The role of U tube palliative treatment in high bile duct carcinoma.

Twenty-one patients with cholangiocarcinoma at the confluence of the main right and left hepatic ducts were referred to our professorial surgical unit between 1968 and 1982. All were evaluated, treated, and documented prospectively with follow-up to mid 1986. No lesion was deemed resectable. The U tube palliative bypass developed during the course of the study was used in 14 patients, and its role in treating high bile duct carcinoma was evaluated. Histologic confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in 71% of patients. Seven patients received additional treatment with radical radiotherapy. The 30-day overall hospital mortality rate was 19%. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 57% and 33%, respectively. The quality of survival was usually good. The need for centralized referral and treatment of these difficult patients is stressed. The case against radical resection for this lesion is presented. It is concluded that radical resection is seldom possible, and therefore the U tube palliative procedure is advocated in most patients.