Compelling Long-Term Results for Liver Resection in Early Cholangiocarcinoma

Surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is associated with a high rate of recurrence even after complete resection. To achieve acceptable results, preoperative patient selection is crucial. Hence, we aimed to identify preoperative characteristics with prognostic value focusing on certain radiological features. Patients who underwent hepatectomy for iCCA between 2010 and 2020 at University Hospital, RWTH Aachen were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions were applied for survival analysis and associations of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) with clinical/radiological characteristics, respectively. Based on radiological features patients were stratified into three groups: single nodule ≤ 3 cm, single nodule > 3 cm, and ≥ 2 nodules. Analysis of 139 patients revealed a mean OS of 142 months for those with a single nodule ≤ 3 cm, median OS of 28 months with a single nodule > 3 cm, and 19 months with ≥ 2 nodules, respectively. Multivariable analyses based on preoperative characteristics showed the radiological stratification to be independently associated with OS (HR (hazard ratio) = 4.25 (1 nodule, > 3 cm), HR = 5.97 (≥ 2 nodules), p = 0.011), RFS (HR = 4.18 (1 nodule, > 3 cm), and HR = 11.07 (≥2 nodules), p = 0.001). In conclusion, patients with single iCCA ≤ 3 cm show compelling OS and RFS. Basic radiological features (e.g., nodule size, number) are prognostic for patients undergoing surgery and useful in preoperative patient selection.