Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma - Klatskin’s Tumour : review of the literature and report of first successfully resected case in Malta

Abstract

Hepatic duct confluence sclerosing cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin’s Tumour) is described as a small tumour in an inaccessible position, high up in the hilum of the liver. In the past the position of the tumour made it difficult to diagnose at operation, but nowadays with intelligent use of ultrasonography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and digital subtraction angiography, pre-operative identification and localisation of this tumour is possible in a high percentage of cases. In this article the first case successfully treated by curative resection in Malta is presented after reviewing in detail the present international state of surgery for these tumours.