Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy. Tumor resection is the treatment of choice, but so far the value of hepatic resection has not been well defined. We report results with an aggressive surgical approach for the treatment of this tumor entity.
Patients and methods: Between April 1998 and June 2004, 54 liver resections were performed in 120 patients with ICC. In 24 patients, 39 additional procedures were performed: resection of hilar bifurcation (n=18), partial resection of diaphragm (n=6), vascular resection and reconstruction (n=15).
Results: There were 30 R0, 21 R1, and three R2 resections. After R1/R2 resection and explorative laparotomy, the median survival times are 9 months and 6 months, respectively. Following R0 resection, the calculated median survival is 46 months, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates are 83%, 58%, and 48%, respectively.
Conclusion: The presented data show that R0 resection leads to a significant prolongation of survival in patients with ICC. In contrast, incomplete tumor removal does not provide a survival benefit. These results justify an aggressive surgical approach to achieve a R0 resection. The low resectability rate of less than 50% underlines the need for improved preoperative staging.