Hepatolithiasis concurrent with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Objective To investigate the clinical features and management of hepatolithiasis associated with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Data of 84 patients of hepatolithiasis associated with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in our hospital from 1990 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.Results The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in patients of hepatolithiasis was 4. 6%(84/1840), among them only 47 patients got a definite diagnosis before operation. All cancer located in the bile duct containing cholelith. In 20 patients intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was identified 6 - 16 years after lithotomy. The clinical manifestation of hepatolithiasis associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma included:refractory hepatic abscess, incurable infection of intrahepatic biliary tract, and progressive obstructive jaundice. Only 35 patients received radical excision, 26 patients received palliative excision, 4 patients received radiofrequency ablation therapy, 19 patients received biopsy only. Conclusions There has been a considerable high coincidence between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatolithiasis. Resection of the lobe containing intrahepatic stones may help to prevent the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Key words: Cholelithiasis;  Bile duct neoplasms;  Therapy