Clinical value of additional resection of a margin-positive distal bile duct in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Utility and diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen sections in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgical pathology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeries are one of the most challenging and complex procedures. Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) diagnosis plays a pivotal role in management decisions. Comprehensive large cohort studies evaluating utility of IFS in HPB malignancies are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of frozen section analysis and to analyse discrepancies and impact of IFS on the surgical decisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of IFS received for the HPB specimens between years 2009 and 2021. The results were compared to the permanent sections to evaluate diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Indications, disagreements and impact on the surgical management were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 1008 specimens were evaluated: bile duct margin (279; 27.7%), gallbladder (203; 20.1%), liver lesions (125 cases; 12.4%), lymph nodes (147; 14.6%), pancreatic margin (120; 11.9%) and deposits (134; 13.3%). IFS were diagnosed as negative for malignancy (805; 79.9%), positive for dysplasia (8; 0.8%), suspicious for malignancy (6; 0.6%) and positive for malignancy (189; 18.8%). The overall diagnostic accuracy was 98.4%, and the discordant rate was 1.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 94.7%, 99.4%, 97.5% and 98.6% respectively. The most important reason of discordant results was technical, followed by interpretational and sampling errors.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy (98.4%) of IFS in a large dataset of HPB specimens. This comprehensive analysis apprises of the indications, errors and the impact of IFS diagnosis on subsequent HPB surgical management.

Radial and longitudinal margins in surgery of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: When R1 definition is associated with different prognosis

BACKGROUND

Infiltrated margins of resection (R1) and lymph node invasion are dominant negative predictors of survival in patients with a resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Less clear is whether survival predictors stratify differently between R0 (tumor-free margins) and R1 patients and whether the prognosis of the latter patients is influenced by the pattern of neoplastic infiltration (ie, radial versus longitudinal infiltration). We retrospectively evaluated a series of reported resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma to obtain insights on the predictive power of these histologic features.

METHODS

The study includes 264 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma treated between 2004 and 2019 in our center and followed up for >18 months. There were 176 patients with R0 (66.6%) and 88 patients with R1 (33.3%), 31 with radial infiltration only, 30 with longitudinal infiltration only, and 27 with both infiltration patterns. In all patients, the criteria for resection was the absence of metastatic involvement (ie, distant organ metastases, liver metastases, and lymph node metastases beyond the hepatoduodenal ligament). Histopathologic specimens of the resected tumors were centrally reviewed by a pathologist unaware of the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Three- and 5-year long-term survival were significantly better in R0 (respectively) compared to R1 patients (55% and 42% vs 42% and 18%, respectively, P < .05). In R1 patients with radial infiltration only and those with radial + longitudinal infiltration, both disease-free and overall survival were worse than those with longitudinal infiltration only (median disease-free survival of 18 and 23 months, respectively, P < .05, median overall survival of 33 and 39 months, respectively, P < .05). At multivariable analysis, nodal status, side of hepatectomy, grading, and presence of radial margin infiltration were associated with long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Radial infiltration of resection margins enhances the negative prognostic value of R1 margins in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients and should specifically be accounted for in the prediction of the outcome of adjuvant therapy.

Role of Intraoperative Assessment of Proximal Bile Duct Margin Status and Additional Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Can Local Clearance Trump Tumor Biology? A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of the proximal bile duct margin status in resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) analysis to assess the bile duct margin status is commonly used during PHCC resection. However, the impact of additional resection after obtaining a positive margin on the long-term outcome remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among the 257 patients who underwent PHCC resection, 190 patients with a negative distal margin were included and analyzed. IFS analysis of the proximal bile duct margin was performed in all patients. A positive margin was defined by the presence of either invasive cancer, or carcinoma, in situ.

RESULTS

IFS analysis revealed an initial positive margin in 69 (36%) patients. Among 20 patients who underwent re-resection, only 11 patients achieved a negative margin (secondary R0). An initial positive margin was associated with poor long-term outcomes: recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 16 and 25 months for patients with an initial positive margin, but 47 and 63 months for patients with an initial negative margin, respectively (p < 0.0001). In contrast, there was no difference in RFS or OS between patients with a secondary R0 margin, and those with a final R1 margin (14 vs. 16 months for RFS, p = 0.98, and 23 versus 25 months for OS, p = 0.63, respectively).

CONCLUSION

An IFS-positive proximal hepatic duct margin dictates poor long-term outcomes for patients with resectable PHCC. Additional resection has minimal impact on survival, even when negative margin is achieved.

Value of routine intraoperative frozen sections of proximal bile duct margins in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, a retrospective multicenter and matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Currently, the potential benefits of additional resection after positive proximal intraoperative frozen sections (IFS) in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) on residual disease and oncological outcome remain uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the number of R0 resections after additional resection of a positive proximal IFS and the influence of additional resections on overall survival (OS) in patients with pCCA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter, matched case-control study was performed, including patients undergoing resection for pCCA between 2000 and 2019 at three tertiary centers. Primary outcome was the number of achieved 'additional' R0 resections. Secondary outcomes were OS, recurrence, severe morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Forty-four out of 328 patients undergoing resection for pCCA had a positive proximal IFS. An additional resection was performed in 35 out of 44 (79.5%) patients, which was negative in 24 (68.6%) patients. Nevertheless, seven out of these 24 patients were eventually classified as R1 resection due to other positive resection margins. Therefore, 17 (48.6%) patients could be classified as "true" R0 resection after additional resection. Ninety-day mortality after R1 resections was high (25%) and strongly influenced OS. After correction for 90-day mortality, median OS after negative additional resection was 33 months (95%CI:29.5-36.5) compared to 30 months (95%CI:24.4-35.6) after initial R1 (P = 0.875) and 46 months (95%CI:32.7-59.3) after initial R0 (P = 0.348).

CONCLUSION

There were only 17 patients (out of a total of 328 patients) that potentially benefitted from routine IFS. Additional resection for a positive IFS leading to R0 resection was not associated with improved long-term survival.

Patterns of Caudate Lobe Invasion of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Panoramic Histologic Study of Liver

BACKGROUND

At present, caudate lobectomy (CL) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) was controversial. Our study was designed to investigate the features of caudate lobe invasion (CLI) by whole-mount histologic large sections (WHLS).

METHODS

A total of 46 HCCA patients underwent hemihepatectomy or trisectionectomy combined with CL were included. Serial WHLS (120 mm × 100 mm) were collected, and the relationship between caudate lobe and tumor was retained to determine the incidence of CLI. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were completed to further explore the pathway of CLI.

RESULTS

The whole region of the Glisson system in caudate lobe and hilar area can be clearly displayed by WHLS, and 32 (32/46 69.6%) patients were identified with CLI. There were three different pathways of CLI with panoramic IHC staining. The most common pathway is through the fibrous connective tissue along Glisson system (20/32 62.5%, without carcinoma in bile ducts). The Bismuth type, tumor size, vascular invasion, pathological type, and hepatic invasion were related to the CLI (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and distribution of CLI provided histologic evidence for CL in HCCA. Based on the invasion pathway, it is necessary to assess the fibrous connective tissue in Glisson system of caudate lobe in pathological research and practice.

Does Intraoperative Frozen Section and Revision of Margins Lead to Improved Survival in Patients Undergoing Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is a rare malignancy that arises at the biliary confluence. Achieving a margin-negative resection (R0) is challenging given the anatomic location of tumors and remains the most important prognostic indicator of long-term survival. The objective of this study is to review the impact of intraoperative revision of positive biliary margins in PHC on oncologic outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2021. Studies comparing three types of patients undergoing resection of PHC with intraoperative frozen section of the proximal and/or distal bile ducts were identified: those who were margin-negative (R0), those with an initially positive margin who had revised negative margins (R1R0), and those with a persistently positive margin with or without revision of a positive margin (R1). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included risk of postoperative complication.

RESULTS

A total of 449 studies were screened. Ten retrospective observational studies reporting on 1955 patients were included. Patients undergoing successful revision of a positive proximal and/or distal bile duct margin (R1R0) had similar OS to those with a primary margin-negative resection (R0) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-1.19, p = 0.56, I² = 84%], and significantly better OS than patients with a positive final bile duct margin (R1) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.79, p = 0.002, I² = 0%). There was no increase in the risk of postoperative complications associated with additional resection, although postoperative morbidity was inconsistently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This review supports routine intraoperative biliary margin evaluation during resection of PHC with revision if technically feasible.

Moving forward in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

Despite being the second most frequent primary liver tumor in humans, early diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are still unsatisfactory. In fact, survival after 5 years is expected in less than one fourth of patients diagnosed with this disease. Rare incidence, late appearance of symptoms and heterogeneous biology are all factors contributing to our limited knowledge of this cancer and determining its poor prognosis in the clinical setting. Several efforts have been made in the last decades in order to achieve an improved classification/understanding with regard to the diverse CCA forms. Location within the biliary tree has helped to distinguish between intrahepatic, perihilar and distal CCA types. Sequence analysis contributed to identifying several characteristic genetic aberrations in CCA that may also serve as possible targets for therapy. Novel findings are expected to significantly improve the management of this malignancy in the near future. In this changing scenario our review focuses on the current and future strategies for CCA treatment. Both systemic and surgical treatments are discussed in detail. The results of the main studies in this field are reported, together with the ongoing trials. The current findings suggest that an integrated multidisciplinary approach to this malignancy would be helpful to improve its outcome.

Surgical Strategies for Bismuth Type I and II Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Impact on Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The surgical approach to treat Bismuth type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) has been a topic of debate. We sought to characterize whether bile duct resection (BDR) with or without concomitant hepatic resection (HR) was associated with R0 margin status, as well as define the impact of HR+BDR versus BDR alone on long-term survival.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative-intent HR+BDR for HCCA between 2000 and 2014 were identified from a multi-institutional database. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared among patients who underwent BDR only, BDR+left hepatic resection (LHR), and BDR+right hepatic resection (RHR) for Bismuth type I and II HCCA.

RESULTS

Among 257 patients with HCCA, 61 (23.7%) patients had a Bismuth type I (n=25, 41.0%) or II (n=36, 59.0%) lesion. The incidence of R0 resection after BDR only was the same as among patients after LHR and RHR (BDR 70.0% vs. BDR+LHR 71.4% vs. BDR+RHR 76.5%, p=0.891). In contrast, severe complications were more likely after LHR and RHR than BDR only (BDR 21.4% vs. BDR+LHR 60.0% and BDR+RHR 50.0%, p=0.041). Overall (median: BDR 20.9 vs. BDR+LHR 23.2 and BDR+RHR 25.0 months, p=0.213) and recurrence-free (median: BDR 13.4 vs. BDR+LHR 15.3 and BDR+RHR 25.0, p= 0.109) survival were comparable. On multivariable analysis, while CA19-9>37.0U/ml (Ref. CA19-9≤37.0U/ml, HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-9.4, p=0.035) and AJCC T3-T4 disease (Ref. T1-T2, HR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5-13.7, p=0.007) were associated with long-term survival, surgical approach was not (BDR+LHR: HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.5-2.2, p=0.937; BDR+RHR: HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.3, p=0.197).

CONCLUSION

R0 resection, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival were comparable among well-selected patients who had BDR versus BDR+HR for Bismuth type I and II HCCA.

The Impact of Intraoperative Frozen Section on Resection Margin Status and Survival of Patients Underwent Pancreatoduodenectomy for Distal Cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Intraoperative frozen section (FS) is broadly used during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to ensure a negative margin status, but its survival benefits on obtaining a secondary R0 resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) is controversial and unclear.

Methods

Clinical data of 107 patients who underwent PD for dCCA was retrospectively collected and divided into different groups based on use of FS (FS and non-FS groups) and status of resection margin (pR0, sR0 and R1 groups), and clinical parameters and survival of patients were compared and analyzed accordingly.

Results

There were 50 patients in FS group with a median survival of 28 months, 57 patients in non-FS group with a median survival of 27 months. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P = 0.347). There were 98 patients in R0 group (88 in pR0 and 10 in sR0) and nine patients in R1 group, with a median survival of 29 months and 22 months respectively, which showed a better survival in R0 group than in R1 group (P = 0.006). Survival analyses between subgroups revealed difference between pR0 and R1 group (P = 0.005), while no statistical difference concerning pR0 vs. sR0 (P = 0.211) and sR0 vs. R1 groups (P = 0.262). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed resection margin status, pre-operative biliary drainage and lymph node invasion to be independent prognostic factors for dCCA patients.

Conclusions

Intraoperative FS should be recommended as it significantly increased the rate of R0 resection, which was positively related to a better survival. A primary R0 resection should also be encouraged and if not, a secondary R0 could be considered at the discretion of surgeons as it showed similar survival with primary R0 resection.

The Landmark Series: Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is a rare and highly aggressive biliary tract neoplasm. As such, the data driving the management of this disease generally are not based on prospective clinical trial data but rather consist of retrospective experiences and limited level 1 data. Surgical resection offers the best chance of a long-term survival, but local and distant recurrences are common. This report presents landmark articles that form the basis of preoperative, operative, and adjuvant strategies for HC.

Surgical Therapy for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: State of the Art

BACKGROUND

Surgical therapy still offers the only chance of long-term survival for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current standards and challenges in the surgical treatment of pCCA.

SUMMARY

After imaging and defining resectability, the first step towards optimal surgical treatment is optimizing biliary drainage and preventing cholangitis, followed by securing adequate future liver remnant volume and/or function. The main goal of resection for pCCA is achieving radical resection and ultimately long-term survival. In order to achieve radical resection, several points will be addressed (e.g., vascular resection and reconstruction, intraoperative frozen sections, right versus left hemihepatectomy, and the usefulness of preoperative [chemo]therapy).

KEY MESSAGES

In order to optimize long-term outcomes for patients with pCCA, collaboration between leading centers should be increased. In addition, this collaboration is necessary to design large prospective randomized controlled trials, as the incidence of pCCA is low and the number of resectable patients is even lower. Currently, most results are based on small retrospective cohort studies resulting in low evidence. In order to properly investigate how to improve long-term survival, we need to set up trials to confirm the results of small series suggesting the positive effect of preoperative chemotherapy and extended lymph node resection.

Oncologic Reappraisal of Bile Duct Resection for Middle-Third Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although bile duct resection (BDR) in addition to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a surgical approach in patients with middle-third cholangiocarcinoma (MCC), available prognostic information after BDR remains very limited. The aim of this study was to reappraise BDR from the viewpoint of surgical oncology.

METHODS

Patients who underwent BDR or PD for MCC between 2001 and 2010 at 32 Japanese hospitals were included. Clinicopathological factors were retrospectively compared according to surgical procedure to identify a subset cohort who benefited most from BDR.

RESULTS

During the study, 92 patients underwent BDR (n = 38) or PD (n = 54). BDR was characterized by a shorter operation time, less blood loss, less frequent complications, and lower mortality, than PD. The incidence of positive surgical margins was 26.3% versus 5.6% (P = 0.007). The survival rate after BDR was significantly worse than that after PD: 38.8% versus 54.8% at 5 years (P = 0.035), and BDR was independently associated with deteriorated survival [hazard ratio (HR), 1.76; P = 0.023] by multivariable analysis. In the BDR group, tumor length < 15 mm (HR, 3.38; P = 0.017) and ductal margin length ≥ 10 mm (HR, 2.54; P = 0.018) were independent positive prognostic factors. Stratified by these two favorable factors, the 5-year survival rate was 63.0% in patients with 1/2 factors and 6.7% in those with 0 factors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with MCC, BDR provided a better short-term and a worse long-term outcome than PD. However, patient selection using tumor length and ductal margin length may allow a favorable survival probability even after BDR.

Prognostic implication of high grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasia in bile duct resection margins in patients with resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

In surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), it is still controversial as to whether additional resection of the bile duct is needed on high grade (HG) biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) margin.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for PHCC with curative intent between 2001 and 2015 were stratified by resection margin, and were analyzed comparing the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 306 study participants, 217 patients had negative margins (R0), 18 patients had HG BilIN, and 71 patients had positive margins (R1). The median overall survival was 36.0 months in the R0 group, 41.0 months in the HG BilIN group, and 25.0 months in the R1 group while overall survival rates at 5 years were 34.5% in the R0 group, 44.4% in the HG BilIN group, and 21.0% in the R1 group. The median disease-free survival was 15.0 months in the R0 group, 16.5 months in the HG BilIN group, and 12.0 months in the R1 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the HG BilIN group had neoplasia with malignant potential, survival and recurrence outcomes were comparable to those of the R0 group, which suggests that no additional resection is needed when the maximal bile duct margin in PHCC surgery contains HG BilIN.

Margin-Positive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma during Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Additional Resection Does Not Improve Survival

BACKGROUND

The impact of resecting positive margins during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains debated. Additionally, the survival benefit of resecting multiple positive margins is unknown.

METHODS

We identified patients with PDA who underwent PD from 2006 to 2015. Pancreatic neck, bile duct, and uncinate frozen section margins were assessed before and after resection of positive margins. Survival curves were compared with log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox regression assessed the effect of margin status on overall survival.

RESULTS

Of 501 patients identified, 17.3%, 5.3%, and 19.7% had an initially positive uncinate, bile duct, or neck margin, respectively. Among initially positive bile duct and neck margins, 77.8% and 67.0% were resected, respectively. Although median survival was decreased among patients with any positive margins (15.6 vs. 20.9 months; p = 0.006), it was similar among patients with positive bile duct or neck margins with or without R1 to R0 resection (17.0 vs. 15.6 months; p = 0.20). Median survival with and without positive uncinate margins was 13.8 vs. 19.7 months (p = 0.04). Uncinate margins were never resected. Resection of additional margins when the uncinate was concurrently positive was not associated with improved survival (p = 0.37). Patients with positive margins who received adjuvant therapy had improved survival, regardless of margin resection (p = 0.03). Adjuvant therapy was independently protective against death (hazard ratio 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Positive PD margins at any position are associated with reduced overall survival; however, resection of additional margins may not improve survival, particularly with concurrently positive uncinate margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival with positive margins, regardless of resection.

Is radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma plus partial resection of pancreatic head justified for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND

To outline our experience with the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) combined with the partial resection of the pancreatic head (RRHCCAPRPH) as a treatment for HCCA with distal bile duct involvement and to appraise the feasibility of this challenging procedure.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2017, 205 patients with HCCA who underwent curative surgery at our hospital were included. Among the patients, extrahepatic bile duct resection combined with hepatectomy (EBDRH), RRHCCAPRPH and hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy (HPD) was performed in 168, 21 and 16 patients, respectively. Clinical pathological factors, post-operative complications and survival were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in operative blood loss, operative time, post-operative hospital stay and tumour size between EBDRH group, RRHCCAPRPH group and HPD group (P < 0.05). In terms of post-operative complications, there was no statistical difference between the three groups (P = 0.177). Further analysis showed that the incidence of pancreatic fistula (43.8%) and delayed gastric emptying (25%) after HPD were significantly higher than the other two groups. The median survival time and overall survival rate for 172 patients with R0 resection were 33 months and 85.5% at 1 year, 47.7% at 3 years, 28.4% at 5 years. Furthermore, the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients with EBDRH, RRHCCAPRPH and HPD after R0 resection were 86.2%, 48.7%, 29.2%; 85.0%, 44.0%, 24.7% and 78.6%, 42.9%, 22.9%, respectively (P = 0.948).

CONCLUSION

The RRHCCAPRPH in some selected patients can actually replace HPD as a surgical treatment for HCCA with distal bile duct involvement.

Does additional resection of a positive microscopic ductal margin benefit patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The incidence of a positive microscopic ductal margin (R1) after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) remains high, but the beneficial of additional resection has not been confirmed by any meta-analysis and randomized clinical trials (RCT), which also increased the risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence, a systematic review is warranted to evaluate the clinical value of additional resection of intraoperative R1 for pCCA.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched by PubMed, MedLine, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, from Jan.1^st 2000 to Nov.30^th 2019, evaluating the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of additional resection of intraoperative pathologic R1 for pCCA. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the effect size by a randomized-effect model.

Results

Eight studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 179 patients in the secondary R0 group, 843 patients in the primary R0 group and 253 patients in the R1 group. The pooled OR for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and primary R0 group were 1.03(95%CI 0.64~1.67, P = 0.90), 0.92(95%CI 0.52~1.64, P = 0.78), and 0.83(95%CI 0.37~1.84, P = 0.65), respectively. The pooled OR for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and R1 group were 2.14(95%CI 1.31~3.50, P = 0.002), 2.58(95%CI 1.28~5.21, P = 0.008), and 3.54(95%CI 1.67~7.50, P = 0.001), respectively. However, subgroup analysis of the West showed that the pooled OR for the 1-, and 3-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and R1 group were 2.05(95%CI 0.95~4.41, P = 0.07), 1.91(95%CI 0.96~3.81, P = 0.07), respectively.

Conclusion

With the current data, additional resection should be recommended in selected patients with intraoperative R1, but the conclusion is needed further validation.

Does high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ of the biliary duct margin affect the prognosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma? A meta-analysis

Background

High-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (HGD/CIS) of the biliary duct margin was found to not affect the prognosis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by recent studies, but it has not yet reached a conclusion.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched by PubMed, PMC, MedLine, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, from Jan. 1, 2000 to Jun. 30, 2019, investigating the influences of surgical margin status of biliary duct on the prognosis of patients with resectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Overall survival (OS) and local recurrence were evaluated by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 11 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 1734 patients in the R0 group, 194 patients in the HGD/CIS group, and 229 patients in the invasive carcinoma (INV) group. The pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 0.98 (95% CI 0.65~1.50), 1.01 (95% CI 0.73~1.41), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.72~1.34), respectively. The pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 1.83 (95% CI 1.09~3.06), 4.52 (95% CI 2.20~9.26), and 3.74 (95% CI 2.34~5.96), respectively. Subgroup analysis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at early stage showed that the pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 0.54 (95% CI 0.21~1.36), 0.75 (95% CI 0.35~1.58), and 0.74 (95% CI 0.40~1.37), respectively, and the pooled OR for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rate between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 3.47 (95% CI 1.09~11.02), 9.12 (95% CI 2.98~27.93), and 9.17 (95% CI 2.95~28.55), respectively. However, the pooled OR for the incidence of local recurrence between HGD/CIS group and R0 group was 3.54 (95% CI 1.66~7.53), and the pooled OR for the incidence of local recurrence between HGD/CIS group and INV group was 0.93 (95% CI 0.50~1.74).

Conclusion

With the current data, we concluded that HGD/CIS would increase the risk of local recurrence compared with R0, although it did not affect the prognosis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma regardless of TNM stage. However, the conclusion needs to be furtherly confirmed.

Predictive performance of Blumgart T staging for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in a Japanese center

BACKGROUND

The Blumgart system has been used for local tumor assessment in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma to predict resectability and survival, and T3 tumors are considered unresectable disease. The aim was to validate the predictive performance of this system using a Japanese cohort.

METHODS

Medical records of consecutive patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Resectability, surgical procedure, R0 resection rate, and survival were compared among T stages.

RESULTS

Among 729 study patients, 191 patients had T1 tumors, 94 patients had T2 tumors, and 444 (60.9%) patients had T3 tumors according to the Blumgart T stage. Resection was performed in 513 (70.4%) patients; resectability rate decreased with the progression of T stage: 89.0% in T1, 79.8% in T2, and 60.4% in T3 tumors (P < 0.001). The incidences of left hepatic trisectionectomy and portal vein resection were 44.0% and 54.1%, respectively, in patients with T3 tumors, which were significantly greater than those of T1/2 tumors (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). R0 resection reduced with advanced T stage: 92.4% in T1, 81.3% in T2, and 70.9% in T3 tumors (P < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate was 53.4%, 38.4%, and 19.7% in T1, T2, and T3 tumors, respectively (P < 0.001); that was 59.6%, 48.6%, and 30.7%, respectively, in the resected cohort (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Blumgart T stage was closely associated with the resectability rate, surgical procedures, R0 resection rate, and survival time, suggesting that the T stage works as well as a presurgical staging system. However, the unresectable classification of T3 tumors should be revised.

Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula in Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There are numerous studies on postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in pancreatic surgery but few studies on POPF in extrahepatic bile duct resection with or without hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for POPF in this challenging surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for presumed PHCC between January 2008 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, with special attention paid to POPF.

RESULTS

Among 416 patients, 90 patients showed a drain amylase level of > 3 times the normal limit on day 3 or after. The severity of POPF was biochemical leakage in 46 patients and grade B in 44 patients. No patient had grade C POPF; thus, the incidence of clinically relevant POPF was 10.6% (44/416). The resection line of the common bile duct was closely associated with POPF; 23 (27.7%) of the 83 patients who underwent intrapancreatic resection of the common bile duct developed POPF. The occurrence of intra-abdominal abscess and liver failure was significantly higher in patients with POPF, but the 90-day mortality was similar. The multivariate analysis identified a body mass index of ≥ 22 and intrapancreatic bile duct resection as independent risk factors for POPF.

CONCLUSIONS

POPF occurs in approximately 10% of patients undergoing resection for PHCC. Careful postoperative management with attention to POPF is required, especially in patients who undergo intrapancreatic resection of the common bile duct and in those with a high body mass index.