Differentiation of malignant and benign proximal bile duct strictures: the diagnostic dilemma.

Aim: To identify the criteria for the differentiation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) from benign strictures.

Methods: A total of 68 patients underwent resection of lesions suspicious for HCCA between 1998 and 2006. The results of laboratory investigations, imaging studies and brush cytology were collected.