The investigators conducted a prospective study to determine the safety and efficacy of minor and major hepatectomy selected by predetermined criteria in 138 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. In selected patients, minor liver resection was a good treatment.

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of minor and major hepatectomy selected by predetermined criteria in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC).

Summary Background Data: For HC treated with hepatectomy, the extent of liver resection remains controversial despite extensive studies.

Methods: From January 2000 to December 2007, we prospectively studied patients who received surgical treatment for HC. Of the 187 patients who were surgically treated, 138 (73.8%) underwent resection with a curative intent. Minor hepatectomy was carried out in 93 patients who had Bismuth-Corlette types I, II and III HC without hepatic artery/portal vein invasion; and major hepatectomy in 45 patients who had type III HC with hepatic artery/portal vein invasion, or type IV HC.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Criteria for resectability were absence of peritoneal or liver metastases, tumor extension to beyond secondary biliary branches bilaterally, tumor extension to secondary portal venous branches bilaterally

Exclusion Criteria:

• not in accordance with the above criteria