Endobiliary Radiofrequency Ablation With S-1 for Unresectable Cholangiocarcinoma

All patients underwent biliary sphincterotomy. Cholangiogram was performed to confirm stricture location, length and diameter. The Habib Endo HPB (Hepatobiliary) probe (EMcision, HitchinHerts, UK) was then advanced over a wire at the level of the biliary stricture and ablation using ERBE generator set at 7-10 watts for a time period of 90-120 s was conducted. A 1- to 2-min resting period after energy delivery was allowed before moving the catheter along the length of the stricture to ablate the rest of the stricture.

In the RFA plus S-1 group, treatment with S-1 began within 1 month after RFA. Based on the patient's body surface area, S-1 was administered as follows: when the level of total bilirubin was less than 2 mg/dl. Based on the body surface area, S-1 was administered if \<1.25 m2, 80 mg/day; if 1.25-1.5 m2, 100 mg/day; if≥1.5 m2, 120 mg/day. S-1 was administered orally twice daily for 14 days, followed by 7 days without treatment.

Plastic stent(s) were placed after RFA depending on the location of the malignant obstruction