Recurrence after curative-intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: analysis of a large cohort with a close postoperative follow-up approach.

Background: Although several studies have been conducted on the patterns of recurrence in resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, they have many limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate recurrence after resection and to evaluate prognostic factors on the time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2001 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis.

Results: In the study period, 402 patients underwent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (R0, n = 340; R1, n = 62). Radial margin positivity (n = 43, 69%) was the most common reason for R1 resection. The median follow-up of survivors was 7.4 years. The cumulative recurrence probability was higher in R1 than in R0 resection (86% vs 57% at 5 years, P < .001). Seventeen R0 patients had a recurrence over 5 years after resection. There was no difference in median survival time after recurrence between R0 and R1 resection (10 vs 7 months). The proportion of isolated locoregional recurrence was higher in R1 than in R0 resection (37% vs 16%, P < .001), whereas the proportion of distant recurrence was similar. In R0 resection, the independent prognostic factors for time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival were microscopic venous invasion and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion: More than half of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma experience recurrence after R0 resection. These recurrences occur frequently within 5 years but occasionally after 5 years, which emphasizes the need for close and long-term surveillance. Adjuvant strategies should be considered, especially for patients with nodal metastasis or venous invasion even after R0 resection.