Stage does not predict survival after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinomas promoting an aggressive operative approach

Introduction Staging systems have been developed to predict survival after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Notably, they have not been validated nor compared for relative predictive ability. Methods Forty-two patients underwent resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and have been followed through a prospectively collected database. The tumors were staged using the Bismuth-Corlette, Blumgart, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) systems, and a significant relationship with survival was sought. Results Eleven patients were treated by extrahepatic biliary resection alone, while 31 required extrahepatic biliary resections with in-continuity hepatic resections. All patients underwent adjuvant therapy. To date, 30 patients have died with a mean survival time of 30 months ± 35.0 (SD). Twelve patients are alive with a mean survival of 90 months ± 61.8. By regression analysis, none of the staging systems had a significant relationship with survival (Bismuth: P = .64; Blumgart: P = .66; AJCC: P = .31). Conclusions Most patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma require in-continuity hepatic resections. Survival after resection promotes an aggressive approach, with cure in as many as 30%. Staging systems should not impact the decision to operate or postoperative management, as all tumors should be aggressively resected and all patients should receive adjuvant treatment.