Operative considerations in resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

This article reviews the preoperative evaluation and operative considerations in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The preoperative evaluation is based on the imaging evaluation of the longitudinal and radial extent of the tumour along and around the hepatic duct confluence. The use of portal vein embolization to increase the safety of extended hepatectomy and the extent of surgical resection (caudate lobe and portal vein) are discussed within the context of recently published series.