Carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts: A clinicopathologic study

Abstract

Seventy-eight cases of carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts were reviewed, including seven diagnosed at autopsy. Diabetes mellitus was associated in 10 per cent. Jaundice and pain were presenting complaints in 62 and 58 per cent, respectively. The serum bilirubin value was generally in accord with obstructive jaundice, and usually the serum alkaline phosphatase value had the same trend. Seventy-three patients underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic, but in 59 per cent it was only exploratory or palliative. At operation, involvement had reached beyond the primary site in 71 per cent. Lithiasis was associated in only 18 per cent. Radical pancreatoduodenectomy in five traced cases resulted in two relatively long survivals. Complete follow-up information was obtained in sixty-seven cases, of which sixty-two were surgical. Average survival after surgery was 11.4 months. Three year survival was 8.1 per cent, and five year survival 1.6 per cent.