Can laparoscopic liver resection provide a favorable option for patients with large or multiple intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas?

Abstract

The role of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for large or multiple intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) remains equivocal. The main concerns are potential risks of inadequate resection margin, tumor rupture, uncontrollable bleeding, tumor seeding, and inadequate lymph node sampling. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety, feasibility, and oncological efficacy of LLR for large (≥5cm) or multiple (≥2) ICCs. Among 50 patients receiving liver resection for ICC between May 2004 and January 2016, 12 patients who had undergone LLR for large or multiple ICCs (Group A, n=12) were compared with 18 patients who had undergone LLR for small solitary ICCs (Group B, n=18), as well were compared with 20 patients who had undergone open liver resection for large or multiple ICCs (Group C, n=20). Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Compared with Group B, Group A had fewer patients with T1 tumors (58.3 vs. 100%; P=0.006) and a longer hospital stay (14 vs. 9days; P=0.039); operating time, blood loss, surgical margin, cases receiving lymph node dissection, conversion rates, and morbidity were comparable. There were no life-threatening complications and no mortality. No tumor rupture or dissemination occurred, nor did port-site recurrence follow surgery. After a median follow-up of 22months, no difference was noted in 3-year overall survival (56.3 vs. 59.5%; P>0.05) and recurrence-free survival (43.8 vs. 50%; P>0.05) between the two groups. Similarly, perioperative and long-term outcomes were comparable between Group A and Group C. LLR for large or multiple ICCs is technically safe, feasible, and oncologically effective in select patients. It provides a favorable option for patients seeking curative treatment. The minimally invasive nature will benefit these patients without compromising the oncological efficacy. Future larger-scale studies and well-designed randomized trials are warranted to evaluate this issue.