Third segment cholangio-jejunostomy in the treatment of unresectable klatskin tumors.
OBJECTIVE
Cholangiocarcinoma of the hepatic hilum is a seldom curable lesion when detected and several methods of palliation have been suggested. Bismuth has proposed an intrahepatic cholangiojejunostomy on the third segment of the liver, which in his experience obtains effective biliary drainage with better quality of life compared with other forms of palliation.


METHODS
We have used this technique in nine cases. We evaluate results, mortality and morbidity, in comparison with other authors' reported series.


RESULTS
In the early postoperative period one patient died, two patients suffered from immediate postoperative complications, and jaundice resolved completely in six patients. Long term survival was influenced by the underlying disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support Bismuth preference for this technique of surgical palliation for non resectable tumors of the biliary tract.
Taschieri
A M
AM
Istituto di scienze biomediche, Universita degli Studi di Milano.
Elli
M
M
Danelli
P G
PG
Cristaldi
M
M
Montecamozzo
G
G
Porretta
T
T
D000368:Aged; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D002768:Choledochostomy; D005260:Female; D006500:Hepatic Duct, Common / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018285:Klatskin Tumor / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate