Abstract:Objective:To study the characteristics and surgical treatment of elderly patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods:The clinical data and follow-up data of 64 hilar cholangio-carcinoma patients, who aged≥65 years, treated in our hospital from 1995 to 2005 were retrospectively analysed. Results:All 64 cases underwent operative treatment that included radical resection in 26 cases, palliative resection in 10 cases, internal drainage in 14 cases and external drainage in 14 cases. After surgical resection the 1- and 2-year survival rate was 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively.Conclusions:The prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the elderly patient is poor. At present, the most effective treatment for hilar cholabgiocarcinoma is surgical resection.