Improved surgical outcomes for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: changes in surgical procedures and related outcomes based on 40 years of experience at a single institution

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the changes in procedures for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) surgery and patient survival following HC surgery over a 40-year period. Methods: Between 1974 and 2014, 239 consecutive patients underwent surgery for HC. The changes in perioperative therapy and short- and long-term surgical outcomes were evaluated. Results: The rates of major hepatectomy (in particular, right hepatectomy) and R0 resection significantly increased. Blood loss, transfusion rate, morbidity, and surgical mortality all significantly decreased. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 9.29 % (n = 38) in 1974–1988, 41.1 % (n = 88) in 1989–2003 and 55.6 % (n = 57) in 2004–2008 (p = 0.0001: 1974–1988 vs 1989–2003, p < 0.0001:1974–1988 vs 2004–2008, p = 0.076: 1989–2003 vs 2004–2008). According to a multivariate analysis, Bismuth classification IV (HR vs I, 2.86), period 1989–2003 (HR vs 1974–1988, 0.31), 2004–2008 (HR vs 1974–1988, 0.26), and R1 or R2 resection (HR vs R0, 2.22) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: The surgical outcomes for HC over the 40-year period clearly improved as a result of aggressive surgery and progress in surgical techniques, perioperative management, and diagnostic tools.