Outcomes after resection of cholangiocellular carcinoma

Background Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a rare primary liver malignancy that arises from intrahepatic bile duct canaliculi and presents as a liver mass. Our purpose is to report operative morbidity and mortality and to determine long-term survival after resection for CCC. Methods Retrospective review of 31 consecutive patients who underwent resection during a 20-year period. Results Thirty-day hospital mortality was 3%, and postoperative morbidity was 38%. Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival was 35%; mean survival was 37 months; absolute 5-year survival was 33%. Mean survival in stages I, II, IIIA, and IIIC were 57, 33, 26, and 14 months, respectively (P = 0.03 comparing I to >I). Recurrence occurred in 18 patients; 89% were in the liver. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 >100 U/mL was found to be an indicator of poor prognosis (P = 0.009). Conclusions Resection for CCC can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and results in good survival and cure. Hepatic recurrence is common. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 may be useful in determining prognosis.