Background: Discrepancies are often noted between management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) in regional hospitals and the eventual treatment plan in specialized centers.
Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate whether regional centers adhere to guideline recommendations following implementation in 2013.
Methods: Data were analyzed from all consecutive patients with suspected PHC referred to our academic center between June 2013 and December 2015. Frequency and quality of biliary drainage and imaging at referring centers were assessed as well as the impact of inadequate initial drainage.
Results: Biliary drainage was attempted at regional centers in 83 of 158 patients (52.5%), with a technical and therapeutic success rate of 79.5% and 50%, respectively, and a complication rate of 45.8%. The computed tomography protocol was not in accordance with guidelines in 52.8% of referrals. In 45 patients (54.2%) who underwent drainage in regional centers, additional drainage procedures were required after referral. Initial inadequate biliary drainage at a regional center was significantly associated with more procedures and a prolonged waiting time until surgery. A trend toward more drainage-related complications was observed among patients with inadequate initial drainage (54.7% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.061).
Conclusion: Despite available guidelines, suboptimal management of PHC persists in many regional centers and affects eventual treatment strategies.
Keywords: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma; biliary drainage; compliance; guidelines; management.