Hilar cholangiocarcinoma – the long-term results of radical and palliative treatment

Introduction. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is the tumor that requires multidisciplinary approach and treatment. The 3- and 5- year survivals of HC patients treated with surgery and palliative methods were evaluated in the study. Material and methods. A study covered 368 patients treated between 2000–2014. Of them, 137 patients were categorized for surgery (RT group), and 231 for palliative treatment (PT group). The overall 3- and 5- year survivals were determined by the log rank test. Cox hazard regression model revealed the relative prognostic factors. Results. The 3- and 5- year survival rates accounted for 38% and 21% after surgery, but 13% and 0 after palliative treatment (p < 0.0001). Radical tumor resection, negative lymph nodes, and early tumor T stage were the factors conducive to survival. Conclusions. Surgery, if the radical tumor resection is possible, offers a chance for long-term survival. The positive effects of surgery treatment are lost against most of the majority of palliative patients