Abstract
We studied the effects of lymph node metastasis on cholangiocarcinoma. In cholangiocarcinomas that developed below the hepatocholangic confluence, the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis affected the resection rate and curative resection rate. However, the effects of lymph node metastasis on cholangiocarcinomas of the hepatic hilus region was minor, and an involvement of the V·Hinf factor was considered important. The positive lymph node metastasis rate in carinoma of less than 3 cm in diameter was 38%; and in those of 3 cm or above lymph node metastasis was observed at a rate of 56%. Moreover, as the serosal infiltration increased, the positive lymph node metastasis rate rose. In some cholangiocarcinomas of the superior and middle regions, lymph node metastasis was observed on the posterior surface of the pancreatic head or upper root of the mesentery.
In the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, it is suggested that, regardless of the region affected, expanded operation to purify the lymph nodes over a wide area is necessary.
