[Informed consent for surgery for biliary tract carcinoma]

Surgical resection has been considered to be the only hope for the cure of biliary carcinoma. The prognosis of biliary carcinoma patients is still poor due to its location and complicated anatomic characteristics. Extensive surgery such as major hepatectomy in hilar cholangiocarcinoma and concomitant vascular resection in pancreatiticoduodenectomy seems to increase radicality and improve long-term results. On the other hand, this operative procedure is highly invasive and may result in postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is essential to acquire informed consent before such surgery. Preoperative informed consent should be based on an understanding of operative procedure including normal anatomy, other available therapy, expected postoperative complications, and course. There is no doubt that it contributes to establishing a desirable relationship between physicians and patients if opportunities for providing information are as frequent as possible.