Surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare malignancy of the intrahepatic bile ducts. In recent years, the incidence of iCCA has increased but it is unknown to what extent this increase can be attributed to improved classification or true escalation. From a surgical perspective, though major hepatic resection has been the most appropriate treatment option for those eligible, liver transplant has recently emerged as a second surgical option for unresectable patients. However, in order for these surgical treatments to be most effective, progress is needed at all points on the patient timeline: diagnosis, selection, neoadjuvant therapy, surgery, and adjuvant therapy.