ASO Author Reflections: Laparoscopic Surgery for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma—Opportunities and Challenges

Excerpt

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) stands out as one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting the biliary system. Given its insidious onset and nonspecific symptoms, a considerable number of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical intervention is recognized as the primary curative approach for ICC; however, only a modest percentage (20–30%) of patients qualify for surgical procedures.¹ Laparoscopic surgery, known for its reduced trauma and expedited postoperative recovery, has gained widespread acceptance in the surgical domain. However, the widespread adoption of laparoscopic surgery in the early stages of ICC is more prevalent because of the inherent constraints associated with this approach, such as a restricted field of view and limited surgical space. Despite its success in early-stage cases, employing laparoscopic surgery in the context of advanced ICC poses a significant challenge. …