National guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

A consensus meeting of national experts from all major national hepatobiliary centres in the country was held on May 26,2023,at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute&Research Centre(PKLI&RC)after initial consultations with the experts.The Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases(PSSLD)and PKLI&RC jointly organised this meeting.This effort was based on a comprehensive literature review to establish national practice guidelines for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(hCCA).The consensus was that hCCA is a complex disease and requires a multidisciplinary team approach to best manage these patients.This coordinated effort can minimise delays and give patients a chance for curative treatment and effective palliation.The diagnostic and staging workup includes high-quality computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreato-graphy.Brush cytology or biopsy utilizing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a mainstay for diagnosis.However,histopathologic confirmation is not always required before resection.Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration of regional lymph nodes and positron emission tomography scan are valuable adjuncts for staging.The only curative treatment is the surgical resection of the biliary tree based on the Bismuth-Corlette classification.Selected patients with unresectable hCCA can be considered for liver transplantation.Adjuvant chemotherapy should be offered to patients with a high risk of recurrence.The use of preoperative biliary drainage and the need for portal vein embolisation should be based on local multidisciplinary discussions.Patients with acute cholangitis can be drained with endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage.Palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine has shown improved survival in patients with irresectable and recurrent hCCA.

Accurate resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma using eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantization technique

BACKGROUND For treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA),the rate of radical resection is low and prognosis is poor,and preoperative evaluation is not sufficiently accurate.3D visualization has the advantage of giving a stereoscopic view,which makes accurate resection of HCCA possible.AIM To establish precise resection of HCCA based on eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantification technology.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 73 patients who underwent HCCA surgery.All patients were assigned to two groups.The traditional group received traditional 2D imaging planning before surgery(n=35).The eOrganmap group underwent 3D reconstruction and full quantitative technical planning before surgery(n=38).The preoperative evaluation,anatomical classification of hilar hepatic vessels,indicators associated with surgery,postoperative complications,liver function,and stress response indexes were compared between the groups.RESULTS Compared with the traditional group,the amount of intraoperative blood loss in the eOrganmap group was lower,the operating time and postoperative intestinal ventilation time were shorter,and R0 resection rate and lymph node dissection number were higher(P<0.05).The total complication rate in the eOrganmap group was 21.05%compared with 25.71%in the traditional group(P>0.05).The levels of total bilirubin,Albumin(ALB),aspartate transaminase,and alanine transaminase in the eOrganmap group were significantly different from those in the traditional group(intergroup effect:F=450.400,79.120,95.730,and 13.240,respectively;all P<0.001).Total bilirubin,aspartate transaminase,and alanine transaminase in both groups showed a decreasing trend with time(time effect:F=30.270,17.340,and 13.380,respectively;all P<0.001).There was an interaction between patient group and time(interaction effect:F=3.072,2.965,and 2.703,respectively;P=0.0282,0.032,and 0.046,respectively);ALB levels in both groups tended to increase with time(time effect:F=22.490,P<0.001),and there was an interaction effect between groups and time(interaction effect:F=4.607,P=0.004).In the eOrganmap group,there was a high correlation between the actual volume of intraoperative liver specimen resection and the volume of preoperative virtual liver resection(t=0.916,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The establishment of accurate laparoscopic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on preoperative eOrganmap 3D reconstruction and full quantization technology can make laparoscopic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma more accurate and safe.

Precise mapping of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with a skip lesion by SpyGlass cholangioscopy:A case report

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma(CC)is a very aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis.As surgery is the only curative therapy,preoperative evaluation of the tumor extent is essential for surgical planning.Although high-quality image modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used extensively in preoperative evaluation,the accuracy is low.To obtain precise localization of tumor spread arising from the hilar region preoperatively,the development of an acceptable imaging modality is still an unmet need.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old female presented to our emergency department with jaundice,abdominal pain,and fever.Initially,she was treated for cholangitis.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with the cholangiogram showed long segment filling defect in the common hepatic duct with dilatation of bilateral intrahepatic ducts.Transpapillary biopsy was performed,and the pathology suggested intraductal papillary neoplasm with high-grade dysplasia.After treatment of cholangitis,contrasted-enhanced computed tomography revealed a hilar lesion with undetermined Bismuth-Corlette classification.SpyGlass cholan gioscopy showed that the lesion involved the confluence of the common hepatic duct with one skip lesion in the posterior branch of the right intrahepatic duct,which was not detected by previous image modalities.The surgical plan was modified from extended left hepatectomy to extended right hepatectomy.The final diagnosis was hilar CC,pT2aN0M0.The patient has remained disease-free for more than 3 years.CONCLUSION SpyGlass cholangioscopy may have a role in precision localization of hilar CC to provide surgeons with more information before the operation.

Proposal of a modified classification for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that originates from the left and right hepatic ducts and their confluence.It is highly malignant and associated with a poor prognosis.Surgical resection is the only available curative treatment option.A scientific classification system can aid in the preoperative assessment of resectability and guide the development of appropriate surgical strategies.Several classification systems are available,with the Bismuth-Corlette(BC)classification being the earliest and most widely used.Similar to many other classifications,the BC classification relies on the secondary branching of the bile ducts as an important anatomical landmark,making it unsuitable for cases with variations in the bile duct anatomy.With advances in understanding the hepatic plate and anatomical structures at the hilum,the secondary bile ducts are no longer considered important anatomical landmarks.Therefore,modifications to the BC classification are needed to align with modern anatomical improvements and advancements in surgical techniques.Herein,we propose a modification to the BC classification.In this new system,the boundary of the hilar plate is considered as limit of the proximal ductal margin and used as an anatomical landmark,rather than the concept of“secondary bile ducts”in the BC classification.

Postoperative morbidity adversely impacts oncological prognosis after curative resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Postoperative morbidity after curative resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA)is common;however,whether it has an impact on oncological prognosis is unknown.AIM To evaluate the influence of postoperative morbidity on tumor recurrence and mortality after curative resection for HCCA.METHODS Patients with recently diagnosed HCCA who had undergone curative resection between January 2010 and December 2017 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in China were enrolled.The independent risk factors for morbidity in the 30 d after surgery were investigated,and links between postoperative morbidity and patient characteristics and outcomes were assessed.Postoperative morbidities were divided into five grades based on the Clavien-Dindo classification,and major morbidities were defined as Clavien-Dindo≥3.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS).RESULTS Postoperative morbidity occurred in 146 out of 239 patients(61.1%).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that cirrhosis, intraoperative blood loss > 500 mL, diabetes mellitus,and obesity were independent risk factors. Postoperative morbidity was associated with decreasedOS and RFS (OS: 18.0 mo vs 31.0 mo, respectively, P = 0.003;RFS: 16.0 mo vs 26.0 mo, respectively,P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that postoperative morbidity wasindependently associated with decreased OS [hazard ratios (HR): 1.557, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.119-2.167, P = 0.009] and RFS (HR: 1.535, 95%CI: 1.117-2.108, P = 0.008). Moreover, majormorbidity was independently associated with decreased OS (HR: 2.175;95%CI: 1.470-3.216, P <0.001) and RFS (HR: 2.054;95%CI: 1.400-3.014, P < 0.001) after curative resection for HCCA.CONCLUSIONPostoperative morbidity (especially major morbidity) may be an independent risk factor forunfavorable prognosis in HCCA patients following curative resection.

Extended lymphadenectomy in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: What it will bring?

Lymph node dissection is always a hot issue in radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA).There are still controversies regarding whether some lymph nodes should be dissected,of which the para-aortic lymph nodes are the most controversial.This review synthesized findings in the literature using the PubMed database of articles in the English language published between 1990 and 2019 on the effectiveness of extended lymphadenectomy including paraaortic lymph nodes dissection in radical resection of HCCA.Hepatobiliary surgeons have basically achieved a consensus that enough lymph nodes should be obtained to accurately stage HCCA.Only a very small number of studies have focused on the effectiveness of extended lymphadenectomy including para-aortic nodes dissection on HCCA.They reported that extended lymphadenectomy can bring some survival benefits for patients with potential para-aortic lymph node metastasis and more lymph nodes can be obtained to make the patient's tumor staging more accurate without increasing the related complications.Extended lymphadenectomy should not be adopted for HCCA patients with intraoperatively confirmed distant lymph node metastases.For these patients,radical resection combined with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy seems to be a better choice.A prospective,multicenter,randomized,controlled clinical study of regional lymphotomy and extended lymphadenectomy in HCCA should be conducted to guide clinical practice.A standardized extended lymphadenectomy may help to more accurately stage HCCA.Future studies are required to further assess whether extended lymphadenectomy can improve long-term survival in negative celiac,superior mesenteric,and para-aortic lymph node diseases.

Postoperative Complications and Survival Analysis of Surgical Resection for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma:A Retrospective Study of Fifty-Nine Consecutive Patients

Objective Hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HC)is invariably fatal without surgical resection.The primary aim of the current study was to determine the safety of variable surgical resections for patient with HC and their survival after surgical resection.In addition,prognostic factor for the overall survival was also evaluated.Methods The study included 59 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with HC and underwent surgical resections with curative intend between February 2009 and February 2017.Patients were followed up at 3-6 months intervals after hospital discharge.Postoperative complications and overall survival were determined.Associations of clinicopathologic and surgeon-related factors with overall survival were evaluated through univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis.Results Of patients with Bismuth and Corlette(B&C)type HI(n=19)and IV(n=25)HC lesions,33(55.9%)were treated with hilar resection combined with major liver resection(MLR),while the other 11 patients with type HI and IV,and those with type I(n=8)and II(n=7)HC lesions were treated with hilar resection.The overall surgical mortality was 5.1%and surgical morbidity was 35.6%.There was no statistical difference in the mortality between MLR group and hilar resection group(6.1%vs.3.8%;X2=0.703,P=0.145).The median follow-up period was 18 months(range,1-94 months).The 1-,3-,5-year survival rate was 59.3%,36.5%,and 17.7%,respectively.The overall survival after resections was 18 months.In HC patients with B&C type III and IV lesions,the median survival was 23 months for hilar resection with MLR and 8 months for hilar resection alone;the 1-,3-,5-year cumulative survival rate was 63.9%,23.3%,and 15.5%,respectively for hilar resection with MLR,and 11.1%,0,and 0,respectively for hilar resection alone,with significant diflerene observed(HR,9.902;95%CI,2.636-19.571,P=0.001).Four factors were independently associated with overall survival:preoperative serum Cal9-9(HR,7.039;95%CI,2.803-17.678,P<0.001),histopathologic grade(HR,4.964;95%CI,1.046-23.552,?=0.044),surgical margins(P=0.031),andAJCC staging(P=0.015).Conclusions R0 resection is efficacious in surgical treatment of HC.MLR in combination with caudate lobe resection may increase the chance of R0 resection and improve survival of HC patients with B&C type IK and IV lesions.Preoperatively prepared for biliary drainage may ensure the safety of MLR in most HC patients.Novel adjuvant therapies are needed to improve the survival of HC patients with poor prognostic factors.

Hepatic mucormycosis mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case report and literature review

Mucormycosis is a rare but invasive opportunistic fungal infection associated with a high mortality rate,and normally occurs in immunocompromised patients. In this report,we describe an immunocompetent patient suffering from hepatic mucormycosis secondary to adrenal mucormycosis,which masquerades as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. After surgical procedure and treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole,the patient recovered well and had a 2-year infection-free survival. To our knowledge,this special clinical manifestation of hepatic infection as well as adrenal mucormycosis has not been reported to date. Mean-while,this is the first case of an immunocompetent patient with both adrenal and hepatic mucormycosis who has been treated successfully.

Effect of hepatic artery resection and reconstruction on the prognosis of patients with advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HC)is a good adaptation certificate of hepatic arterectomy,and hepatic arterectomy is conductive to the radical resection of cholangiocarcinoma,which simplifies the operation and helps with a combined resection of the peripheral portal tissue.With continuous development of surgical techniques,especially microsurgical technique,vascular invasion is no longer a contraindication to surgery in the past 10 years.However,hepatic artery reconstruction after hepatic arterectomy has been performed to treat liver tumor in many centers with better results,but it is rarely applied in advanced HC.AIM To determine the prognosis of patients with advanced HC after hepatic artery resection and reconstruction.METHODS A total of 98 patients with HC who underwent radical operation in our hospital were selected for this retrospective analysis.According to whether the patients underwent hepatic artery resection and reconstruction or not,they were divided into reconstruction(n=40)and control(n=58)groups.The traumatic indices,surgical resection margin,liver function tests before and after the operation,and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Operation time,blood loss,hospital stay,and gastrointestinal function recovery time were higher in the reconstruction group than in the control group(P<0.05);The R0 resection rates were 90.00%and 72.41%in the reconstruction and control groups,respectively(P<0.05).Serum alanine aminotransferase was lower in the reconstruction group on day one and three postoperatively,whereas serum aspartate aminotransferase was lower on the third day(P<0.05).Preoperatively,the Karnofsky performance status scores were similar between the groups(P>0.05),but was higher in the reconstruction group(P<0.05)two weeks postoperatively.There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups(27.50%vs 32.67%,P>0.05).Two-year survival rate(42.50%vs 39.66%)and two-year survival time(22.0 mo vs 23.0 mo)were similar between the groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Radical surgery combined with reconstruction after hepatic artery resection improves R0 resection rate and reduces postoperative liver injury in advanced HC.However,the operation is difficult and the effect on survival time is not clear.

Endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage in hilar cholangiocarcinoma:When and how?

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA) is a primary liver tumor associated with a dimprognosis. The role of preoperative and palliative biliary drainage has long beendebated. The most common techniques are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD);however, recently developed endoscopic ultrasound-assisted methods are gainingmore atention. Selecting the best available method in any specific scenario iscrucial, yet sometimes challenging. Thus, this review aimed to discuss theavailable techniques, indications, perks, pitfalls, and timing-related issues in themanagement of hCCA. In a preoperative setting, PTBD appears to have someadvantages: low risk of postprocedural complications (namely cholangitis) andbetter priming for surgery. For palliative purposes, we propose ERCP/PTBDdepending on the experience of the operators, but also on other factors: the levelof bilirubin (if very high, rather PTBD), length of the stenosis and the presence ofcholangitis (PTBD), ERCP failure, or altered biliary anatomy.

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 longterm 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.

Complicated course of biliary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT)is a rare,idiopathic,usually benign,mass-forming disease with myofibroblastic proliferation and a varying amount of inflammatory cells.Although it can affect various organs,the biliary tract is a rare localization of primary IMT,clinically,endoscopically and radiologically imitating cholangiocarcinoma.The treatment options are based only on clinical practice experience.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was referred to our center due to progressive fatigue,weight loss,abdominal pain,night sweats,and elevated liver enzymes.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)revealed proximal common hepatic duct and hilar biliary strictures extending bilaterally to lobular bile ducts.Although initial clinical,endoscopic and radiological signs were typical for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,histological examination showed no signs of malignancy.In total,8 biopsies using different approaches were performed(several biopsies from dominant stricture during ERCP and direct cholangioscopy;ultrasound-guided liver biopsy;diagnostic laparoscopy with liver and lymph node biopsies).Histological examination revealed signs of IMT,and the final diagnosis of biliary IMT was stated.Although IMT is usually a benign disease,in our case,it was complicated.All pharmacological treatment measures were ineffective.The patient still needs permanent stenting,suffers from recurrent infections and mechanical jaundice.Despite that,the patient already survived 24 mo.CONCLUSION IMT presenting with hilar biliary strictures is a unique diagnostic and clinical challenge as it is indistinguishable from cholangiocarcinoma,and there are no evidence-based treatment options.Our goal is to increase the understanding of this rare disease and its possible course.

Novel brachytherapy drainage tube loaded with double 125I strands for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Hilar cholangiocarcinoma(CC)is a common malignant tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis.Most patients have lost the opportunity to undergo radical surgery when diagnosed.Although palliative drainage or biliary stent placement is a preferable choice,the tumor cannot be controlled.This study aimed to develop a novel brachytherapy drainage tube for low-dose-rate brachytherapy with an effective drainage,thereby prolonging the survival time of patients.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old male patient had undergone choledochal stent implantation due to obstructive jaundice.He was admitted to the hospital because of the recurrence of jaundice.Preoperative imaging and pathological biopsy revealed hilar CC(Bismuth-Corlette type IIIa).First,the patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage and the symptoms of jaundice gradually relieved.To further treat hilar CC and remove the biliary drainage tube as far as possible,the patient chose to use the novel brachytherapy drainage tube after a multi-disciplinary consultation.After 1 mo of brachytherapy,the re-examination revealed that the obstructive lesions disappeared,and the drainage tube was finally removed.During the following 10 mo of follow-up,the patient's hilar CC did not recur.CONCLUSION The novel brachytherapy drainage tube may be a new choice for patients with unresectable hilar CC.

Value of partial hepatectomy for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a Meta-analysis study

Objective To discuss the value of partial hepatectomy in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods English articles related to hilar cholangiocarcinoma were screened from January 1,1990 to May 12,2019 in the Pub Med,MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library databases.Information on postoperative radical cure,survival,morbidity,and mortality after surgery were extracted from articles that met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis.Results Twenty-two articles that met the inclusion criteria were classified into 4 study groups: the hepatectomy radical cure group(19 articles),the hepatectomy survival group(16 articles),the hepatectomy morbidity group(9 articles),and the hepatectomy mortality group(17 articles).We found that the rate of radical cure after partial hepatectomy(odds ratio [OR] 0.32,95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.51) and the survival rate(hazard ratio [HR] 0.67,95% CI 0.58-0.79) were significantly higher than after simple bile duct resection,but that morbidity(OR 1.99,95% CI 1.37-2.90) and mortality(OR 2.71,95% CI 1.47-4.98) in patients within the partial hepatectomy group were also higher than in the simple bile duct resection group,taking into account the significant heterogeneity in the articles pertaining to the hepatectomy radical cure group(I^2=68.3%,P=0.000),a sub-group analysis was subsequently conducted.Its results showed that when the branches of the secondary bile ducts were not involved during hilar cholangiocarcinoma,then a bile duct resection had a similar radical cure outcome as combined partial hepatectomy(OR 0.94,95% CI 0.54-1.65).Conclusion Partial hepatectomy can increase the proportion of radical cure in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and extend the survival time after surgery.However,the morbidity and mortality after surgery are higher than those in simple bile duct resections.Therefore,simple bile duct resection is still a relevant and efficient tool in the treatment of Bismuth-Corlette Type Ⅰ and Ⅱ hilar cholangiocarcinomas.

Application of endoscopic nasobiliary cutting in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective The aim of the study was to study the clinical efficacy and prognosis of endoscopicallycutting the nasobiliary duct and leaving its residual segment as a biliary stent in the treatment of hilarcholangiocarcinoma (HC).Methods The clinical data of 55 patients with HC treated by endoscopic biliary drainage at theGastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of our hospital (Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China) fromAugust 2017 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different drainage schemes,patients were divided into the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting group (n = 26) and the endoscopic retrogradebiliary drainage (ERBD) group (n = 29). The postoperative liver function indexes, incidence of postoperativecomplications, median patency period of stents, and median survival time of patients were comparedbetween the two groups.Results Liver function indexes (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartateaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) were significantly decreased in55 patients a week postoperaticely (P < 0.05), and decreases in liver function indexes in the endoscopicnasobiliary cutting group were more significant than those in the ERBD group (P < 0.05). The incidenceof biliary tract infection in the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting group was significantly lower than that in theERBD group (15.40% vs. 41.4%, P < 0.05). In the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting subgroups, there were 1and 3 cases of biliary tract infection in the gastric antrum cutting group (n = 21) and duodenal papilla cuttinggroup (n = 5), respectively, and 0 cases and 2 cases of displacement, respectively;there was a statisticallysignificant difference in terms of complications between the two subgroups (P < 0.05). The median patencyperiod (190 days) and median survival time (230 days) in the nasobiliary duct cutting group were higherthan those (169 days and 202 days) in the ERBD group, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05).Conclusion The nasobiliary duct was cut by using endoscopic scissors in Stage II after the bile was fullydrained through the nasobiliary duct. The residual segment could still support the bile duct and drain bile.The reduction of jaundice and the recovery of liver enzymes were significant, and the incidence of biliarytract infection was low. Cutting off the nasobiliary duct at the duodenal papilla results in a higher incidenceof biliary tract infection, and the residual segment of the nasobiliary duct is more likely to be displaced.Endoscopic nasobiliary-cutting drainage is an effective, simple, and safe method to reduce jaundice in thepalliative treatment of HC.

The predictive value of preoperative albumin-to-globulin ratio in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background:To investigate the associations between preoperative albumin-to-globulin ratio and clinicalpathological factors,and the impacts of albumin-to-globulin ratio on the longterm outcomes and postoperative complications in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:Ninety-seven hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients were enrolled in our study.The clinicalpathological and survival information were collected.Correlation analysis was using chi-square test and logistic regression.Univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test,multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The optimal cutoff value of the preoperative albumin-to-globulin ratio was set at 1.34,The albumin-to-globulin ratio level was elevated in 49 hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients,while other 48 hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients were with low level.Tumor stage(OR=2,621;P=0.003)and lymph node metastasis(OR=3.704;P=0.004)were identified as independently risks of albumin-to-globulin ratio level in hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model found differentiation(HR=1.989;P=0.014),tumor stage(HR=1.480;P=0.014)and albumin-to-globulin ratio level(HR=0.037;P=0.017)were identified as the independent factors of the overall survival.Furthermore,we found the low albumin-toglobulin ratio level(OR=0.037;P=0.017)was an independent risk factor for the incidence of postoperative complications.Conclusions:Preoperative albumin-to-globulin ratio is a simple and useful marker not only to identify patients at increased risk for postoperative complications,but also to predict long-term survival.

Prognostic factors and long-term outcomes of hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A single-institution experience in China

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic factors of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a large series of patients in a single institution.METHODS: Eight hundred and fourteen patients with a diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma that were evaluated and treated between 1990 and 2014, of which 381 patients underwent curative surgery, were included in this study. Potential factors associated with overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS: Curative surgery provided the best long-term survival with a median OS of 26.3 mo. The median DFS was 18.1 mo. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with tumor size > 3 cm [hazard ratio(HR) = 1.482, 95%CI: 1.127-1.949; P = 0.005], positive nodal disease(HR = 1.701, 95%CI: 1.346-2.149; P < 0.001), poor differentiation(HR = 2.535, 95%CI: 1.839-3.493; P < 0.001), vascular invasion(HR = 1.542, 95%CI: 1.082-2.197; P = 0.017), and positive margins(HR = 1.798, 95%CI: 1.314-2.461; P < 0.001) had poor OS outcome. The independent factors for DFS were positive nodal disease(HR = 3.383, 95%CI: 2.633-4.348; P < 0.001), poor differentiation(HR = 2.774, 95%CI: 2.012-3.823; P < 0.001), vascular invasion(HR = 2.136, 95%CI: 1.658-3.236; P < 0.001), and positive margins(HR = 1.835, 95%CI: 1.256-2.679; P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that caudate lobectomy [odds ratio(OR) = 9.771, 95%CI: 4.672-20.433; P < 0.001], tumor diameter(OR = 3.772, 95%CI: 1.914-7.434; P < 0.001), surgical procedures(OR = 10.236, 95%CI: 4.738-22.116; P < 0.001), American Joint Committee On Cancer T stage(OR = 2.010, 95%CI: 1.043-3.870; P = 0.037), and vascular invasion(OR = 2.278, 95%CI: 0.997-5.207; P = 0.051) were independently associated with tumorfree margin, and surgical procedures could indirectly affect survival outcome by influencing the tumor resection margin. CONCLUSION: Tumor margin, tumor differentiation, vascular invasion, and lymph node status were independent factors for OS and DFS. Surgical procedures can indirectly affect survival outcome by influencing the tumor resection margin.

Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing major hepatectomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage(PBD)in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA)undergoing major liver resections.METHODS:An observational study was carried out by reviewing a prospectively maintained database of HCCA patients who underwent major liver resection for curative therapy from January 2002 to December 2012.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.Patient baseline characteristics,preoperative factors,perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.Risk factors for postoperative complications were also analyzed by logistic regression test with calculating OR and 95%CI.RESULTS:In total,78 jaundiced patients with HCCA underwent major liver resection:32 had PBD prior to operation while 46 did not have PBD.The two groups were comparable with respect to age,sex,body mass index and co-morbidities.Furthermore,there was no significant difference in the total bilirubin(TBIL)levels between the drained group and the undrained group at admission(294.2±135.7 vs 254.0±63.5,P=0.126).PBD significantly improved liver function,reducing not only the bilirubin levels but also other liver enzymes.The preoperative TBIL level was significantly lower in the drained group as compared to the undrained group(108.1±60.6 vs 265.7±69.1,P=0.000).The rate of overall postoperative complications(53.1%vs 58.7%,P=0.626),reoperation rate(6.3%vs 6.5%,P=1.000),postoperative hospital stay(16.5 vs 15.0,P=0.221)and mortality(9.4%vs 4.3%,P=0.673)were similar between the two groups.In addition,there was no significant difference in infectious complications(40.6%vs 23.9%,P=0.116)and noninfectious complications(31.3%vs 47.8%,P=0.143)between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L(OR=13.690,95%CI:1.275-147.028,P=0.031),Bismuth-Corlette classification(OR=0.013,95%CI:0.001-0.166,P=0.001)and extended liver resection(OR=14.010,95%CI:1.130-173.646,P=0.040)were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.CONCLUSION:Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after major liver resection are not improved by PBD in HCCA patients with jaundice.Preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L,Bismuth-Corlette classification and extended liver resection are independent risk factors linked to postoperative complications.

Management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the North of England: Pathology, treatment, and outcome

AIM: To assess the management and outcome of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) in a single tertiary referral center.METHODS: The notes of all patients with a diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma referred to our unit for over an 8-year period were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Presentation, management and outcome were assessed.RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were identified. The median age was 64 years (range 34-84 years). Male to female ratio was 1:1. Eighty-nine percent of patients presented with jaundice. Most patients referred were under Bismuth classification 3a, 3b or 4. Seventy patients required biliary drainage, 65 patients required 152percutaneous drainage procedures, and 25 had other complications. Forty-one patients had 51 endoscopic drainage procedures performed (15 failed). Of these,36 subsequently required percutaneous drainage. The median number of drainage procedures for all patients was three, 18 patients underwent resection (24%), nine had major complications and three died post-operatively.The 5-year survival rate was 4.2% for all patients, 21%for resected patients and 0% for those who did not undergo resection (P = 0.0021). The median number of admissions after diagnosis in resected patients was two and three in non-resected patients (P＜0.05).Twelve patients had external-beam radiotherapy, seven brachytherapy, and eight chemotherapy. There was no significant benefit in terms of survival (P = 0.46) or hospital admissions.CONCLUSION: Resection increases survival but carries the risk of significant morbidity and mortality.Percutaneous biliary drainage is almost always necessary and endoscopic drainage should be avoided if possible.

Risk factors and classifications of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary malignant tumor of the liver.Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin tumor represents more than 50% of all biliary tract cholangiocarcinomas.A wide range of risk factors have been identified among patients with Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma including advanced age,male gender,primary sclerosing cholangitis,choledochal cysts,cholelithiasis,cholecystitis,parasitic infection(Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis),inflammatory bowel disease,alcoholic cirrhosis,nonalcoholic cirrhosis,chronic pancreatitis and metabolic syndrome.Various classifications have been used to describe the pathologic and radiologic appearance of cholangiocarcinoma.The three systems most commonly used to evaluate Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are the Bismuth-Corlette(BC) system,the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the TNM classification.The BC classification provides preoperative assessment of local spread.The Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center proposes a staging system according to three factors related to local tumor extent:the location and extent of bile duct involvement,the presence or absence of portal venous invasion,and the presence or absence of hepatic lobar atrophy.The TNM classification,besides the usual descriptors,tumor,node and metastases,provides additional information concerning the possibility for the residual tumor(R) and the histological grade(G).Recently,in 2011,a new consensus classification for the Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma had been published.The consensus was organised by the European Hepato-PancreatoBiliary Association which identified the need for a new staging system for this type of tumors.The classification includes information concerning biliary or vascular(portal or arterial) involvement,lymph node status or metastases,but also other essential aspects related to the surgical risk,such as remnant hepatic volume or the possibility of underlying disease.