OBJECTIVETo investigate the comprehensive measures for improving radical resection rate and safety of Bismuth-Corlette type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of 15 patients with Bismuth-Corlette type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma who performed radical resection from June 2009 to December 2011 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 11 male and 4 female patients, aged from 45 to 74 years (mean 59 years). The preoperative evaluation were conducted by using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), dual source spiral CT combined with IQQA-Liver CT Imaging Analysis System providing three-dimensional reconstruction of tumor, bile duct, hepatic artery and portal vein, which could help to chose the appropriate treatment modality. All patients were treated with selective hemi-hepatic vascular control of removal liver, hemi-hepatectomy combined with whole caudate lobe resection and regional lymphadenectomy. The merits of each evaluation methods and measures of surgical treatment were analyzed thoroughly.

RESULTSThe preoperative evaluation modalities including the dual source spiral CT combined with IQQA-Liver CT Imaging Analysis System could clearly show the involvement of bile duct, hepatic artery and portal vein invaded by the tumor. The satisfactory postoperative recovery could be achieved by the remnant liver volume of > 40% after the hemi-hepatectomy combined with whole caudate lobe resection through the selective preoperative biliary drainage and hemihepatic vascular control. The mean complication was transient aggravated liver dysfunction. There was no death reported during perioperative period in the group.

CONCLUSIONSThe preoperative imaging evaluation modalities including MRCP, dual source spiral CT combined with IQQA-Liver CT Imaging Analysis System could do favor for the preoperative evaluation of invasion degree of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and the selection of appropriate surgical treatment. Hemi-hepatectomy combined with whole caudate lobe resection and regional lymphadenectomy could be an alternative management of Bismuth-Corlette type III hilar cholangiocarcinoma.