Local Control of Distal Cholangiocarcinoma With Radiofrequency Ablation at Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

TL;DR

A 79-year-old patient with early-stage cholangiocarcinoma achieved remission using endoscopic radiofrequency ablation and stent exchange, offering a non-surgical treatment option.

Contribution

Demonstrates the potential of radiofrequency ablation for local control of distal cholangiocarcinoma in patients unsuitable for surgery.

Findings

The patient achieved remission using serial radiofrequency ablation and stent exchange.

This approach offers local control for early-stage distal cholangiocarcinoma.

It is a viable alternative for patients who decline or cannot undergo surgery or chemotherapy.

Abstract

Distal cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often leading to a poor prognosis. While curative resection is viable for a minority in the early stage, we report a case of successful endoscopic therapy. A 79-year-old patient, diagnosed with early-stage extrahepatic CCA, opted out of surgery and chemotherapy. Instead, he pursued a treatment strategy involving serial radiofrequency ablation with stent exchange at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The patient achieved remission, showcasing the potential for local control of distal CCA through radiofrequency ablation and covered self-expanding metal stents. This alternative becomes particularly relevant for patients unsuitable for surgery or chemotherapy and those who decline it.

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