Klatskin tumor, prevalence in Venezuela diagnosed with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Abstract

Klatskin tumor (KT) or hilar cholangiocarcinoma has a poor prognosis, so early diagnosis, particularly with ERCP, allows for a better approach and palliation of symptoms. Objective. To determine the prevalence of Klatskin tumor in a high-density ERCP center and to discriminate it by age, sex, and origin. Methodology. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an intentional sample consisting of 14,200 patients who spontaneously attended to undergo ERCP between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2025 using standardized protocols. Results. A total of 1,052 KTs (7.4%) were observed, with a higher incidence in females (58%), in patients over 50 years of age, and in those from the states of Lara (23.4%), Zulia (19.9%), and Carabobo (9.5%). The WHO reports a global prevalence of one to two cases per 100,000 inhabitants, so the prevalence reported here is higher than expected. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to determine the causes of this increase, which should be accompanied by the implementation of new surgical techniques or specific treatments to mitigate this type of aggressive neoplasia.