Comparison analysis of left-side versus right-side resection in bismuth type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Several studies report worse prognosis after left-side compared to right-side liver resection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. In this study, we compared outcomes of left-side and right-side resections for Bismuth type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma and analyzed factors affecting survival.

From May 1995 to December 2012, 179 patients underwent surgery at Samsung Medical Center for type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Among these patients, 138 received hepatectomies for adenocarcinoma with curative intent: 103 had right-side resections (IIIa group) and 35 had left-side resections (IIIb group). Perioperative demographics, morbidity, mortality, and overall and disease-free survival rates were compared between the groups.

BMI was higher in the IIIa group (24±2.6 kg/m² versus 22.7±2.8 kg/m²; p=0.012). Preoperative portal vein embolization was done in 23.3% of patients in the IIIa group and none in the IIIb group. R0 rate was 82.5% in the IIIa group and 85.7% in the IIIb group (p=0.796) and 3a complications by Clavien-Dindo classification were significantly different between groups (10.7% for IIIa versus 23.3% for IIIb; p=0.002). The 5-year overall survival rate was 33% in the IIIa group and 35% in the IIIb group (p=0.983). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 28% in the IIIa group and 29% in the IIIb group (p=0.706). Advanced T-stages 3 and 4 and LN metastasis were independent prognostic factors for survival and recurrence by multivariate analysis.

No significant differences were seen in outcomes by lesion side in patients receiving curative surgery for Bismuth type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma.