OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical data, surgical strategies and results from the patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), and to explore the anatomic factors related to the radical resection.

METHODSThe data from 52 patients with HCCA who underwent radical resection between January 1984 to December 2008 were investigated retrospectively, which included clinical diagnosis, Bismuth-Corlette classification, pathologic features, surgical procedures and follow-up results.

RESULTSAccording to the Bismuth-Corlette classification, 5, 12, 6, 16 and 13 patients belonged to type I, II, IIIa, IIIb and IV respectively. There were 24 cases underwent combined hepatic lobectomy. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 78.8%, 36.4% and 12.1% respectively. Postoperative complications rate was 30.8% with the 3.8% mortality rate. The frequency of surgical complications was significantly higher in patients with higher level of serum total bilirubin (> 340 micromol/L) than that in patients with a relatively lower one (170 micromol/L) before operation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSome anatomical factors should be considered during the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, especially evaluation of potential hepatectomy, resection of caudate lobe, hepatic artery resection and/or reconstruction. The prognosis of the patients underwent R(0) radial resection could be significantly improved.