Addition of hepatectomy decreases liver recurrence and leads to long survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate hepatic recurrence and prognostic factors for survival in patients with surgically resected hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a single institution over the last 13 years.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2007, all patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma referred to a surgical clinic were evaluated. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Outcome was compared in patients who underwent additional liver resection with resection of the tumor.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients submitted to laparotomy for tumor resection, curative resection (R(0) resection) was performed in 40 patients, and palliative resection in 29. Thirty-one patients had only duct resection, and 38 patients had combined duct resection with liver resection including 34 total or part caudate lobes. Curative rates with the combined hepatectomy were significantly improved compared with those without additional hepatectomy (27/38 vs 13/31; chi2 = 5.94, P < 0.05). Concomitant liver resection was associated with a decreased incidence of initial recurrence in liver one year after surgery (11/38 vs 23/31; chi2 = 13.98, P < 0.01). The 3-year survival rate after R(0) resection was 30.7% and was 10.5% for palliative resection. R(0) resection improved the 3-year survival rate (30.7% vs 10.5%; chi2 = 12.47, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy, especially including the caudate lobe combined with bile duct resection should be considered standard treatment to cure hilar cholangiocarcinoma.