Introduction:
Cholangiocarcinomas are relatively rare but serious tumors that arise in the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestine.
Surgery (tumor resection) is the primary treatment option for operable cases and is the only method that offers a chance of complete recovery if the tumor is detected early.
At Dr. [Kerollous Medhat] clinic, we provide a thorough evaluation of bile duct tumor cases, along with optimal treatment planning in collaboration with a specialized surgical team and hepatologists and oncologists, to achieve the best possible outcomes.
First: What are bile duct tumors?
Cholangiocarcinomas are malignant tumors that arise from the cells lining the bile ducts. They may affect:
Intrahepatic ducts
Extrahepatic ducts
Including:
The area where the bile ducts meet the cystic duct (perihilar/Klatskin tumors)
The area below the cystic duct at the pancreatic duct (peri-ampullary tumors)
Treatment varies depending on the location, size, and extent of the tumor.
Second: Who is most at risk?
Patients with chronic primary biliary cholangitis (PSC)
Chronic bile duct stones
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Schistosomes or liver parasites
Congenital bile duct abnormalities
Family or hereditary history of biliary tumors
Third: Symptoms and Signs
In the early stages, there may be no obvious symptoms, but as the tumor progresses, signs such as:
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine
Pale or gray stools
Severe itching
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
These symptoms are similar to those of other liver diseases, so a thorough examination is necessary to arrive at a correct diagnosis.
Fourth: How are bile duct tumors diagnosed?
Blood tests and liver function tests
Advanced imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging of the bile ducts (MRCP)
Triple-phase computed tomography (CT) scan
PET-CT scan to determine spread
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Used to visualize the ducts and obtain a biopsy or place a temporary stent.
Tumor biopsy
To confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer cells.
Fifth: When can a tumor be removed?
A tumor is considered operable if:
The tumor is confined to the bile ducts
It has not spread to blood vessels or nearby organs
There are no secondary tumors in the liver or lungs
Liver function is sufficiently good to permit resection
In these cases, surgery offers a real chance for a complete cure.
Sixth: Types of Surgical Procedures for the Removal of Biliary Tract Tumors
Hepatic Lobectomy with Tumor
In cases of intrahepatic tumors
Klatskin Tumor Resection
With Partial Liver Resection and Bilio-Intestinal Diversion
Total Bile Duct Resection with Biliary Reconstruction
With the Connection between the Remaining Ducts and the Intestine
Whipple Surgery (Removal of the Head of the Pancreas and Duodenum, along with the Biliary Duct and Gallbladder, along with the Last Part of the Stomach and First Part of the Small Intestine)
In cases of tumors near the head of the pancreas
Seventh: What happens after surgery?
Hospital stay for several days under observation
Periodic liver function tests
Supportive treatment to protect the liver
Periodic follow-up with X-rays and laboratory tests
Complementary chemotherapy/radiotherapy sessions if recommended by the physician
Specialized nutritional support for liver patients
Eighth: What are the risks of surgery?
Although surgery is intended to be curative, it does have some risks:
Bleeding during or after surgery
Pancreatic leakage
Bile leakage
Infections in the surgical area
Liver dysfunction (especially if a large portion is removed)
Possibility of tumor recurrence (therefore, follow-up is necessary)
Does surgery cure bile duct tumors?
If the tumor is completely removed without spreading, the long-term survival rate improves significantly.
However, in advanced or inoperable cases, the following treatments are used:
Interventional catheterization
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy or immunotherapy
Stent placement to relieve duct obstruction
At Dr. [Doctor's Name]:
We carefully evaluate each case.
We determine the extent of the tumor's resectability.
We coordinate with a specialized team for liver and bile duct surgery.
We provide ongoing post-operative follow-up.
We provide comprehensive psychological and nutritional support.
Why choose Dr. Kyrillos Medhat?
* Accurate diagnosis and selection of the best treatment plans to ensure the best global results.
* Continuous and meticulous patient follow-up until recovery, God willing.
* The doctor is an active member of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the Egyptian Society of Surgical Oncology, thus keeping up with the latest international recommendations in oncological surgery.
* The surgical decision is made after consultation with oncologists, interventional radiologists, and therapeutic nutritionists to develop a comprehensive treatment protocol, along with a report for the patient to be added to their file.
Book your appointment now.
Don't hesitate to request a consultation if you are experiencing:
Persistent jaundice
Abnormal liver tests
Suspected tumors in the liver or bile ducts