Minimally Invasive Surgery for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Patient Selection and Special Considerations

Abstract

MacKenzie L Owen,1 Eliza W Beal2 1The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA; 2The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Columbus, OH, USACorrespondence: Eliza W BealThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 410 W. 10th Ave, Suite 836, Columbus, OH, USATel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [email protected]: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive primary hepatic malignancy. Unfortunately, despite advancements in diagnosis, staging and management, mortality is high. Surgery remains the only curative treatment, but many patients present with advanced, unresectable disease. For patients able to undergo surgical resection, overall survival is improved, but remains low, with high rates of disease recurrence. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic and robotic approaches, are increasingly used in surgical resection for ICC. These approaches variably demonstrate faster recovery times, less blood loss, decreased postoperative pain and fewer postoperative complications, with adequate oncologic resections. This review examines patient selection and special considerations for MIS for ICC. Patient selection is critical and includes evaluation of a patient’s anatomic and oncologic resectability, as well as comorbidities.Keywords: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, minimally invasive surgery, MIS, laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery

Keywords

• intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
• minimally invasive surgery (mis)
• laparoscopic surgery
• robotic surgery