Fifteen-year, single-center experience with the surgical management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: operative results and long-term outcome

Surgery. 2008 Mar;143(3):366-74. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2007.10.010. Epub 2007 Dec 21.

Abstract

Background: Limited data exist regarding the role of extended liver resection for the management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), most of which derive from small single-center or larger multicenter series. In the current report, we present our experience with the surgical management of ICC, analyze operative results, and investigate prognostic factors in resected patients.

Methods: A total of 72 patients underwent operative exploration for ICC between 1991 and 2005; 54 patients were resected, and 18 patients were deemed unresectable based on intraoperative findings. Demographics, pathology, anatomic characteristics, operative results, and survival were analyzed.

Results: The resectability rate was 71%, with negative margins achieved in 78% of the resected patients. Extended liver resections were performed in 24 (44%) of the 72 patients. Perioperative mortality after resection was 7%, with 11% morbidity. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates after resection were 80%, 49% and 25%, respectively, and were significantly greater than for patients with unresectable disease (P < .001). R1 liver resections conferred increased 5-year survival compared with patients deemed unresectable (P = .03). None of the factors evaluated proved to be independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: R0 resection of ICC provides the best chance for prolonged survival, whereas R1 resection appears to be superior to nonoperative treatment. Declining operative mortality as a result of improved intraoperative and perioperative care justifies the performance of extended liver resections in these patients, although benefit has to be evaluated with respect to nodal involvement.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / mortality
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / mortality
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morbidity
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome