Appropriate choice of surgical strategies in managing hilar cholangiocarcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis.Due to advances in preoperative imaging and enhanced comprehension of tumor biological behavior,surgical management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has evolved since its original description.Currently,it has been accepted that complete surgical resection provides the only possibility for cure or long-term survival,however,the surgical management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is extremely challenging because of its anatomical location and vascular proximity.In order to achieve complete resection, several surgical approaches have been investigated and evaluated regarding major hepatic resection,lymph node dissection,vascular resection,extended resection and liver transplantation,however,there are still many disputations. Furthermore,many surgical technical difficulties exist in biliary reconstruction after resection owing to anatomical problems.Focusing on the disputes and problems mentioned above,we herein review and discuss surgical strategies in managing hilar cholangiocarcinoma.