Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer is a rare tumor that can be difficult to diagnose early,
making it critical to seek expert care with a surgical oncologist who
has specialized hepatobiliary training. Our surgical oncologist collaborates
with colleagues in gastroenterology in the use of advanced techniques
to identify and biopsy the biliary duct tumor. In addition, they use the
latest 3-dimensional imaging to accurately stage this cancer and determine
whether surgical treatment is an option. Depending on the location of
the tumor, surgery for bile duct cancer may offer the best treatment for survival.
Bile Duct Injuries
Our hepatobiliary surgeons also treat non-cancer related bile duct injuries,
which sometimes occur during a laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder
for gallstones. When the bile duct is injured during surgery, patients
often have to be transferred to a hospital where surgeons are skilled
at creating a new connection from the bile duct to the intestine. The
most common treatment, called a hepaticojejunostomy, restores normal bile
flow into the intestine.
Treatments
Liver resection
Performed for tumors arising from the ducts within the liver, known as
intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Combined liver and bile duct resection
Performed for tumors located within the bile duct as it enters the liver,
known as hilar cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin's tumor.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy, or Whipple procedure
Performed for lower bile duct tumors which inevitably involve the pancreas.
The bile duct is removed in combination with the head of the pancreas
in order to ensure clear margins.
Biliary bypass
Used for tumors that cannot be surgically removed for cure. Surgeons ‘bypass’
the blockage of the tumor by attaching the bile duct to another area of
the small intestine.