Is Aggressive Surgical Palliation of Proximal Bile Duct Cancer With Involvement of Both Main Hepatic DuctsWorthwhile?

摘要

The only curative treatment for proximal bile duct cancer with involvement of both main hepatic ducts isliver transplantation. Most patients do not fulfill the requirements for liver transplantation. Ourtreatment strategy in appropriate cases is palliative tumor resection and reconstruction of the biliarypassage by sutureless bilioenteric anastomosis. We have treated 12 patients, 5 in combination withintraluminal and percutaneous radiotherapy. Our results indicate that this strategy leads to effectivepalliation in some cases provided that only microscopic residual tumor is left in-situ. Our survival timescompare favourably with survival after liver transplantation.