The Bismuth-Corlette classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) defines Type IIIa as:

• A Tumor confined to common hepatic duct up to confluence
• B Tumor involving confluence and extending into left hepatic duct
• C Tumor involving confluence and extending into right hepatic duct ✓
• D Tumor involving second-order radicles bilaterally

Explanation

The Bismuth-Corlette classification: Type I — confined to common hepatic duct; Type II — involving confluence; Type IIIa — extending into right hepatic duct; Type IIIb — extending into left hepatic duct; Type IV — involving second-order radicles bilaterally (or right AND left). Type IIIa typically requires left hepatectomy with caudate lobe resection to achieve negative margins, while Type IIIb requires right hepatectomy. Type IV is often unresectable. This classification guides surgical planning and resectability assessment.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.