One hundred two consecutive hepatobiliary resections for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with zero mortality
Tsuyoshi Sano1, Kazuaki Shimada, Yoshihiro Sakamoto
1Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan. tsano@ncc.go.jp
Objective:
To analyze the short-term surgical outcome of hepatobiliary resections for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in the last 5 years.
Summary Background Data:
Hepatobiliary resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma remains a technically demanding procedure, calling for a high level of expertise in biliary and hepatic surgery, and is still associated with significant morbidity or mortality.
Methods:
Between 2000 and 2004, we surgically treated 102 consecutive patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with a management strategy consisting of preoperative biliary drainage, portal vein embolization (for right-sided and extended left-sided resections), and major hepatobiliary resection. The data on all of the patients were analyzed retrospectively to identify the factors that might significantly affect the postoperative mortality and morbidity.
Results:
There were no cases of in-hospital mortality or postoperative liver failure. Major complications were encountered in 7 patients (6.9%), and the overall morbidity rate was 50%. Reoperation was required in 2 patients (2%). The overall median length of postoperative hospital stay was 26 days (range, 13-119 days). Univariate analysis in relation to the postoperative morbidity showed significant differences in the preoperative occurrence of segmental cholangitis or cholecystitis (P = 0.015), the severity of postoperative hyperbilirubinemia (P < 0.001), and the total amount of fresh frozen plasma administered (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed a single independent significant predictive factor for postoperative morbidity, namely, preoperative cholangitis or cholecystitis (odds ratio, 9.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-78.56, P = 0.045).
Conclusions:
Our experience indicates that hepatobiliary resections for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma can be conducted safely, without a single case of postoperative liver failure or mortality. Occurrence of preoperative cholangitis or cholecystitis is a significant indicator for morbidity of major hepatobiliary resection.
