Concept:
The Bismuth-Corlette system classifies hilar cholangiocarcinomas (Klatskin tumors) based on the extent of their longitudinal spread along the biliary tree, which dictates resectability and surgical approach.
Explanation:
• Type I: The tumor is confined to the common hepatic duct, strictly below the main right-left biliary confluence.
• Type II: The tumor involves the main biliary confluence (the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts) but does not extend into the secondary intrahepatic confluences.
• Type IIIa: The tumor occludes the main confluence and extends proximally to involve the right secondary hepatic duct confluence (anterior and posterior sectoral ducts).
• Type IIIb: The tumor occludes the main confluence and extends proximally to involve the left secondary hepatic duct confluence.
• Type IV: The tumor extends bilaterally to involve both the right and left secondary confluences, or it is multicentric.
Final Answer:
A hilar cholangiocarcinoma extending into and involving the right secondary hepatic duct is classified as a Bismuth-Corlette Type IIIa tumor.