The Bismuth-Corlette classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumour) is used to guide resectability. A Type IIIa tumour involves:

• A Common hepatic duct extending to both right and left intrahepatic ducts
• B Confluence only, not extending into either hepatic duct
• C Common hepatic duct with left hepatic duct involvement up to the second-order ducts
• D Common hepatic duct with right hepatic duct involvement up to the second-order ducts ✓

Explanation

Bismuth-Corlette classification: Type I = below confluence; Type II = at confluence; Type IIIa = confluence plus right hepatic duct (right second-order ducts); Type IIIb = confluence plus left hepatic duct (left second-order ducts); Type IV = bilateral second-order duct involvement or multifocal disease. Type IIIa requires right hepatectomy for potentially curative resection.

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

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