Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Expert Care for Bile Duct Cancer
Understanding Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma, also known as Klatskin tumor, is a type of bile duct cancer that occurs at the junction where the right and left bile ducts meet, just outside the liver. This is a rare but serious condition that can block the normal flow of bile, leading to liver damage and other complications.
In simple terms, it is a cancer that forms in the bile duct system near the liver, making it difficult for bile to drain properly. Because of its location, surgery and treatment require highly specialized expertise.
- Considered an HPB (Hepatopancreaticobiliary) cancer involving the biliary system.
- Usually detected at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms in the beginning.
When Should You Seek A Specialist
Symptoms Of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Persistent Abdominal
pain
Constant discomfort in the upper right abdomen is an early sign.
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
Yellowing of eyes or skin is common early symptom caused by blocked bile ducts.
Unexplained Weight
loss
Sudden losing weight without changes in diet or lifestyle.
Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
Reduced desire to eat, sometimes accompanied by nausea.
Persistent
Itching
Persistent itching is often due to bile salt buildup in the bloodstream.
dark urine and pale
stools
Dark urine and pale stools are caused by bile flow obstruction.
Common Causes of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
While the exact cause is not always known, several risk factors contribute to its development:
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
A chronic bile duct disease that significantly increases cancer risk.
Chronic Liver Disease
Ongoing liver damage from hepatitis or cirrhosis may contribute to cancer development.
Bile Duct Abnormalities
Conditions such as choledochal cysts or Caroli’s disease make patients more prone to this cancer
Gallstones and Biliary Infections
Long-standing stones or infections can irritate and damage bile ducts.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
Family history, exposure to industrial toxins, or smoking may increase the risk.
How We Diagnose?
Provide detailed views of the bile ducts, liver, and surrounding organs to detect blockages and tumor spread.
A special MRI scan that gives a clear picture of bile ducts without the need for invasive procedures.
Combines endoscopy and X-ray to examine the bile ducts and sometimes take tissue samples.
Biopsy and blood tests confirm the diagnosis and check tumor markers or liver function.
Personalized treatments backed by expertise.
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy
and Radiotherapy
Help control the disease in advanced or inoperable cases.
Stent Placement via ERCP
Used to relieve jaundice and improve quality of life when surgery is not possible.
Biliary Reconstruction (Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy)
Recreates the bile drainage pathway when ducts are removed.
Surgical Resection
Surgery offers the best chance for cure. This may involve removing part of the liver (Right/Left Hepatectomy or Extended Hepatectomy) along with bile ducts.
Why Trust Us for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment?
Combined expertise of two leading liver surgeons
Dr. Vikas Patel has been part of more than 600 liver transplants, while Dr. Dharmendra Dangi has been part of over 500 liver transplants and performed 500+ complex liver and HPB surgeries. Together, they bring unmatched skill to even the toughest cases.
Experience with high-risk and pediatric cases
From critically ill adults to children needing delicate surgery, our team has successfully managed some of the most challenging and rare liver conditions. Both doctors are trained to manage challenging cases, including liver failure in children, elderly patients, and blood group mismatches.
Proven results using advanced techniques
We use the latest surgical and medical methods including minimally invasive procedures to ensure safer operations, faster recovery, and long-term success. Dr. Dangi is one of the few surgeons in India performing midline donor hepatectomy, a safer way to remove part of the liver from a living donor.
Nationally recognized for excellence
Our surgeons are trusted across India for their leadership in liver surgery. Their work has been featured in medical journals, presented at national conferences, and acknowledged in health magazines such as Silicon India (Top 10 Liver Transplant Surgeons, 2025).
OUR APPROACH
Accurate Diagnosis
using advanced imaging and testing
Personalized Treatment Plans
based on your stage and condition
Complete Pre & Post Transplant Support
when surgery is needed
A Multidisciplinary Team
Both surgeons jointly plan and perform procedures to ensure the best outcomes.
FAQ
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
Your concerns are valid. Here are expert answers to help you make confident decisions about your liver health.
It specifically affects the hilum of the liver (the junction of bile ducts), making surgery more complex.
If detected early and completely removed, surgery offers the best chance of long-term survival.
In selected cases where surgery is not possible, a transplant may be considered.
Staging is done using imaging and biopsy to check the tumor’s size, spread to liver, lymph nodes, or nearby organs.
Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, bile duct cysts, or chronic liver disease face a higher risk.
No, stents only relieve jaundice and symptoms but do not cure the disease.
It depends on the stage at diagnosis and whether surgery is possible. Early surgery offers the best outcomes.
Take the First step to a
Early diagnosis saves lives
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and challenging condition that requires highly specialized care. With early diagnosis and expert surgical treatment, patients can achieve improved outcomes and a better quality of life.
Talk to Ahmedabad’s Trusted Liver Experts
At our liver transplant and HPB surgery care center, Dr. Vikas Patel and Dr. Dharmendra Dangi, combine their expertise to manage even the most complex bile duct cancers. Patients receive expert, safe, and protocol-driven treatment suited to their needs.