Chronological analysis of surgical and oncological outcomes after the treatment of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative supportive care, radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the only modality that can achieve long-term survival. We chronologically investigated surgical and oncological outcomes of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and analyzed the factors affecting overall survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 165 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent liver resection with a curative intent. The patients were divided into groups based on the period when the surgery was performed: period I (2005-2011) and period II (2012-2018). The clinicopathological characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The patients' age, serum CA19-9 levels, and serum bilirubin levels at diagnosis were significantly higher in the period I group. There were no differences in pathological characteristics such as tumor stage, histopathologic status, and resection status. However, perioperative outcomes, such as estimated blood loss (1528.8 vs. 1034.1 mL, =0.020) and postoperative severe complication rate (51.3% vs. 26.4%, =0.022), were significantly lower in the period II group. Regression analysis demonstrated that period I (hazard ratio [HR]=1.591; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.049-2.414; =0.029), preoperative serum bilirubin at diagnosis (HR=1.585; 95% CI=1.058-2.374; =0.026), and tumor stage (III, IV) (HR=1.671; 95% CI: 1.133-2.464; =0.010) were significantly associated with poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate was better in the period II patients than in the period I patients (35.1% vs. 21.0%, =0.0071).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical and oncological outcomes were better in period II. Preoperative serum bilirubin and advanced tumor stage were associated with poor prognosis in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.