Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts: the clinical features and surgical outcome of 25 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPN-B) is considered an uncommon tumor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of IPN-B, and its prognosis.

METHODS

From October 1995 to August 2006, a retrospective analysis was made of 25 patients that underwent surgery for IPN-B. Clinical features and radiological, pathological, and operative findings were reviewed, and survival rates were determined.

RESULTS

In five patients (20.0%), lesions were incidentally found. Radiologically, 23 of the 25 (92.0%) showed bile duct dilatation, bile duct dilatation with or without an intraductal mass, and cystic changes of bile ducts. Twenty three of the 25 patients underwent hepatic resection with or without extrahepatic bile duct resection. No in hospital mortality occurred. Median survival time of resected patients was 59.8 months and 1-, 2-, and 4-year survival rates were 90.5%, 84.0%, and 84.0%, respectively. All six patients with benign IPN-B remained alive at a mean of 26.2 postoperative months without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

A diagnosis of IPN-B is usually made in patients with biliary dilatation by radiologic study. The prognosis of IPN-B, especially of the benign category, is excellent. Aggressive surgical resection is the treatment of choice for IPN-B.