Third segment cholangio-jejunostomy in the treatment of unresectable klatskin tumors

Background/Aims: Cholangiocarcinoma of the hepatic hilum is a seldom curable lesion when detected and several methods of palliation have been suggested. Bismuth has proposed an intrahepatic cholangiojejunostomy on the third segment of the liver, which in his experience obtains effective biliary drainage with better quality of life compared with other forms of palliation. Patients and Materials: We have used this technique in nine cases. We evaluate results, mortality and morbidity, in comparison with other authors' reported series. Results: In the early postoperative period one patient died, two patients suffered from immediate postoperative complications, and jaundice resolved completely in six patients. Long term survival was influenced by the underlying disease. Conclusion: Our findings support Bismuth preference for this technique of surgical palliation for non resectable tumors of the biliary tract.