Bismuth-Corlette classification

The Bismuth-Corlette classification is a classification system for perihilar cholangiocarcinomas, which is based on the extent of ductal infiltration.  

Classification

• type I
  • limited to the common hepatic duct, below the level of the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts
• type II
  • involves the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts
• type IIIa
  • type II and extends to involve the origin of the right hepatic duct (confluence of the right posterior and anterior sectoral ducts)
• type IIIb
  • type II and extends to involve the origin of the left hepatic duct (confluence of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th segmental ducts)
• type IV
  • extending to and involving the origins of both right and left hepatic ducts (i.e., combination of types IIIa and IIIb)
    or
  • multifocal involvement
• type V
  • stricture at the junction of common bile duct and cystic duct

The classification system may be used both for cholangiocarcinoma and benign strictures ^{ref required}. 

See also

• cholangiocarcinoma staging