The interventional radiological management of cholangiocarcinoma

The successful management of cholangiocarcinoma requires the collaboration of several clinical disciplines. Modern imaging can demonstrate the liver and the surrounding structures in exquisite detail. Complete surgical resection offers the only potential for cure. The judgement of whether resection is feasible requires precise staging of the tumour. Unfortunately, in most cases, imaging delineates an advanced and inoperable tumour, requiring non-surgical palliative treatment, usually by means of endoscopic or percutaneous radiological techniques. The management of hilar lesions can be problematic requiring substantial experience and skill.