Preoperative management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

From both the therapeutic and diagnostic viewpoints, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is crucial for the preoperative management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The direct anterior approach under fluoroscopic guidance is the most advantageous form of PTBD. Despite some advantages, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage is contraindicated for preoperative biliary decompression. Pertinent multiple catheterizations using PTBD result in an accurate diagnosis of cancer extent, and produce effective relief of jaundice, as well as preventing the development of cholangitis. This, in turn, permits a rational surgical strategy and improved postoperative recovery. Preoperative staging of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is achieved by tube cholangiography through the PTBD catheter and by percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Angiography and percutaneous transhepatic portography are also recommended to diagneous extramural invasion of cancer. Prevention of posthepatectomy liver failure is the greatest challenge in the treatment of this disease. A multifactorial approach that combines several elements may provide sufficient data for determing the safe limits of surgery and for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure. Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) is an effective method for preventing this intractable complication.