term results.

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.

Comparison of an Inside Stent and a Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent as Preoperative Biliary Drainage for Patients with Resectable Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a more tolerable preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) method for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). In recent years, inside stents (ISs) have attracted attention as a less suffering PBD method. Few studies have compared IS with a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) as PBD for resectable PHCC. The aim of this study is to compare them.

METHODS

This study involved 86 consecutive patients (IS: 51; FCSEMS: 35). The recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rate until undergoing surgery or being diagnosed as unresectable, time to RBO, factors related to RBO, incidence of adverse events related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and postoperative complications associated with each stent were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of adverse events after stent insertion. After propensity score matching, the mean (SD) time to RBO was 37.9 (30.2) days in the IS group and 45.1 (35.1) days in the FCSEMS group, with no significant difference (P=0.912, log-rank test). A total of 7/51 patients in the IS group and 3/35 patients in the FCSEMS group developed RBO. The only risk factor for RBO was bile duct obstruction of the future excisional liver lobe(s) due to stenting (HR 29.8, P=0.008) in the FCSEMS group, but risk factors could not be indicated in the IS group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bile leakage or liver failure. In contrast, pancreatic fistula was significantly more common in the FCSEMS group (13/23 patients) than in the IS group (3/28 patients) (P < 0.001), especially in patients who did not undergo pancreatectomy (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As PBD, both IS and FCSEMS achieved low RBO rates. Compared with FCSEMS, IS shows no difference in RBO rate, is associated with fewer postoperative complications, and is considered an appropriate means of PBD for resectable PHCC. This trail is registered with UMIN000025631.

Vascular surgery in liver resection

Vascular surgery in liver resection is a standard part of liver transplantation, but is also used in oncological liver surgery. Malignant liver tumors with vascular involvement have a poor prognosis without resection. Surgery is currently the only treatment to provide long-term survival in advanced hepatic malignancy. Even though extended liver resections are increasingly performed, vascular involvement with need of vascular reconstruction is still considered a contraindication for surgery in many institutions. However, vascular resection and reconstruction in liver surgery-despite being complex procedures-are safely performed in specialized centers. The improvements of the postoperative results with reduced postoperative morbidity and mortality are a result of rising surgical and anesthesiological experience and advancements in multimodal treatment concepts with preconditioning measures regarding liver function and systemic treatment options. This review focuses on vascular surgery in oncological liver resections. Even though many surgical techniques were developed and are also used during liver transplantation, this special procedure is not particularly covered within this review article. We provide a summary of vascular reconstruction techniques in oncological liver surgery according to the literature and present also our own experience. We aim to outline the current advances and standards in extended surgical procedures for liver tumors with vascular involvement established in specialized centers, since curative resection improves long-term survival and shifts palliative concepts to curative therapy.

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.

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.

High Levels of Serum IgG for Opisthorchis viverrini and CD44 Expression Predict Worse Prognosis for Cholangiocarcinoma Patients after Curative Resection

Background

Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has a high immune response with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. CD44 and Nestin, two cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, play major roles in cancer cell survival. Effects of immune response and expression CSC markers on survival of patients with CCA remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effects of level of OV IgG together with CSC marker expression and also the combination of these markers on survival of CCA patients after curative resection.

Methods

All serum specimens from CCA patients who underwent curative surgery from 2005 to 2015 were examined for IgG for OV antigen by ELISA. Tissue specimens were studied for CD44 and Nestin expression. Survival analysis by Cox proportional hazard model was used for estimating hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In this study, 122 (69.3%) of 176 were positive for OV IgG, and 35 (19.9%) were considered to have high-positive OV IgG. CD44s positive expression was found in 54 (40%), CD44v6 high expression in 96 (69.6%), CD44v8-10 high expression in 87 (63.5%) and Nestin high expression in 21 (16.1%). Multivariate survival analysis found that high-positive OV IgG and late stage tumor were independent prognostic factors with the adjusted HR of 2.24 (95% CI 1.27–3.93) and 2.78 (95% CI 1.46–5.29), respectively. Subgroup analysis in early and late stage CCA showed that a combined positive OV IgG and CD44s expression with the high expression of CD44v8-10 had the significantly poorest prognosis with HR of 3.75 (95% CI 1.61–8.72) and HR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.02–3.03), respectively.

Conclusion

A high level of OV IgG as well as a high level of CSC markers resulted in an aggressive CCA. OV IgG level together with CSC markers can be used as the prognostic markers for CCA patients’ survival. The study of the CD44 pathway is promising for adjuvant treatment.

Surgery for Bismuth-Corlette Type 4 Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Results from a Western Multicenter Collaborative Group

Background

Although Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type 4 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is no longer considered a contraindication for curative surgery, few data are available from Western series to indicate the outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes for patients with BC type 4 versus BC types 2 and 3 pCCA undergoing surgical resection using a multi-institutional international database.

Methods

Uni- and multivariable analyses of patients undergoing surgery at 20 Western centers for BC types 2 and 3 pCCA and BC type 4 pCCA.

Results

Among 1138 pCCA patients included in the study, 826 (73%) had BC type 2 or 3 disease and 312 (27%) had type 4 disease. The two groups demonstrated significant differences in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics (i.e., portal vein embolization, extended hepatectomy, and positive margin). The incidence of severe complications was 46% for the BC types 2 and 3 patients and 51% for the BC type 4 patients (p = 0.1). Moreover, the 90-day mortality was 13% for the BC types 2 and 3 patients and 12% for the BC type 4 patients (p = 0.57). Lymph-node metastasis (N1; hazard-ratio [HR], 1.62), positive margins (R1; HR, 1.36), perineural invasion (HR, 1.53), and poor grade of differentiation (HR, 1.25) were predictors of survival (all p ≤0.004), but BC type was not associated with prognosis. Among the N0 and R0 patients, the 5-year overall survival was 43% for the patients with BC types 2 and 3 pCCA and 41% for those with BC type 4 pCCA (p = 0.60).

Conclusions

In this analysis of a large Western multi-institutional cohort, resection was shown to be an acceptable curative treatment option for selected patients with BC type 4 pCCA although a more technically challenging surgical approach was required.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-021-09905-z.

The Landmark Series: Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is a rare and highly aggressive biliary tract neoplasm. As such, the data driving the management of this disease generally are not based on prospective clinical trial data but rather consist of retrospective experiences and limited level 1 data. Surgical resection offers the best chance of a long-term survival, but local and distant recurrences are common. This report presents landmark articles that form the basis of preoperative, operative, and adjuvant strategies for HC.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy: a 9-year survival case

Patients with advanced unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma have poor prognosis, and the survival is usually short. Herein, we report a 9-year survival case of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy. A 64-year-old male patient presented with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor was located in the right hepatic duct, and it extended from the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior branches to the periphery. In the left side, the tumor extended from the umbilical portion to B2 and B3. However, there was no distant metastasis. The patient was then diagnosed with locally advanced, unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma and was treated with chemoradiotherapy. He received a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 daily fractions via intensity-modulated radiation therapy. In addition, he received gemcitabine chemotherapy for 5 years. There has been neither re-elevation of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels nor tumor relapse for 5 years during chemotherapy. Therefore, gemcitabine treatment was discontinued. However, the patient experienced tumor relapse 3 years after the last chemotherapy. Hence, chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin was initiated. At present, 1 year has passed after treatment for recurrence, and the patient has survived for 9 years since the initial treatment. Herein, we report a rare case of long-term survival with chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Vascular resection and reconstruction in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aggressive approach of vascular resection plus reconstruction in curative resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated its short- and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Data of HC patients from 1989 to 2016 were reviewed. Operated patients were divided into two groups (with and without vascular resection) and compared in terms of perioperative results. Patients who had unresectable HC were also compared with patients who had been operated.

RESULTS

Ninety patients underwent curative HC resection. They were divided into group A (without aggressive approach, n = 68) and group B (with aggressive approach, n = 22). The groups were comparable in all parameters including rates of overall and major complication and in-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality except that group B had more patients with more advanced disease (P = 0.008), more patients with tumour invasion of the vasculature (40.9% versus 7.4%, P = 0.001), and fewer patients with blood transfusion (27.3% versus 52.9%, P = 0.036). The groups had similar disease-free survival (group A: median, 17.9 months, 5 years, 27.4%; group B: median, 11.7 months, 5 years, 14.3%; P = 0.427) and overall survival (group A: median, 22.0 months, 5 years, 26.5%; group B: median, 26.5 months, 5 years, 14.7%; P = 0.90). Two hundred patients with unresectable HC were compared with patients who had received operation and found to have worse survival outcomes (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular resection plus reconstruction in HC resection was feasible and safe and might improve the long-term survival of patients with advanced HC. This aggressive approach should be adopted if the expertise is available and the patient's condition allows.

Surgical Strategies for the Treatment of Bismuth Type I and II Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Bile Duct Resection with or Without Hepatectomy?

BACKGROUND

The role of hepatic resection in the treatment of type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) remains controversial. In the present study, we aimed to identify whether hepatic resection was necessary for type I and II HCCA.

METHODS

A total of 23 patients classified as type I and II HCCA undergoing surgical resection were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: bile duct resection (BDR) group (n = 15) and hepatic resection (HR) group (n = 8). Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the R0 resection and long-term survival between BDR and HR for Bismuth type I and II HCCA. A total of 7 studies with 260 cases were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In our cohort, the R0 resection rate was 73.3% in BDR group and 87.5% in HR group. The HR group had a higher number of postoperative complications than the BDR group (P = 0.002). There was no difference in long-term survival (P = 0.544) and recurrence (P = 0.846) between BDR and HR in Bismuth type I and II HCCA. The meta-analysis showed that HR was associated with better R0 resection rate (RR 4.45, 95% CI 2.34-8.48) and overall survival (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.34-3.44) compared with BDR group. There was no publication bias and undue influence of any single study.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that HR was associated with better R0 resection rate and overall survival compared with BDR for type I and II HCCA patients. More aggressive surgical strategies should be increasingly considered for the treatment of type I and II HCCA patients.

Left- versus right-sided hepatectomy with hilar en-bloc resection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Major liver resections with portal vein resection (PVR) have emerged as the preferred treatment for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Whether the resection of the liver should be preferably performed as left- (LH) or right-sided hepatectomy (RH) with or without hilar en-bloc technique is still subject of ongoing debate.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, 91 patients with pCCA underwent surgery in curative intent at our institution. Perioperative, pathological and survival data from all consecutive patients undergoing hilar en-bloc resection for pCCA were analyzed retrospectively. Patients undergoing hepatoduodenectomy (n = 8) or ALPPS (Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) (n = 2) were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Tumor grading, microvascular invasion, lymphovascular invasion, N-category, T-category, R-status and UICC-tumor staging were similar in the RH (n = 45) and LH (n = 36) groups. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were higher after RH compared to LH (mortality: 15.6% (7/45) vs. 8.3% (3/36) p = 0.003). Three-year (62% vs. 51%) and the 5-year OS (30% vs. 46%) were comparable between LH and RH groups respectively (p = 0.519, log rank).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the concept of surgically aggressive therapy in pCCA. LH and RH hilar en-bloc resection demonstrate a comparable long-term survival, suggesting that LH hilar en-bloc resections are feasible and safe in high-volume centers.

Current standards and future perspectives in adjuvant treatment for biliary tract cancers

Biliary tract cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) are rare tumours with a rising incidence. Prognosis is poor, since most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Only ~20% of patients are diagnosed with early-stage disease, suitable for curative surgery. Despite surgery performed with potentially-curative intent, relapse rates are high, with around 60-70% of patients expected to have disease recurrence. Most relapses occur in the form of distant metastases, with a predominance of liver spread. In view of high tumour recurrence, adjuvant strategies have been explored for many years, in the form of radiotherapy, chemo-radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Historically, few randomised trials were available, which included a variety of additional tumours (e.g. pancreatic and ampullary tumours); most evidence relied on phase II and retrospective studies, with no high-quality evidence available to define the real benefit derived from adjuvant strategies. Since 2017, three randomised phase III clinical trials have been reported; all recruited patients with resected biliary tract cancer (CCA and GBC) who were randomised to observation alone, or chemotherapy in the form of gemcitabine (BCAT study; included patients diagnosed with extrahepatic CCA only), gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (PRODIGE-12/ACCORD-18; included patients diagnosed with CCA and GBC) or capecitabine (BILCAP; included patients diagnosed with CCA and GBC). While gemcitabine-based chemotherapy failed to show an impact on patient outcome (relapse-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS)), the BILCAP study showed a benefit from adjuvant capecitabine in terms of OS (pre-planned sensitivity analysis in the intention-to-treat population and in the per-protocol analysis), with confirmed benefit in terms of RFS. Based on the BILCAP trial, international guidelines recommend adjuvant capecitabine for a period of six months following potentially curative resection of CCA as the current standard of care for resected CCA and GBC. However, BILCAP failed to show OS benefit in the intention-to-treat (non-sensitivity analysis) population (primary end-point), and this finding, as well as some inconsistencies between studies has been criticised and has led to confusion in the biliary tract cancer medical community. This review summarises the adjuvant field in biliary tract cancer, with evidence before and after 2017, and comparison between the latest randomised phase III studies. Potential explanations are presented for differential findings, and future steps are explored.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A different concept for radical resection

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes depend heavily on the possibility of performing radical resection.

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term results in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) patients from the perspective of a new understanding of radical resection.

METHODS

Consecutive PHC patients who underwent surgical resection at A.V. Vishnevsky Center of Surgery from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty eight (87.9%) patients underwent hemihepatectomy (14 extended hemihepatectomies), while 2 (3%) underwent extrahepatic bile duct resection only, 6 (9.1%) underwent S4b, and 5 underwent en bloc resection of the extrahepatic bile duct. The influence of the bile duct wedge R status, nodal status, microvascular invasion, microlymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, liver invasion, and surrounding adipose tissue invasion on survival was tested by Cox's models. Survival rates depending on pathological parameter numbers were compared by log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Wedge resection, nodal status, microvascular invasion, microlymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, liver invasion, and surrounding adipose tissue invasion served as extended criteria for curability (R+, 1 to 7 parameters). For R0 resection status and R1 resection status (R+1, R+2), 7 and 5 parameters were negative, respectively. For R1+ resection status (R+3, R+4, R+5, R+6, R+7), 3 to 7 parameters were positive. Patients who underwent R0 and R1 resections had 5-year survival rates of 100%; the 1- 2- 3-year survival rates were 63%, 49%, 33% for patients who underwent R1+ resections, respectively. The expanded criteria for determining radical resection levels correlated with long-term outcomes (р = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The new concept for radical resection can accurately reflect surgical treatment results and contribute to selecting appropriate adjuvant therapies in PHC patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was carried out in accordance with the framework of the "Multimodal treatment of primary and secondary malignant tumors of the liver and pancreas" (state registration № 315030310062).

Application of multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of bile hilar duct lake in the operation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the extrahepatic bile duct. Until now, radical resection has been the most effective method for the long-term survival of patients with the disease. However, many problems have emerged in the field of hepatobiliary surgery for a long time, including complex surgical procedures, low resection rate, and postoperative complications. We have adopted the “multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of a bile duct lake“ technique in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma since 2008, and obtained satisfactory short- and long-term results.

AIM

To examine the feasibility of the application of multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of a bile duct lake in the operation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data, surgical methods, and results of 76 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who were treated with hilar bile duct lake-forming multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction at Gansu Provincial Hospital.

RESULTS

In all 76 cases, the operation was successful and no operative death occurred. The mean (range) operation time was 215.4 ± 53.5 min (124–678 min), and the amount of bleeding during the operation was 428.2 ± 63.8 mL (240–2200 mL). The overall 1-year survival rate was 78.9%, and the 3-year survival rate was 32.8%.

CONCLUSION

The multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction technique with formation of a bile duct lake is safe and effective for the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Preoperative Bilirubin Level Predicts Overall Survival and Tumor Recurrence After Resection for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Patients

Objective

Currently, the correlation between preoperative bilirubin level and overall survival (OS) remains poorly defined in respectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the outcomes of perihilar CC after resection and then to analyze factors influencing curative resection, tumor recurrence and OS.

Methods

115 patients with perihilar CC underwent surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed based on clinic characteristics, operative details, tumor recurrence and long-term survival data.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates after resection were 75.9%, 36.5%, 21.7%, whereas the corresponding tumor recurrence rates were 29.6%, 70.8%, 85.3%, respectively. Preoperative bilirubin level combined with liver resection, resection margin, vascular invasion and perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage were found to be correlated with OS and tumor recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative bilirubin level together with resection margin, perineural invasion, and TNM stage were independent predictors of OS and tumor recurrence. Furthermore, preoperative bilirubin level was related with R0 resection, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and postoperative liver function recovery.

Conclusion

Preoperative bilirubin level may effectively reflect the severity of perihilar CC and predict the OS and tumor recurrence after resection for perihilar CC patients.

Multidisciplinary treatment of left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after hepatobiliary resection for gallbladder cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

When a postoperative hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm develops after massive hepatectomy, both an intervention for the pseudoaneurysm and patency of hepatic artery should be considered because occlusion of the residual hepatic artery results in critical liver failure. However, the treatment strategy for a pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery after hepatobiliary resection is not well established.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old woman underwent right hepatectomy, extrahepatic duct resection, and portal vein resection, for gallbladder cancer. Although the patient had an uneventful postoperative course, computed tomography on postoperative day 6 showed a 6-mm pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery. Angiography revealed the pseudoaneurysm located on the bifurcation of the left hepatic artery to the segment 2 artery plus the segment 3 artery and 4 artery. Stent placement in the left hepatic artery was not feasible because the artery was too narrow, and coiling of the pseudoaneurysm was associated with a risk of occluding the left hepatic artery and inducing critical liver failure. Therefore, portal vein arterialization constructed by anastomosing the ileocecal artery and vein was performed prior to embolization of the pseudoaneurysm to maintain the oxygen level of the remnant liver, even if the left hepatic artery was accidentally occluded. The pseudoaneurysm was selectively embolized without occlusion of the left hepatic artery, and the postoperative laboratory data were within normal limits. Although uncontrollable ascites due to portal hypertension occurred, embolization of the ileocolic shunt rapidly resolved it. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 45.

CONCLUSION

Portal vein arterialization prior to embolization of the aneurysm may be a feasible therapeutic strategy for a pseudoaneurysm that develops after hepatectomy for hepatobiliary malignancy to guarantee arterial inflow to the remnant liver. Early embolization of arterioportal shunting after confirmation of arterial inflow to the liver should be performed to prevent morbidity induced by portal hypertension.

Surgical Considerations of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Hilar lesions are most common. Patients present with obstructive jaundice and intrahepatic bile duct dilation. Cross-sectional imaging reveals local, regional, and distant extent of disease, with direct cholangiography providing tissue for diagnosis. The consensus of a multidisciplinary committee dictates treatment. Resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and ipsilateral hepatic lobe with or without vascular resection and transplantation after neoadjuvant protocol are options for curative treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor with negative margins. Patients with inoperable tumors or metastatic disease are best served with palliative chemoradiotherapy.

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.

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

BACKGROUND

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

AIM

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

PATIENTS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

[New criteria of radical surgery and long-term outcomes of hilar cholangiocarcinoma management]

AIM

To develop new criteria of radical surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 165 HCC patients who underwent surgery in 1986-2016 at the Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery. TNM stage distribution: stage I - 4 (2.4%), II - 45 (27.3%) (29 of them are referred to the 1^st period of work), IIIA - 23 (13.9%), IIIB - 41 (24.8%), IVA - 35 (21.2%), IVB - 17 (10.3%). 80 (48%) patients underwent hemihepatectomy, 17 (10%) - advanced hemihepatectomy, 16 (10%) - minor liver resection with common bile duct repair, 52 (32%) - common bile duct repair resection. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to access relationship between survival and prognostic factors. Log-rank test was used to compare both survival curves.

RESULTS

R0-resection as followed by 5-year survival rate near 32%. Microvascular invasion was observed in 42.9%, lymphovascular invasion - in 88.2%, positive resection margin - in 59.2%, perineural invasion - in 83.3%, cells in surrounding fatty tissue were revealed in 92.3%. Resection may be considered radical (R0) if all variables are absent, 5-7 negative factors are followed by conditionally radical procedure (R+number of positive factors). Long-term outcomes and significance of new criteria were accessed (p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

New criteria of radical procedure are presented. The last reflects the concept of dependence of 'pure' surgical edge from not only presence or absence of tumor cells in cut-off plane but also from important morphological features of tumor.

Chemoradiotherapy for Initially Unresectable Locally Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Surgical resection is the only available treatment for achieving long-term survival in cholangiocarcinoma. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the utility of chemoradiotherapy for initially unresectable locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Unresectable locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma was defined as those in which radical surgery could not be achieved even with aggressive surgical procedure. Fifteen candidates (7 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and 8 hilar cholangiocarcinomas) underwent chemoradiotherapy. Fourteen of the 15 patients received oral S-1 chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered with 50 Gy for each patient. After chemoradiotherapy, the resectability of each cholangiocarcinoma was reexamined.

RESULTS

Of the 15 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma, 11 (73.3%) were judged to have resectable cholangiocarcinoma after chemoradiotherapy, and received radical hepatectomy (R0 resection in 9 patients). Among the 11 patients who underwent surgical resection, 4 had recurrence-free survival and the median survival time (MST) was 37 months. The overall 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 80.8, 70.7 and 23.6%, respectively. Among the 4 patients who were unable to receive surgery, 3 died of the primary disease and the MST was 10 months. The overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 37.5 and 0%, respectively. Patients who received radical surgery had significantly longer survival time than those who were unable to receive surgery (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiotherapy allowed patients with initially unresectable locally advanced cholangiocarcinomas to be reclassified as surgical candidates in a substantial proportion. Chemoradiotherapy might be one of the treatment options for similarly advanced cholangiocarcinomas.

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.

Atherosclerosis of the right posterior hepatic artery in a patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing left trisectionectomy: a case report of a therapeutic pitfall

BACKGROUND

We experienced a rare case of benign arterial stricture of the right posterior hepatic artery (RPHA) caused by atherosclerosis in a patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 75-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the detailed investigation of serum hepatobiliary enzyme elevation. The patient had a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an operative history of coronary artery bypass grafting 10 years before. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography found strictures of the right and left hepatic ducts with involvement of right anterior and posterior bile ducts. Adenocarcinoma was evident by brush cytology. We diagnosed these findings as hilar cholangiocarcinoma and planned left trisectionectomy including bile duct reconstruction. Although the tumor and RPHA were not adjacent, preoperative multidetector computed tomography revealed a stricture of the RPHA that was 5.6 mm in length. We suspected that atherosclerosis caused the stricture, and we performed digital subtraction angiography and intravascular ultrasonography that showed stricture of the RPHA accompanied by thick plaques in the arterial wall. We placed a bare-metal stent in the RPHA and then performed left trisectionectomy. Since this patient developed bile leakage postoperatively, percutaneous drainage was performed. The bile leakage was successfully controlled, and the patient was discharged 3 months after surgery. Unfortunately, 4 months after hepatectomy, he was re-hospitalized with multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. We performed intensive multimodal treatment for the liver abscesses and stabilized the disease; however, we eventually lost this patient due to liver failure 14 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous literature on atherosclerosis of the RPHA, which was evident preoperatively in our case. Because arterial complications may lead to critical biliary complications in patients who undergo left trisectionectomy, we first performed prophylactic arterial stent placement. We speculate that existing chronic microscopic injury of the peribiliary plexus might have caused the liver abscesses. We successfully diagnosed atherosclerosis of the RPHA preoperatively. However, further investigation of patients is warranted to determine if left trisectionectomy is contraindicated in these patients.

The Impact of MDCT and Endoscopic Transpapillary Mapping Biopsy to Predict Longitudinal Spread of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUNDS

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), mapping biopsy, and other imaging modalities to predict the longitudinal extension and depth of invasion of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at possible surgical ductal margins.

METHODS

Of 102 patients with surgical resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma between January 2010 and October 2015, 32 evaluated by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) performed before biliary drainage and mapping biopsy were enrolled. Mapping biopsies were performed at 74 sites to determine the resection point of the bile duct (at 74 possible surgical ductal margins). Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by histopathology.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for longitudinal cancer spread was 79.7%, that of biopsy was 73.0%, and combining the two modalities showed highest accuracy (83.8%). The depth of tumor invasion could be predicted by combination of the ductal wall thickness and contrast enhancement on MDCT, that is, at 11 of 13 sites (84.6%) with submucosal invasion, ductal wall thickness was > 2.5 mm with high contrast enhancement.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT demonstrated highest accuracy of diagnosing longitudinal extension at possible surgical ductal margins in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The depth of tumor invasion could be predicted by ductal wall thickness and contrast enhancement of MDCT.

Effectiveness of a modified 6-Fr endoscopic nasobiliary drainage catheter for patients with preoperative perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

To decrease complications associated with preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients, we developed a modified 6-Fr ENBD catheter with multiple side holes (m-ENBD). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the m-ENBD catheter with a conventional 7-Fr ENBD catheter (c-ENBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study involved 371 patients with suspected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent ENBD using a c-ENBD catheter or an m-ENBD catheter. The effectiveness of each catheter and the incidence of complications were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses followed by propensity score matching were performed.

RESULTS

In 145 patients with total bilirubin levels ≥ 2.0 mg/dL prior to drainage, these levels decreased to < 2.0 mg/dL after ENBD in 81.1 % of the c-ENBD patients and in 74.0 % of the m-ENBD patients ( P  = 0.325). Post-ENBD cholangitis occurred in 24.9 % of the c-ENBD patients and in 12.4 % of the m-ENBD patients ( P  = 0.006). After propensity score matching, the rate of post-ENBD cholangitis ( P  = 0.007) and the number of patients requiring subsequent or additional drainage ( P  = 0.030) were significantly lower in the m-ENBD group.

CONCLUSION

The modified 6-Fr ENBD catheter was associated with a lower incidence of post-ENBD cholangitis than the conventional 7-Fr ENBD catheter, and the incidence of subsequent or additional drainage procedures was also decreased.

Effectiveness of additional resection of the invasive cancer-positive proximal bile duct margin in cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

The survival benefits of additional resection of the positive proximal ductal margin (PM) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of additional resection of the invasive cancer PM under different levels of preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9).

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCCA from 2000 to 2017 were analyzed. Surgical variables, resection margin status, length of the PM (LPM), prognostic factors, and survival were evaluated.

Results

A total of 228 patients were enrolled: 175 PM(-) without additional resection patients (group A), 21 PM(-) after additional resection (group B), 16 PM(+) without additional resection (group C), and 16 PM(+) after additional resection (group D). The median survival of group B (20.99 months) was similar to that of group A (23.00 months; P=0.16), and both were significantly better than those of group C (11.60 months) and D (9.50 months), especially when preoperative CA19-9>150 U/mL (P<0.05). The survival of patients with an LPM >10 mm was significantly better compared with those with an LPM ≤10 mm, especially when preoperative CA19-9 was >150 U/mL (P<0.05). Only in the LPM >10 mm group, the survival of group B was comparable with that of group A (P>0.05).

Conclusions

HCCA patients could get a survival benefit from a negative PM resulting from additional resection. Survival could be comparable with that of negative PM without additional resection among HCCA patients. An LPM >10 mm is possibly more associated with better survival compared with whether additional resection of the positive PM is performed under different levels of preoperative CA19-9.

Meta-analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with resected hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is staged using the AJCC staging system. Numerous other prognostically important histopathological and demographic characteristics have been reported. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess statistically the effect of postresectional tumour characteristics on overall survival of patients undergoing attempted radical curative resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by searching the Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed databases. The search was limited to studies published between 2009 and 2017. Papers referring to intrahepatic or distal cholangiocarcinoma were excluded from review. Data extraction used standard Parmar modifications to determine pooled univariable hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles, containing 4599 patients, were assessed quantitatively. In pooled analyses, age (HR 1·16, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 1·28), T category (HR 1·49, 1·30 to 1·70), lymph node involvement (HR 1·78, 1·65 to 1·93), microvascular invasion (HR 1·49, 1·34 to 1·68), perineural invasion (HR 1·54, 1·40 to 1·68) and tumour differentiation (HR 1·54, 1·38 to 1·72) were significant prognostic factors, with low heterogeneity. Portal vein resection (HR 1·54, 1·15 to 1·70) and resection margin status (HR 1·77, 1·57 to 1·99) had significant effects, but with high heterogeneity. Sex, tumour size and preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels did not have a statistically significant effect on postoperative prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Several tumour biological variables not included in the seventh edition of the AJCC classification affect overall survival. These require incorporation into prognostic models to ensure a personalized approach to prognostication and treatment.

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.

Resection of the caudate lobe for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Whether the resection of the caudate lobe, in association with major hepatectomy, improves outcomes in hilar cholangiocarcinoma is controversial.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic literature review on all studies published from June 1979 to September 2016. Inclusion criteria for eligibility were the presence of parallel-groups of patients treated with major hepatectomy with either caudate lobe resection (CLR), or not (NCLR), in adult population, reporting data on overall survival (OS). We ran out a random-effect meta-analysis for survival data.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Six retrospective studies with 969 patients (643 CLR and 326 NCLR) were included. The probability of death was significantly lower in CLR group than in NCLR group (HR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.44-0.97; P=0.035). The median survival time was in favor of CLR (WMD 3.46; 95% CI: 1.02-5.90, P=0.005]. Patients who underwent CLR were more likely to receive a R0 resection than those who did not (OR 8.26; 95% CI: 2.45-27.87; P=0.001). No moderator effects were detected at meta-regression for operative time, postoperative complication rate and pathologic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the paucity of data and the retrospective nature of the included studies, our results suggest that major hepatectomy plus caudate lobe resection may improve the likelihood of R0 resection and the overall survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Outcomes after vascular resection during curative-intent resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a multi-institution study from the US extrahepatic biliary malignancy consortium

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the cornerstone of curative-intent therapy for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). The role of vascular resection (VR) in the treatment of HC in western centres is not well defined.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the U.S. Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy Consortium, patients were grouped into those who underwent resection for HC based on VR status: no VR, portal vein resection (PVR), or hepatic artery resection (HAR). Perioperative and long-term survival outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2015, 201 patients underwent resection for HC, of which 31 (15%) underwent VR: 19 patients (9%) underwent PVR alone and 12 patients (6%) underwent HAR either with (n = 2) or without PVR (n = 10). Patients selected for VR tended to be younger with higher stage disease. Rates of postoperative complications and 30-day mortality were similar when stratified by vascular resection status. On multivariate analysis, receipt of PVR or HAR did not significantly affect OS or RFS.

CONCLUSION

In a modern, multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing curative-intent resection for HC, VR appears to be a safe procedure in a highly selected subset, although long-term survival outcomes appear equivalent. VR should be considered only in select patients based on tumor and patient characteristics.

Risk prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In most patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), major hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection are needed for surgical radicality, and a high risk of hepatic insufficiency exists. This study aims to develop a prediction model for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with PHCC.

METHODS

A total of 143 patients who underwent major liver resection and extrahepatic bile duct resection for PHCC between October 2001 and December 2013 were included. Clinically relevant PHLF was defined as liver failure corresponding to grade B or C of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the PHLF risk model. Model performance was evaluated internally using the area under the curve analysis (discrimination) after 1000 bootstrap resampling and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (calibration).

RESULTS

Post-hepatectomy liver failure occurred in 43.4% of patients (n = 62). In multivariate analysis, PHLF was significantly associated with future liver remnant ratio (odds ratio [OR] per 10% = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.88), intraoperative blood loss (OR per 1 L = 1.82, 95% CI 1.11-3.17), and preoperative prothrombin time > 1.20 (OR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.15-9.97). The PHLF risk score model showed good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.708, 95% CI 0.623-0.793) and calibration (P = 0.227).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk model proposed in this study accurately predicted PHLF in patients with PHCC. This offers surgeons a practical guide to quantitative risk assessment of hepatic insufficiency and aids decision-making in surgical treatment and perioperative management.

Surgical Site Infection Is Associated with Tumor Recurrence in Patients with Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancies

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most common complications after hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Infectious complications may lead to an associated immune-modulatory effect that inhibits the body's response to cancer surveillance. We sought to define the impact of SSI on long-term prognosis of patients undergoing surgical resection of extrahepatic biliary malignancies (EHBM).

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery for EHBM between 2000 and 2014 were identified using a large, multi-center, national cohort dataset. Recurrence free survival (RFS) was calculated and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to identify potential risk factors for RFS including SSI.

RESULTS

Seven hundred twenty-eight patients included in the analytic cohort; 236 (32.4%) patients had perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, 241 (33.1%) gallbladder cancer, and 251 (34.5%) distal cholangiocarcinoma. A major resection, liver resection, was performed in 205 (28.3%) patients, while 110 (15.2%) patients had a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The overall incidence of morbidity was 55.8%; among the 397 patients who experienced a complication, 161 patients specifically had an SSI. The SSI occurred as an infection of the surgical site (n = 70, 9.6%) or formation of an abscess in the operative bed (n = 91, 12.5%). SSI was associated with long-term survival as patients who experienced an SSI had a median RFS of 19.5 months compared with 30.5 months for those patients who did not have an SSI (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08-1.80; p = 0.01). Among 279 patients who had EHBM that had no associated lymph node metastases, well-to-moderate tumor differentiation, as well as an R0 resection margin, SSI remained associated with worse RFS (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.03-3.29; p = 0.038), as well as overall survival (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18-2.97; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

SSI was a relatively common occurrence following surgery for EHBM as 1 in 10 patients experienced an SSI. In addition to standard tumor-specific factors, the occurrence of postoperative SSI was adversely associated with long-term survival.