Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection Research Articles

Papillary neoplasms of biliary tract-a histopathological surprise

Papillary neoplasms of the biliary tract is a relatively new entity which most often comes as a histological surprise. They are often diagnosed as malignancies and are treated like that. But the prognosis is better when compared to malignancy itself. Here we reported two cases of papillary neoplasms of the biliary tract. First case was a 50 year old male who was evaluated for obstructive jaundice and on evaluation found to be type 3b hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent left hepatectomy with extra hepatic bile duct resection and portal lymphadenectomy. Histo-pathological report was intra-ductal papillary neoplasm - biliary type (IPN B). Second case was an incidental finding of arterial enhancing lesion in the gallbladder wall on CT scan, which was done for the evaluation of bicytopenia. This also was reported as malignancybin pre-operative imaging and hence underwent anticipated extended cholecystectomy with wedge resection of 2 cm adjacent hepatic parenchyma. Again histopathology revealed it as intra-cholecystic papillary neoplasm with focal dysplasia. Both cases were followed up for more than one and half years and showed no evidence of recurrence, hence pointing towards better prognosis. Papillary neoplasms are difficult to diagnose preoperatively and are often treated with oncological resections but they carry a better prognosis when compared with their malignancy counterparts.

Clinical significance of extrahepatic bile duct resection for T2 gallbladder cancer using data from the Japanese Biliary Tract Cancer Registry between 2014 and 2018.

The present study aimed to determine whether concomitant extrahepatic bile duct resection (EHBDR) improves the prognosis of patients with T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC). Between 2014 and 2018, 4947 patients with GBC were registered in the National Biliary Tract Cancer Registry in Japan. This included 3804 patients (76.9%) who underwent curative-intent surgical resection; 1609 of these patients had pT2 GBC with no distant metastasis. Of the 1609 patients with GBC, 520 underwent EHBDR and 1089 did not. We compared the patients' backgrounds and disease-specific survival rates between the groups. The frequency of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in the EHBDR group than in the non-EHBDR group (38.2% vs. 20.7%, p < .001). In the entire cohort, however, there was no significant difference in disease-specific survival between the two groups (76% vs. 79%, p = .410). The EHBDR group had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade = 3) (32.4% vs. 11.7%, p < .001). When we focused on the survival of only T2N1 patients who underwent gallbladder bed resection, the prognosis was significantly improved for the EHBDR group (5-year survival rate: 64% vs. 54%, p = .017). The non-EHBDR group was subcategorized into two groups: D2 dissection and D1 dissection or sampling, and survival curves were compared between these subgroups. Although the EHBDR group tended to have a favorable prognosis compared to the D2 group, this difference was not significant (p = .167). However, the EHBDR group had a significantly greater prognosis than the D1 dissection or sampling group (5 year-survival rate: 64 vs. 49%, p = .027). The EHBDR may improve the prognosis of patients with T2 gall bladder cancer with lymph node metastases; however, its indication should be carefully determined because of the increased risk of postoperative complications.

Metastatic lymph node ratio as an important prognostic factor in advanced gallbladder carcinoma with at least 6 lymph nodes retrieved

BackgroundThe metastatic lymph node (LN) ratio (LNR) has shown to be an important prognostic factor in various gastrointestinal malignancies. Nevertheless, the prognostic significance of LNR in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remains to be determined.MethodsFrom January 2007 to January 2018, 144 advanced GBC patients (T2–4 stages) who underwent curative surgery with at least 6 LNs retrieved were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to identify the optimal cut-off value for LNR. The clinicopathological features stratified by LNR level were analyzed. Meanwhile, univariate and multivariate Cox regression proportional hazard models were performed to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS).ResultsThe optimal cut-off point for LNR was 0.28 according to the ROC curve. LNR>0.28 was associated with higher rate of D2 LN dissection (P=0.004) and higher tumor stages (P<0.001). Extent of liver resection, extrahepatic bile duct resection, tumor stage, LNR, margin status, tumor differentiation, and perineural invasion were associated with OS in univariate analysis (all P<0.05). GBC patients with LNR≤0.28 had a significantly longer median OS compared to those with LNR>0.28 (27.5 vs 18 months, P=0.004). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor stage (T2 vs T3/T4; hazard ratio (HR) 1.596; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.195–2.132), LNR (≤0.28 vs >0.28; HR 0.666; 95% CI 0.463–0.958), margin status (R0 vs R1; HR 1.828; 95% CI 1.148–2.910), and tumor differentiation (poorly vs well/moderately; HR 0.670; 95% CI 0.589–0.892) were independent prognostic factors for GBC (all P<0.05).ConclusionsLNR is correlated to advanced GBC prognosis and is a potential prognostic factor for advanced GBC with at least 6 LNs retrieved.

A multicenter study on adjuvant chemotherapy of S-1 versus observation for resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

e16201 Background: The prognosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is poor even after curative resection. The efficacy of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy for resected PHC is unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy after major hepatectomy for PHC. Methods: Consecutive patients with PHC who underwent major hepatectomy (hemihepatectomy or trisectionectomy extending to segment 1 with extrahepatic bile duct resection) at three high-volume centers in Japan from 2007 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with Clavien-Dindo grade V complications, pStage I or IVB disease, and those who underwent adjuvant radiation therapy were excluded from analysis. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare the disease-specific survival (DSS) of patients who underwent adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy with those who underwent observation. Results: Of 480 patients, 373 were eligible for the study, 81 of whom underwent adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy, and 146 underwent observation. In the global cohort, DSS in the S-1 and observation groups were similar ( P = 0.18). In the matched cohort as well (S-1: n=44, Observation: n=44), DSS was similar between the S-1 and observation groups ( P = 0.09). On multivariate analysis, performance of percutaneous biliary drainage, CA19-9 levels at operation ≥ 300 U/ml, and lymph node (LN) metastasis were independent predictors of poor survival following major hepatectomy for PHC. In subgroup analysis of patients with LN metastasis, DSS in the S-1 group was better than in the observation group ( P = 0.001). Conclusions: Adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy after major hepatectomy might be effective in PHC patients with LN metastasis.

Surgical outcomes of gallbladder cancer: the OMEGA retrospective, multicentre, international cohort study.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare but aggressive. The extent of surgical intervention for different GBC stages is non-uniform, ranging from cholecystectomy alone to extended resections including major hepatectomy, resection of adjacent organs and routine extrahepatic bile duct resection (EBDR). Robust evidence here is lacking, however, and survival benefit poorly defined. This study assesses factors associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and morbidity and mortality following GBC surgery in high income countries (HIC) and low and middle income countries (LMIC). The multicentre, retrospective Operative Management of Gallbladder Cancer (OMEGA) cohort study included all patients who underwent GBC resection across 133 centres between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2020. Regression analyses assessed factors associated with OS, RFS and morbidity. On multivariable analysis of all 3676 patients, wedge resection and segment IVb/V resection failed to improve RFS (HR 1.04 [0.84-1.29], p=0.711 and HR 1.18 [0.95-1.46], p=0.13 respectively) or OS (HR 0.96 [0.79-1.17], p=0.67 and HR 1.48 [1.16-1.88], p=0.49 respectively), while major hepatectomy was associated with worse RFS (HR 1.33 [1.02-1.74], p=0.037) and OS (HR 1.26 [1.03-1.53], p=0.022). Furthermore, EBDR (OR 2.86 [2.3-3.52], p<0.0010), resection of additional organs (OR 2.22 [1.62-3.02], p<0.0010) and major hepatectomy (OR 3.81 [2.55-5.73], p<0.0010) were all associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Compared to LMIC, patients in HIC were associated with poorer RFS (HR 1.18 [1.02-1.37], p=0.031) but not OS (HR 1.05 [0.91-1.22], p=0.48). Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments were infrequently used. In this large, multicentre analysis of GBC surgical outcomes, liver resection was not conclusively associated with improved survival, and extended resections were associated with greater morbidity and mortality without oncological benefit. Aggressive upfront resections do not benefit higher stage GBC, and international collaborations are needed to develop evidence-based neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies to minimise surgical morbidity and prioritise prognostic benefit. Cambridge Hepatopancreatobiliary Department Research Fund.

The Significance of Tumor Locations in Patients with Gallbladder Carcinoma After Curative-Intent Resection

ObjectiveTo evaluate the significance of tumor locations in patients with resected gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and to supply the indication of extra-hepatic bile duct resection (EHBDR) according to tumor locations. MethodsPatients with resected GBC from 2010 to 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Comparative analyses and a meta-analysis were performed according to different tumor locations (body/fundus/neck/cystic duct). ResultsArticle: A total of 259 patients were identified (neck: 71; cystic: 29; body: 51; fundus: 108). Patients with proximal tumors (neck/cystic duct) were often in a more advanced stage and had more aggressive tumor biological features as well as a worse prognosis compared with those with distal tumors (fundus/body). Moreover, the observation was even more obvious between cystic duct and non-cystic duct tumors. Cystic duct tumor was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.01). EHBDR provided no survival advantage even in those with cystic duct tumor. Meta-analysis: With our own cohort incorporated, five studies with 204 patients with proximal tumors and 5167 patients with distal tumors were identified. Pooled results revealed that proximal tumors indicated worse tumor biological features and prognosis versus distal tumors. ConclusionProximal GBC had more aggressive tumor biological features, and a worse prognosis versus distal GBC and cystic duct tumor can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor. EHBDR had no obvious survival advantage even in those with cystic duct tumor and was even harmful in those with distal tumors. Upcoming more powerful well-designed studies are required for further validation.

Value of palliative surgery in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

PurposeThe survival rate of patients with irresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is remarkably poor. An essential part of palliation is treatment of obstructive cholestasis caused by the tumor. Currently, this is mainly performed endoscopically by stent or via PTBD, requiring frequent changes of the stents and limiting health-related quality of life due to the multiple hospital stays needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical palliation via extrahepatic bile duct resection as an option for palliative treatment.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2016, we treated 120 pCCC patients with primary palliative care. Three treatment strategies were retrospectively considered: extrahepatic bile duct resection (EBR), exploratory laparotomy (EL), and primary palliative (PP) therapy.ResultsThe EBR group required significantly less stenting postoperatively, and the overall morbidity was 29.4% (EBR). After the surgical procedure, fewer subsequent endoscopic treatments for stenting or PTBD were necessary in the EBR group over time. The 30-day mortality was 5.9% (EBR) and 3.4% (EL). The median overall survival averaged 570 (EBR), 392 (EL), and 247 (PP) days.ConclusionsIn selected pCCC patients, palliative extrahepatic bile duct resection is a feasible option for treatment of obstructive cholestasis and should be reconsidered as a therapy option for these patients even in a palliative setting.

Diagnostic usefulness of SpyGlass in intracholecystic papillary neoplasm with pancreaticobiliary maljunction: a case report and comparison with conventional gallbladder cancer with pancreaticobiliary maljunction.

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) is one of the precursors of gallbladder cancer defined in the 2010 World Health Organization classification of tumors. We herein report ICPN with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), which is a high-risk factor for biliary cancer. A 57-year-old female presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed a swollen appendix and gallbladder nodules with bile duct dilatation. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a gallbladder tumor spreading into the cystic duct confluence accompanying PBM. Based on papillary tumors around the cystic duct detected using the SpyGlass DS II Direct Visualization System (SpyGlass DS), ICPN was suspected. We performed extended cholecystectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and appendectomy with a diagnosis of ICPN and PBM. The pathological diagnosis was ICPN (90 × 50mm) with high-grade dysplasia spreading into the common bile duct. The absence of residual cancer in the resected specimen was pathologically confirmed. P53 staining was totally negative in both the tumor and normal epithelium. The overexpression of CTNNB1 was not observed. We encountered a patient with a very rare gallbladder tumor, ICPN with PBM. SpyGlass DS contributed to a precise assessment of the extent of the tumor as well as a qualitative diagnosis.

Laparoscopic versus open oncological extended re-resection for incidental gallbladder adenocarcinoma: we can do more than T1/2.

The laparoscopic and open approaches have comparable safety and oncological efficacy to treat early (T1b or T2) stage incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC). However, their effects on T3 stage or above tumors unclear. Data of IGBC patients who underwent radical re-resection were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, surgical variables, and tumor characteristics were evaluated for association with survival. We analyzed retrospectively 201 patients (72 men, 129 women; median age 63years; range, 36-85years). 84 underwent laparoscopic re-resection and 117 underwent open surgery. The 5-year OS post-resection was 74.7%, with a median survival of 74.52months. The median OS (73.92months vs. 77.04months, P = 0.67), and disease-free survival (72.60months vs. 71.09months, P = 0.18) were comparable between the laparoscopic re-resection and open surgery groups. The survival of patients with T1/T2 (median: 85.50months vs. 80.14months; P = 0.67) and T3 (median: 68.56months vs. 58.85months; P = 0.36) disease were comparable between the open re-resection and laparoscopic re-resection groups even after PS matching. Open surgery group lost significantly more blood, while laparoscopic surgery took longer. The postsurgical stay in the laparoscopic re-resection group was significantly shorter. Combined extrahepatic bile duct resection, gallbladder perforation, pT, pStage, histological grade, microscopic liver invasion, status of the resected margin, and adjuvant therapy comprised significant independent prognostic indicators for IGBC. Laparoscopic and open surgery can achieve similar short and long-term outcomes for T3 IGBC; however, careful surgical manipulation is necessary to avoid secondary injuries.

Extrahepatic bile duct resection with pump placement for biliary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma

Background: Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the extrahepatic bile ducts is extremely rare, with seven cases reported in the English literature. The infrequency in which LCNEC occurs poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

The role of extra-hepatic bile duct resection in patients with gallbladder carcinoma with peri-neural invasion: A ten-year experience in China

BackgroundPeri-neural invasion (PNI) in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has been demonstrated as a vital prognostic factor. However, whether PNI in patients with GBC can be regarded as a surgical indication of bile duct resection (BDR) remains controversial. MethodsGBC patients with pathologically-confirmed PNI between September 2010 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Comparative analyses were performed in patients with PNI according to the performance of BDR. SPSS 25.0 software and Graph pad PRISMA 7.0 software were used for statistical analyses. ResultsA total of 70 patients GBC patients with PNI were incorporated. The results of comparative analyses indicated that patients who received BDR were generally in a more advanced stage and often required a more extended radical cholecystectomy. Higher incidences of preoperative jaundice (48.6% vs 2.9%, P < 0.0001), major hepatectomy (25.7% vs 8.6%, P = 0.055), combined multi-visceral resections (48.6% vs 5.7%, P < 0.0001), combined major vascular reconstruction (22.9% vs 2.9%, P = 0.014), and a lower R0 rate (68.6% vs 88.6%, P = 0.039) were detected in patients who received BDR. Even after propensity score matching (PSM), BDR still had no significant survival advantage but only increased the length of postoperative stay and the frequency of postoperative morbidities. ConclusionBDR seemed to have no significant survival advantage in GBC patients with PNI and was only correlated with a longer postoperative hospital stay and a higher rate of morbidities. PNI should not be regarded as a surgical indication of BDR in patients with GBC.

Early postoperative decrease of skeletal muscle mass predicts recurrence and poor survival after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundPreoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of poor survival in cancer patients. We hypothesized that sarcopenia could progress as occult metastasis arose, especially after highly invasive surgery for highly aggressive malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of postoperative changes in skeletal muscle mass volume with survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.MethodsFifty-six patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated from axial computed tomography images taken preoperatively and 3–6 months postoperatively (early postoperative period). The associations of clinicopathological variables, including changes of SMI after surgery, with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Moreover, the associations of decreased SMI and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level with early recurrence and poor survival was compared.ResultsAmong 56 patients, 26 (46%) had sarcopenia preoperatively and SMI decreased in 29 (52%) in the early postoperative period. During the median follow-up of 57.9 months, 35 patients (63%) developed recurrence and 29 (50%) died. Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period was independently associated with a shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–6.18; P = 0.049) and a shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–4.57; P = 0.039), whereas elevated carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level was not.ConclusionsDecreased SMI in the early postoperative period may be used as a predictor for recurrence and poor survival in patients undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Safety and benefits of major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection in older perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients.

To evaluate the safety and benefits of major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection in older perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients and to identify possible predictors of surgical mortality. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 102 consecutive patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in our institution between 2004 and 2021. The patients were included and divided into two groups: older patients ≥ 75years and non-older patients < 75years. Patient characteristics, preoperative nutritional and operative risk scores, intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes, and long-term prognosis were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the predictors of 90-day mortality after major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection. Significant differences were identified for some preoperative surgical risk scores, but not for nutritional scores. Older patients had a higher morbidity rate of respiratory complications (p = 0.016), but there were no significant differences in overall (p = 0.735) or disease-specific survival (p = 0.858). A high Dasari's score was identified as an independent predictive factor of 90-day mortality. Major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection can be performed for optimally selected older and younger patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, resulting in a good prognosis. However, indications for extended surgery should be recognized. Dasari's preoperative risk score may be a good predictor of 90-day mortality.

Risk factors for postoperative pneumonia after hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection.

The present study investigated the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (POP) after hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection (BDR) and elucidated risk factors for POP. A total of 257 patients undergoing hepatectomy with BDR between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the incidence of POP, defined by the Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II. The predictive factors for POP were identified using logistic regression analysis of the pre- and intraoperative evaluable factors. Postoperative pneumonia developed in 15 patients (5.8%), diagnosed as grade IV or V in five patients. In a multivariate analysis, a vital capacity ratio (%VC) <80% (odds ratio [OR] 7.30, P =.005), age ≥ 74 years old (OR 5.39, P=.026), and future liver volume remnant (FLR) ratio ≤ 40% (OR 4.97, P=.045) were independent risk factors for POP. Among patients with performing spirometry, the incidence of developing POP was 1.0%, 8.8%, and 60% in patients with 0, 1-2, and 3 risk factors, respectively. The incidence of POP in patients undergoing hepatectomy with BDR was 5.8%. A %VC <80%, age ≥74 years old, and FLR ratio ≤40% were identified as preoperative predictive factors of developing POP.

Validation study of postoperative liver failure and mortality risk scores after liver resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) remains a challenging procedure with high morbidity and mortality. The Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center proposed a postoperative mortality risk score (POMRS) and post-hepatectomy liver failure score (PHLFS) to predict patient outcomes. This study aimed to validate the POMRS and PHLFS for PHCC patients at Hokkaido University. Medical records of 260 consecutive PHCC patients who had undergone major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection without pancreaticoduodenectomy at Hokkaido University between March 2001 and November 2018 were evaluated to validate the PHLFS and POMRS. The observed risks for PHLF were 13.7%, 24.5%, and 39.8% for the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively, in the study cohort. A receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the PHLFS had moderate predictive value, with an analysis under the curve (AUC) value of 0.62. Mortality rates based on the POMRS were 1.7%, 5%, and 5.1% for the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. The ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC value of 0.58. This external validation study showed that for PHLFS the threshold for discrimination in an Eastern cohort was reached (AUC >0.6), but it would require optimization of the model before use in clinical practice is acceptable. The POMRS were not applicable in the eastern cohort. Further external validation is recommended.

Critical overview of resection for Bismuth-Corlette type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background Current standard treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is surgical resection. Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV pCCA is accepted as an unresectable disease. In the present study, the results of non-transplant surgical approaches in patients with BC type IV pCCA were examined. Methods Medical records of consecutive patients with BC type IV pCCA between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were subdivided according to operation type. Postoperative survival rates were compared. Results Hemihepatectomy with caudate lobe and extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) resection was performed in 15 patients and only EHBD resection was performed in 10 patients. Ten of the cases were found to be unresectable at the stage of laparotomy. Median follow-up was 41.3 (24.8–57.9) months. Overall survival rate for all 35 patients was 56.4% at 1 year, 32.2% at 2 years, and 16.1% at 3 years. When survivals were compared according to operation type, 1, 2, and 3-year survivals were 80%, 57.1% and 42.9% for the hepatectomy group; 55.6%, 44.4% and 11.1% for the EHBD resection group; 75%, 0% and 0% in laparotomy-only group, respectively (p = 0.13). The best survival rates were obtained in patients with pCCA who underwent hepatectomy and were lymph node negative, 100% for 1 year, 66.7 for 2 years and 50% for 3 years. Conclusion It is difficult to achieve high survival rates in BC type IV pCCA. However, these patients mostly benefit from resective treatments. Acceptable survival rates can be achieved, especially in the R0N0 patient group.

Critical overview of resection for Bismuth-Corlette type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Current standard treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is surgical resection. Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV pCCA is accepted as an unresectable disease. In the present study, the results of non-transplant surgical approaches in patients with BC type IV pCCA were examined.Medical records of consecutive patients with BC type IV pCCA between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were subdivided according to operation type. Postoperative survival rates were compared.Hemihepatectomy with caudate lobe and extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) resection was performed in 15 patients and only EHBD resection was performed in 10 patients. Ten of the cases were found to be unresectable at the stage of laparotomy. Median follow-up was 41.3 (24.8 - 57.9) months. Overall survival rate for all 35 patients was 56.4% at 1 year, 32.2% at 2 years, and 16.1% at 3 years. When survivals were compared according to operation type, 1, 2, and 3-year survivals were 80%, 57.1% and 42.9% for the hepatectomy group; 55.6%, 44.4% and 11.1% for the EHBD resection group; 75%, 0% and 0% in laparotomy-only group, respectively (p = 0.13). The best survival rates were obtained in patients with pCCA who underwent hepatectomy and were lymph node negative, 100% for 1 year, 66.7 for 2 years and 50% for 3 years.It is difficult to achieve high survival rates in BC type IV pCCA. However, these patients mostly benefit from resective treatments. Acceptable survival rates can be achieved, especially in the R0N0 patient group.

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm associated with invasive carcinoma of the remnant gallbladder after subtotal cholecystectomy: a case report

BackgroundIntracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) of the gallbladder is a rare tumor and a relatively new concept. Therefore, the natural history and imaging characteristics of ICPN have not yet been fully documented. Moreover, cases who underwent curative resection for remnant gallbladder cancer, including ICPN with associated invasive carcinoma, have been rarely reported. We report a resected case of ICPN of the remnant gallbladder with associated invasive carcinoma for which we could observe a temporal change in imaging findings until malignant transformation.Case presentationA 79-year-old female patient with a surgical history of subtotal cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was an ambulatory patient of our institution because of postoperative surveillance for colon cancer. Ultrasonography and computed tomography incidentally detected a small nodule in the cystic remnant gallbladder. The nodule had increased in size 3 months later; thus, additional investigations were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 10-mm enhanced nodule without evidence of extraluminal invasion. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed restricted diffusion of the lesion, and positron emission tomography revealed marked accumulation in the lesion. The lesion was diagnosed as suspicious for a malignant remnant gallbladder tumor. Therefore, remnant cholecystectomy with gallbladder bed resection was performed. Because preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a relatively long intact cystic duct, extrahepatic bile duct resection was planned to be omitted. Intraoperatively, the hepatic and duodenal side bile duct where the cystic duct diverged was taped. Using these tapes, which permitted pulling the bile duct, the cystic duct located behind the bile duct could be safely exposed. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as biliary morphologic ICPN with associated invasive carcinoma.ConclusionsBecause remnant cholecystectomy is an uncommon procedure and technically difficult, accurate preoperative investigation and surgical planning are important to prevent bile duct injury and omit extrahepatic bile duct resection. In the present case, intracystic change could be detected incidentally at an early stage because of previous remnant gallbladder producing (reconstituting) subtotal cholecystectomy and surveillance for other disease. This case suggests the existence of ICPN that can progress to invasive carcinoma during a short period.

Aggressive behavior of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma arising from the hilar bile duct

BackgroundUndifferentiated carcinoma of the biliary tree is extremely rare, and biliary undifferentiated carcinoma mostly originates from the gallbladder. We herein present a case of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct and reviewed the literature.Case presentationThe patient was an 81-year-old male with obstructive jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a protruded tumor located at the hepatic hilum. Obstructive jaundice was relieved by endoscopic drainage. Endoscopic biopsy revealed carcinoma without glandular differentiation, and the patient was diagnosed with resectable hilar undifferentiated carcinoma. During the 5-week preoperative examination, the tumor increased in size from 23 to 45 mm. Left hemi-hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection were performed, and there were no postoperative complications. Histological findings demonstrated that the tumor was mainly composed of non-cohesive polygonal neoplasms with pleomorphic nuclei, and was diagnosed as anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the common hepatic duct (T2a N0 M0 Stage II). One month after surgery, the patient was readmitted to our hospital with pyrexia due to cholangitis, and liver nodules suggestive of multiple liver metastases were detected by CT. Three months after surgery, the patient died of multiple liver metastases.ConclusionsThis is the first case report of undifferentiated cholangiocarcinoma with anaplastic features. Anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct showed preoperative rapid growth and early relapse despite a cancer-negative surgical margin.

Portal Vein Thrombosis after Major Liver Resection for Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer

Introduction: The incidence of and risk factors for postoperative portal vein thrombosis after major liver resection with resection of extrahepatic bile ducts for gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with hilar extension, and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma have not been fully elucidated. Method: In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed the influence of clinical, procedural and pathological factors with respect to the incidence of postoperative portal vein thrombosis. Results: A total of 99 patients were included, of whom 9 patients developed portal vein thrombosis diagnosed 6 (1-18) days after operation. Treatment consisted of thrombectomy and anticoagulation only in 3 and 6 patients, respectively. In patients receiving anticoagulation only, the portal thrombosis was partial in 3 patients. Recanalisation was achieved in all patients. No specific factor was found predictive of portal vein thrombosis, including age (p=0.188), type of cancer (p=0.126), type of liver resection (p=0.871), caudate lobe resection (p=0.493) or portal vein resection (p=0.235). Conclusions: Portal vein thrombosis is a common complication after major liver resection for biliary cancers. Anticoagulation or reoperation with thrombectomy are both effective treatments.