CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA WITH PORTAL-VEIN OBSTRUCTION

Portal vein obstruction with sequelae of portal hypertension is a rare and usually late manifestation of cholangiocarcinoma. Earlier diagnosis and newer methods of surgical decompression with consequent longer survivals will probably lead to an increased incidence of this complication. Experience with our patients and extrapolation of data from patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome suggest that this complication is a poor prognostic sign, as it compromises further surgical attack on the biliary tree.