Complete laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: technical aspects and long-term results from a single center

INTRODUCTION: The landscape of surgical treatments for hepatobiliary disease was significantly changed after the advent of laparoscopy. Many kinds of complex laparoscopic procedures can be routinely performed at present, but radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) by laparoscopy is still highly contentious. AIM: To describe our primary experience with laparoscopic radical resection for HC and determine the safety and feasibility of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between December 2015 and November 2019, 32 patients planned to undergo curative-intent laparoscopic resection of HC in our department. The perioperative and long-term outcomes of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgery with radical resection was ultimately performed in 24 (75.0%) patients; 3 (9.3%) patients were found to be unresectable at the preliminary exploration stage, and 5 (15.7%) patients converted from laparoscopy to laparotomy. The operation time and blood loss were 476.95 ±133.89 min and 568.75 ±324.01 ml, respectively. A negative margin was achieved in 19 (79.1%) of the laparoscopy patients. Three (12.5%) patients were identified with microscopic positive margins, and 2 (8.4%) patients underwent macroscopic residual tumor resection (R2). The length of postoperative stay was 23.3 ±11.7 days. Severe morbidity occurred in 4 (16.6%) patients. The actuarial 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival for patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were 49.1% and 47.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical resection for HC is safe and feasible in experienced hands for highly selected patients but is still in its initial stages. When adequate oncologic resection is performed, the laparoscopic approach does not adversely influence the prognosis of the patient.