Survival Analysis of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Treated by Endoscopic Biliary Drainage at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA) is a major common problems in the northeastern region of Thailand. Because the diagnosis is usually made at a late stage, palliative treatment is often the treatment of choice. Internal stent biliary drainage is accepted as a good palliative treatment. The objective of this study was to analyse the survival of hilar CHCA patients treated by internal stent biliary drainage. A retrospective review was made involving CHCA patients at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Data were collected from 1 st January 2001 to 31 st December 2004. The outcomes of patients were assessed up to 30th June 2005, or to the time of death. Survival analysis was performed. Fifty-five patients were enrolled. The overall median survival rate was 64 days (95% CI = 48-91) with the cumulative 30, 90 and, 150 days survival rates of 78%, 40% and, 24% respectively. There were 2 types of CHCA, ERCP1 (or Bismuth I) and ERCP2 (equal or higher than Bismuth II). The median survival rates for ERCP 1 at 30, 60 and, 90 days were not different from those of ERCP2. The overall median survival rates were 82 days (95% CI = 33-101) in ERCP 1 and 57 days (95% CI = 34-83) in ERCP2. The ultimate outcome of patients with CHCA was poor despite of the palliative treatment.