Surgical Treatment of Hilar and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most frequent primary neoplasm of the liver and its incidence is increasing in Western countries. These neoplasms arise from the biliary tract and can be categorized according to their anatomical location as intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. Their prognosis is poor and most patients are unfortunately not suitable for curative resection at the time of diagnosis, due to advanced stage of tumor. However, in recent years, improvement in non invasive diagnostic imaging modalities, preoperative optimisation of liver function, a better understanding of liver anatomy and increased safety of liver surgery had gradually improved outcome.This book contains an up-to-date review of diagnostic and staging tools of cholangiocarcinoma, and of long-term outcome of surgery and liver transplantation. It also provides a guide to optimal selection of therapeutic modalities and a detailed description details of surgical techniques and principles for curative and palliative surgery. The volume will appeal to physicians and hepatobiliary surgeons who want to improve their knowledge about surgical management of intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinomas.