Diagnostic and prognostic value of peritoneal cytology in biliary tract cancer.

Background/aims: Evaluation of peritoneal cytology provides valuable prognostic information in abdominal cancers. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence and the prognostic value of conventional peritoneal cytology in biliary tract cancers.

Methodology: A total of consecutive 41 patients with biliary cancers (17 bile duct, 20 gallbladder, 4 ampulla of Vater) underwent surgery between July 2003 and July 2005.