Hilar cholangiocarcinomas - from nihilism to aggressive treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hllar-Cholangio-carcinomas (HCC) are aggressive tumours with a dismal prognosis. The general tendency amongst all specialities is to palliate them. As response to adjuvant therapy is marginal we have embarked on aggressive management of these patients with the available surgical and endoscopic expertise. METHODS: Patients presenting to the North Colombo Teaching hospital· and the Gastrointerology unit of the National hospital in 2011 were included . All had Tri phasic CT , MRCP or ERCP prior to be discussed at MDT with all the above authors regarding further management. Patients with Bismuth 1 v lesions and unfit for surgery underwent Combination ERCP/doublestenting/RFA of lesion/Rendezvous procedure/Percutaneous, stenting or PTC. RESULTS: 32 patients were treated .5/32 had radical surgical resections (2 extended right hepatectomy with bile duct resecton and lymphadenectomy (BDR+LA), 2 extended left hepatectomy +BDR+LA, and 1 extended heft hepatectomy with BDR+LA+Reconstruction of Right hepatic artery and right portal vein. I underwent segment iii bypass. 7 patients underwent ERCP and serial RFA with stenting. 3/5 patients are alive and disease free at 6-12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Where possible HCC patients should be offered a curative resection. RFA gives longer and better palliation compared to standard stenting. These patients should be managed by a specialized team as aggressive management may improve their survival.