Sarcoidosis Resembling Angiokeratomas: A Case Report

Sarcoidosis, a multifaceted systemic disorder characterized histologically by the presence of non-caseating granulomas, has a wide array of cutaneous manifestations. We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman with a complex medical history, who presented with asymptomatic hyperpigmented papules on her lower extremities. Histological examination of a punch biopsy specimen showed nodular and angiocentric patterns of granulomatous inflammation consistent with sarcoidosis, and chest radiography demonstrated bilateral hilar opacities, supporting the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this specific cutaneous presentation of sarcoidosis has not been described before, and it can easily be mistaken for other conditions. Therefore, this case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical cutaneous morphologies of sarcoidosis, particularly in patients with complex medical histories, to facilitate accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. We aim to increase awareness among clinicians regarding the diverse manifestations of sarcoidosis, thereby enhancing diagnostic acumen and patient care.

Mycobacterium porcinum Infection of Hilar and Mediastinal Lymph Nodes: A Case Report and Literature Review

In the available reports on clinical medicine, the infection sites of Mycobacterium porcinum include wounds, bone marrow, respiratory tract, and catheters. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital; her hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were found to be enlarged during health examination, but there was no specific discomfort. Initially, she had undergone a mediastinal lymph node biopsy and pathology, but the diagnosis was not confirmed. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed M. porcinum infection of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. Subsequently, she was treated with clarithromycin, amikacin, imipenem, and tigecycline. After 2 months, chest computed tomography showed a significant reduction in lymph nodes. M. porcinum infection was considered to be the cause of disease.

The Contribution of Cell Blocks in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal and Hilar Lymphadenopathy Samples From Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)

Background Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a diagnostic procedure that allows clinicians to stage lung cancer by sampling lymph nodes in the mediastinum. EBUS-TBNA is recommended as a first step prior to mediastinoscopy for lung cancer mediastinal staging. This procedure has greatly aided pulmonologists in diagnosing mediastinal pathologies with substantial progress. In this study, our aim is to analyze how cell blocks affect the diagnostic yield of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy using an EBUS cytology needle. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital between May 2021 and September 2021. Patients with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in the absence of known or suspected primary lung cancer were included. The EBUS procedure was performed using a flexible bronchoscope equipped with a working channel suitable for transbronchial needle aspiration under direct ultrasound guidance. Data were recorded using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Diagnostic accuracy measures were determined, and a p-value of 0.05 was established as the final threshold for statistical significance. Results The total number of patients in our study was 151. The sensitivity for cytology specimens, histology specimens, and a combined evaluation for the full group of patients was 77.14%, 83.33%, and 87.5%, respectively, with a negative predictive value of 27.22%, 25%, and 21.42%. The diagnostic accuracy for cytology specimens, histology specimens, and a combined evaluation was 71.42%, 76.19%, and 80%, respectively. Conclusion Our study found that the combined examination of specimens for both cytology and histology in the diagnosis of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis resulted in a higher diagnostic yield compared to cytological assessment alone using EBUS-TBNA.

Radioactive versus normal stent insertion for malignant hilar obstruction: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis was designed for examining the relative clinical safety and efficacy of normal stent (NS) and radioactive stent (RS) insertion in malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Relevant studies published as of March 2022 were identified through searches of the Medline, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI databases, and the pooled results of these studies were then analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight studies including 258 and 247 patients that underwent NS and RS insertion, respectively, were incorporated into this meta-analysis. RS insertion was found to be associated with significant improvements in functional successful rate (p = 0.04), Δaspertate aminotransferase (AST, p = 0.0004), Δalanine aminotransferase (ALT, p = 0.002), stent patency (p < 0.00001), stent re-obstruction rate (p = 0.03), and OS (p < 0.00001) outcomes as compared to those associated with NS insertion. No differences in Δtotal bilirubin (TBIL, p = 0.38), cholangeitis rate (p = 0.45), cholecystitis rate (p = 0.84), or hemorrhage rate (p = 0.87) were observed when comparing patients that underwent RS and NS insertion. Substantial publication bias was observed for endpoints of cholecystitis and hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that relative to NS insertion, RS insertion can effectively prolong stent patency and OS in MHO cases.

Outcomes After Liver Transplantation With Incidental Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is currently a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT) in the United Kingdom (UK). Incidental CCA occurs rarely in some patients undergoing LT. We report on retrospective outcomes of patients with incidental CCA from six UK LT centres. Cases were identified from pathology records. Data regarding tumour characteristics and post-transplant survival were collected. CCA was classified by TNM staging and anatomical location. 95 patients who underwent LT between 1988-2020 were identified. Median follow-up after LT was 2.1 years (14 days-18.6 years). Most patients were male (68.4%), median age at LT was 53 (IQR 46-62), and the majority had underlying PSC (61%). Overall median survival after LT was 4.4 years. Survival differed by tumour site: 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated survival was 82.1%, 68.7%, and 57.1%, respectively, in intrahepatic CCA (n = 40) and 58.5%, 42.6%, and 30.2% in perihilar CCA (n = 42; p = 0.06). 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated survival was 95.8%, 86.5%, and 80.6%, respectively, in pT1 tumours (28.2% of cohort), and 65.8%, 44.7%, and 31.1%, respectively, in pT2-4 (p = 0.018). Survival after LT for recipients with incidental CCA is inferior compared to usual outcomes for LT in the United Kingdom. LT for earlier stage CCA has similar survival to LT for hepatocellular cancer, and intrahepatic CCAs have better survival compared to perihilar CCAs. These observations may support LT for CCA in selected cases.

Stent with radioactive strand insertion for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: comparison of unilateral and bilateral insertion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relative clinical efficacy associated with the unilateral and bilateral insertion of a stent with a radioactive strand (RS) for the treatment of inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) patients.

METHODS

From January 2017 to June 2020, consecutive patients diagnosed with inoperable HCCA underwent either unilateral or bilateral stent with RS insertion in our hospital. Outcomes compared between these groups included rates of technical success, clinical success, stent-related complications, stent patency and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Unilateral and bilateral stent with RS insertion procedures were performed in 36 and 30 patients over the study period, respectively, with 100% technical and clinical success rates in both groups. No instances of procedure-related complications were reported. Cholangitis was observed in 7 (19.4%) and 6 (20%) patients in unilateral and bilateral groups (p= .955), respectively, while these groups exhibited respective cholecystitis in 2 (5.5%) and 1 (3.3%) cases, respectively (p=.662), and stent restenosis in 9 (25%) and 7 (23.3%) cases, respectively (p=.661). The median duration of stent patency in the unilateral and bilateral groups was comparable at 208 and 222 d, respectively (p=.889). All patients died over the course of follow-up, with similar median OS rates in the unilateral and bilateral groups of 250 and 246 d, respectively (p=.483).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicated that similar inoperable HCCA patient clinical outcomes are achieved following stent with RS insertion regardless of whether it is conducted via a unilateral or bilateral approach.

Single Institution Experience

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a liver malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. Its main subtypes are peripheral/intrahepatic and hilar/extrahepatic CCA. Several molecular, morphological and clinical similarities between hilar/extrahepatic CCA and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been described. FOXF1 is a transcription factor which has been described to have prognostic significance in various tumors and it is involved in the development of bile ducts. The aim of this study is to determine occurrence of nuclear expression of FOXF1 in both subtypes of CCA and metastatic PDAC and assess its potential usefulness as a diagnostic marker. Secondary aims were to investigate the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) immunohistochemistry for diagnosing intrahepatic peripheral CCA and the significance of histological features in CCA subtypes. 32 archive specimens of CCA, combined hepatocellular carcinoma-CCA (HCC-CCA) and liver metastasis of PDAC were stained by FOXF1 and CRP immunohistochemistry and evaluated to determine histological pattern. The CCAs were classified radiologically into peripheral/intrahepatic and hilar subtype. Using Fisher exact test, we identified nuclear FOXF1 as a fairly specific (87%) but insensitive (65%) marker of hilar and extrahepatic CCA and metastatic PDAC (p = 0.005). CRP immunohistochemistry was characterized by a high sensitivity and specificity, of 79% and 88%, respectively (p = 0.001). We did not identify any histomorphological features associated with either types of CCA or metastatic PDAC. As a conclusion of novel finding, FOXF1 immunohistochemistry may be regarded as a specific but insensitive marker of hilar/extrahepatic CCA and metastatic PDAC and it may help distinguish them from peripheral CCA.

Bilateral stenting for hilar biliary obstruction: a meta-analysis of side-by-side versus stent-in-stent

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of stent-in-stent (SIS) and side-by-side (SBS) bilateral stenting for treating malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Relevant studies in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were identified through June 2020. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan v5.3, using relevant endpoint data relating to clinical and technical success, complications, stent dysfunction, and overall survival (OS) rates extracted from these studies.

RESULTS

We identified six relevant studies which included 315 MHBO patients treated with either SBS (n = 161) or SIS bilateral (n = 154) stenting. We saw no significant difference between these two groups with respect to clinical success (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.46, 2.49, p = .87), complication (HR: 0.12; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.27, p = .15), stent dysfunction (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.10, p = .11), or OS (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.16, p = .74). However, the SBS group exhibited significantly lower technical success rates (OR: 6.55; 95% CI: 1.10, 38.83, p = .04). Significant heterogeneity was only detected for the endpoint of complication rates (I² = 60%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that SIS bilateral stenting yields better rates of technical success than does SBS bilateral stenting in MHBO patients.

Endoscopic revision efficacy after clinically successful bilateral metal stenting for advanced malignant hilar obstruction

BACKGROUNDS AND AIM

Multiple insertions of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for advanced malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) are now considered to be an effective palliative method for adequate drainage of liver volume. However, the efficacy of endoscopic reintervention in technically and clinically successful bilateral SEMS is limited. This study investigated the endoscopic revision efficacy in patients who underwent bilateral SEMS in MHO.

METHODS

Primary endoscopic revision using plastic or metal stents or an alternative percutaneous approach followed by secondary endoscopic revision was performed in patients who underwent clinically successful deployment of bilateral SEMS. The primary outcome was a technical success. Secondary outcomes were clinical success, adverse events, and patency duration after reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients (83.3%) out of 66 enrolled patients underwent reintervention: primary endoscopic reintervention (n = 47) and secondary endoscopic revision following percutaneous drainage (n = 8). Intended technical success rates of primary and secondary endoscopic reintervention were 93.6% (44/47) and 87.5% (7/8), respectively (P = 0.47). Clinical success rates were 72.3% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.23). Stent malfunction rate after reintervention was 48.9% (23/47) and 37.5% (3/8) (P = 0.70) during follow up, and median cumulative stent patency duration was 119 and 55 days, respectively (log-rank P = 0.68). Stent patent rate after reintervention was not different according to the time interval. In univariate and multivariate analysis for stent patency duration-related factors after reintervention, there were no meaningful factors.

CONCLUSION

Primary endoscopic reintervention for bilateral SEMS in MHO was feasible technically and clinically. However, there were no statistically meaningful factors for stent patency duration after reintervention.

Results of Surgical Repair of Hilar Renal Artery Aneurysm to Preserve Renal Blood Flow

Objective: Surgical indications and procedures for hilar renal artery aneurysm (HRAA) are controversial in terms of invasiveness and feasibility. Catheter treatment is minimally invasive but leads to renal dysfunction due to renal infarction. This study aims to investigate the results of surgical repair of HRAA.

Method: Fourteen patients (58.7±11.6 years old, 7 male) who underwent surgical repair of HRAA were retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients (64%) developed HRAA in the right renal artery, and the mean maximum aneurysmal diameter was 25.9±10.3 mm. HRAA was exposed via the extraperitoneal approach. HRAA was resected completely, and reconstruction of renal arteries was performed by direct closure in two, direct anastomosis in nine, and interposition of saphenous vein graft in three patients.

Results: The average operation and renal ischemic times were 186±49 and 35±16 min, respectively. No operative death occurred, and postoperative renal function at the time of discharge had not deteriorated (creatinine, 0.74±0.15 mg/dl). During the follow-up periods (4.7±5.1 years), there was no death, no new introduction of hemodialysis, and no recurrence of renal artery aneurysm.

Conclusion: Surgical repair of HRAA remains a valid option because of its operative safety, preservation of renal function, and long-term feasibility and patency.

Distribution and Characteristics of Intrathoracic Lymphadenopathy in TB/HIV Co-Infection

BACKGROUND

Intrathoracic Lymphadenopathy (ITLN) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients may have various etiologies and prognoses. Etiologies of ITLN can be distinguished based on the distribution of enlarged lymph nodes. Sometimes tuberculosis (TB) is the first sign of underlying HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine ITLN distribution and associated pulmonary findings in TB/HIV co-infection using Computed Tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS

In this retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study, chest CT scans of 52 patients with TB/HIV co-infection were assessed for enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes (>10 mm in short axis diameter), lymphadenopathy (LAP) distribution, calcification, conglomeration, the presence of hypodense center and associated pulmonary abnormalities. LAP distribution was compared in TB/HIV co-infection with isolated TB infection.

RESULTS

Mediastinal and/or hilar LAP were seen in 53.8% of TB/HIV co-infection patients. In all cases, LAP was multistational. The most frequent stations were right lower paratracheal and subcarinal stations. Lymph node conglomeration, hypodense center and calcification were noted in 25%, 21.4% and 3.5% of patients, respectively. LAP distribution was the same as that in patients with isolated TB infection except for the right hilar, right upper paratracheal and prevascular stations. All patients with mediastinal and/or hilar adenopathy had associated pulmonary abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

All patients with TB/HIV co-infection and mediastinal and/or hilar adenopathy had associated pulmonary abnormalities. Superior mediastinal lymph nodes were less commonly affected in TB/HIV co-infection than isolated TB.

Unilateral versus bilateral hilar stents for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter international study

Background

Endoscopic placement of hilar stents is an accepted palliative therapy for patients with advanced, unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. However, whether unilateral versus bilateral stent placement provides optimal relief continues to be a subject of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the technical and clinical outcomes in patients with inoperable cholangiocarcinoma who received unilateral or bilateral self-expanding metal stents (SEMS).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, international retrospective study of 187 patients with cholangiocarcinoma who received unilateral or bilateral SEMS. Outcomes included, but were not limited to, technical success, clinical success, adverse events, stent occlusion, and survival time. Results were further stratified based on the Bismuth classification.

Results

Fifty patients received unilateral stents and 137 patients received bilateral stents. All patients achieved technical success. The clinical success rates were 86% for unilateral stents and 82.5% for bilateral stents (P>0.99). Clinical success was not statistically different for either group when stratified by the Bismuth classification (P=0.62 and P=0.72 respectively). There were significantly more adverse events in the bilateral stents group (11.7% vs. 0%, P=0.007). There was no greater risk of stent occlusion when bilateral stents were used (unadjusted P=0.71, adjusted P=0.81). There was a greater risk of death for patients who received bilateral SEMS (hazard ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.89; P=0.02).

Conclusions

Unilateral and bilateral drainage had similar technical and clinical success rates. However, bilateral stents had a higher risk of death and more adverse events. Therefore, unilateral SEMS placement is sufficient for relief of biliary obstruction secondary to cholangiocarcinoma.

Biliary stenting for hilar malignant biliary obstruction

Although endoscopic intervention is the mainstay for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction, a percutaneous approach has been preferred, particularly in patients with advanced high-grade hilar malignant biliary obstruction, because of the technical difficulty and risk of complications. However, recently, primary endoscopic palliation using plastic or metal stents has had higher technical and clinical success with fewer adverse events than the percutaneous approach. Endoscopic interventions are being done more and more frequently because of advances in metal stents, accessories, and techniques. However, several concerns, such as optimal stent type, number, and deployment method, remain to be resolved. Therefore, we reviewed the literature in order to identify the optimal biliary stenting strategy for patients with hilar malignant biliary obstruction, focusing on stent type (plastic vs metal), number (unilateral [single] vs bilateral [multiple]), and deployment method (stent-in-stent vs stent-by-stent).

Cholangiocarcinoma: a site-specific update on the current state of surgical management and multi-modality therapy

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare, heterogeneous malignancies that include cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer (GBC). Cholangiocarcinoma subtypes differ by anatomic location and molecular profile. Currently, resection with lymphadenectomy is the only curative treatment of locally advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Given the high risk of recurrence, multi-modality therapy spanning surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy should be considered. Current data is discordant and there is limited prospective data to support an optimal treatment regimen, though recent studies have demonstrated the utility of adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiation in specific settings and patient populations. There is a potential role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable disease or chemoradiation in select patients with unresectable, locally advanced disease. Randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish the effectiveness of therapies specific to disease sites, especially with the emerging role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy to actionable mutations.

Endoscopic palliation of biliary obstruction

Advanced pancreaticobiliary malignancy tends to be uncurable at presentation and causes significant morbidity for patients. Palliation for malignant biliary obstruction should be minimally invasive, cost-effective, and aim to improve quality of life of patients. Strategies of endoscopic palliation of malignant biliary obstruction can differ based on sites and degree of biliary obstruction with complex decisions of optimal stent type and placement that involve conscientious planning by a multidisciplinary team.

Pathology of cholangiocellular carcinoma

Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a malignant tumor harboring a poor prognosis, occurring in the liver, gallbladder and in extra- or intrahepatic biliary ducts. The article reviews the topic concerning CCC from the point of view of a surgical pathologist. The paper deals with classification of CCC into an intrahepatic/peripheral and hilar/extrahepatic subtype with different morphology, molecular features and prognosis; together with classical gross pathology, histopathology and natural history of CCC. Hilar and extrahepatic CCC share some biological characteristics with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The review comprises various types of precancerous lesions of biliary tract, summarizes updates in 8th edition of TNM classification and describes the routine issues concerning histopathological diagnostics of CCC, including immunohistochemistry and frozen section methods.

Torsion of Wandering Spleen with Infarction

Wandering spleen is a rare entity that results from the absence or maldevelopment of the ligaments that support the spleen in its normal location. As a result, the spleen is hypermobile and may be predisposed to hilar torsion and subsequent infarction, making it a potentially fatal abdominal emergency. We present a case of a 36-year-old Afghan female who presented with an acute abdomen, and was radiologically and surgically confirmed to have a wandering spleen with torsion and complete infarction. Knowledge of this condition and its radiological findings can play a crucial role in making a correct and timely diagnosis.

EUS-guided Biliary Drainage for Malignant Perihilar Biliary Strictures after Further Transpapillary Intervention Has Been Judged to Be Impossible or Ineffective

Objective Patients with perihilar malignancy often develop recurrence of infectious cholangitis, which makes further transpapillary intervention extremely difficult. As endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) of an intrahepatic bile duct is a possible option for additional intervention, the aim of this study was to estimate the feasibility of such intervention. Methods and Patients Patients who had undergone EUS-BD after further transpapillary intervention was deemed impossible or ineffective were investigated in this study. Those who had not received previous interventions via the papilla were excluded. Procedure-related adverse events, clinical efficacy, and time to recurrence of jaundice or infectious cholangitis transthyretin (TTR) were evaluated. Results Seven patients were eligible for the study between 2007 and 2016 (7 men; mean age, 77 years; 4 with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and 3 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). No procedure-related adverse events were observed. EUS-BD was clinically effective and enabled hospital discharge in 4 patients (57%). The TTR in these 4 clinically effective patients was 43, 105, 118, and 147 days after the procedure (median, 112 days). Conclusion EUS-BD was found to be safe and often effective in patients in whom additional transpapillary intervention had become difficult, although its efficacy was limited to a short period.

Insight into the differences in classification of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes between Wang's lymph node map and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer lymph node map

Lung cancer is the leading cause of malignant-tumor-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has for the past 30 years been an effective technique for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Understanding the anatomy of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes is essential to improve the yield of TBNA. Wang's lymph node map is based on the lymph node map of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and on the TBNA technique; it was published in 1994, and has promoted the development of both conventional TBNA (cTBNA) and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). In 2009, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) developed a new chest lymph node map to reconcile the differences between the Naruke and The Mountain-Dresler (MD)-ATS lymph node maps. The IASLC lymph node map was incorporated into the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging system for lung cancer, which directly affected the treatment and prognosis of lung cancer. There are significant differences between Wang's lymph node map and the IASLC lymph node map in TNM staging, and it is imperative to understand these differences and correlate these maps for the prognosis and staging of lung cancer using cTBNA or EBUS-TBNA.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: diagnosis, treatment options, and management

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis which typically presents in the 6(th) decade of life. Of the 3,000 cases seen annually in the United States, less than one half of these tumors are resectable. A variety of risk factors have been associated with HC, most notably primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), biliary stone disease and parasitic liver disease. Patients typically present with abdominal pain, pruritis, weight loss, and jaundice. Computed topography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) are used to characterize biliary lesions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) assess local ductal extent of the tumor while allowing for therapeutic biliary drainage. MRCP has demonstrated similar efficacies to PTC and ERCP in identifying anatomic extension of tumors with less complications. Treatment consists of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Biliary drainage of the future liver remnant should be performed to decrease bilirubin levels thereby facilitating future liver hypertrophy. Standard therapy consists of surgical margin-negative (R0) resection with extrahepatic bile duct resection, hepatectomy and en bloc lymphadenectomy. Local resection should not be undertaken. Lymph node invasion, tumor grade and negative margins are important prognostic indicators. In instances where curative resection is not possible, liver transplantation has demonstrated acceptable outcomes in highly selected patients. Despite the limited data, chemotherapy is indicated for patients with unresectable tumors and adequate functional status. Five-year survival after surgical resection of HC ranges from 10% to 40% however, recurrence can be as high as 50-70% even after R0 resection. Due to the complexity of this disease, a multi-disciplinary approach with multimodal treatment is recommended for this complex disease.

Management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in the era of multimodal therapy

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary malignant tumor of the liver. In the USA, there are approximately 3000 cases of CCA diagnosed annually, with approximately 50-70% of these tumors arising at the hilar plate of the biliary tree. Risk factors include advanced age, male gender, primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cysts, cholelithiasis, parasitic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis. Patients typically present with jaundice, abdominal pain, pruritus and weight loss. The mainstays of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. Specific preoperative interventions for patients with perihilar CCA include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutanteous transhepatic cholangiography and portal vein embolization. Surgical resection offers the only chance for curative therapy in perihilar CCA. R0 resection is of utmost importance and has been linked to improved survival. Major hepatic resection is needed to achieve both longitudinal and radial margins negative for tumor. Fractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy has shown promising results in CCA. Perihilar CCA typically presents with advanced disease, and many patients receive systemic therapy; however, the response to current regimens is limited. Orthotopic liver transplantation offers complete resection of locally advanced tumors in select patient groups.

Operative considerations in resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

This article reviews the preoperative evaluation and operative considerations in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The preoperative evaluation is based on the imaging evaluation of the longitudinal and radial extent of the tumour along and around the hepatic duct confluence. The use of portal vein embolization to increase the safety of extended hepatectomy and the extent of surgical resection (caudate lobe and portal vein) are discussed within the context of recently published series.