Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to delineate predictive factors for cholangiocarcinoma in patients with hepatolithiasis, and to establish optimal management for hepatolithiasis from the viewpoint of carcinogenesis on the basis of a Japanese nationwide survey for hepatolithiasis. Methods: The Hepatolithiasis Research Group was organized in 2006 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and conducted a nationwide survey. The research group collected data on 336 cases of hepatolithiasis in 2006, in a cross-sectional survey involving 2592 institutions in Japan. Predictive factors for cholangiocarcinoma associated with hepatolithiasis were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses of clinicopathological and therapeutic factors. Results: Twenty-three patients had cholangiocarcinoma. Histories of choledocoenterostomy and liver atrophy were found to be significantly predictive factors by multivariate analysis. In 87.5%of cases of cholangiocarcinoma with liver atrophy, cholangiocarcinoma was located in the atrophic lobes. The method of reconstruction did not affect the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (choledochojejunostomy vs. choledochoduodenostomy; side-to-end vs. side-to-side anastomosis). Conclusions: Choledocoenterostomy and liver atrophy may increase the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma. Choledocoenterostomy is thus contraindicated in patients with hepatolithiasis. An aggressive resection strategy is recommended for an atrophic segment.
