Center Experience Affects Liver Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Background Based on favorable outcomes reported by experienced centers, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (Ph-CCA) has become an accepted indication for liver transplantation (LT). What is less clear is if the reported outcomes have been reproduced nationwide in the US. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate post-transplant outcomes in patients with Ph-CCA and to determine prognostic factors. Methods Patients who underwent LT with Model for End-stage Liver Disease exception scores for Ph-CCA between 2010 and 2017 were evaluated. Transplant centers were classified into well- and less-experienced groups: Group 1 [well-experienced (≥ 6 LTs), 7 centers]; Group 2 [less-experienced (