Abstract
BACKGROUND:Recurrence after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains common. The present study sought to evaluate risk factors for recurrence and the results of repeat liver resection (RLR) for recurrent ICC.METHODS:Between 1997 and 2012, clinical data and outcomes of 125 consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for ICC were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS:The rate of R0 resection was 89% (n = 110). Overall median survival was 35 months, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 80%, 48%, and 28%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 76 patients (63.5%) and was intrahepatic only for 39 patients (51%). Tumor size greater than 5 cm was identified as an independent risk factor for recurrence (P ≤ .0001). RLR for recurrent ICC was feasible in 10 patients (25%) with a median survival after recurrence of 25 months (16 to 76).CONCLUSIONS:Tumor size more than 5 cm represents an independent risk factor for recurrence after resection of ICC. RLR in case of recurrent ICC, when feasible, is associated with longer overall survival.