"The Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute collaborates with Lao TPHI, Mahosot Hospital, Savannakhet Hospital, and Champasak Hospital to enhance the capacity and improve the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma patients in Laos."
On January 22, 2026, the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, in collaboration with Mahosot Hospital and the Lao PDR Institute of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Lao TPHI), organized a surgical treatment program for cholangiocarcinoma patients and training for cholangiocarcinoma treatment teams in Lao PDR. A server model was also provided for a system to collect and monitor cholangiocarcinoma treatment in Lao PDR under the Combatting Cholangiocarcinoma in the Lao PDR project, supported by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund. The event took place at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
This initiative is a continuation of previous activities conducted in Nasaythong town, Vientiane, by the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute and Lao TPHI to screen for liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma. The event began with an opening ceremony, honored by the presence of Dr. Khampheng Phongluxa, Director of Lao TPHI, who gave an opening speech; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wacharin Loylom, Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, who spoke about the "Combatting Cholangiocarcinoma in the Lao PDR" project; and Dr. Xaysana Sombandith, Deputy Director of Mahosot Hospital, who gave a welcoming speech.
This was followed by a presentation and knowledge sharing session on the care and treatment of bile duct cancer patients, focusing on three topics:
1. “Advances in Cholangiocarcinoma Surgery: Techniques and Management” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wasin Tanasukarn, Cholangiocarcinoma Center of Excellence, Srinakharin Hospital.
2. "Biliary drainage for cholangiocarcinoma" by Assistant Professor Dr. Apiwat Charoenrat, Srinakharin Hospital.
3. “The Role of the Anesthesiologist in Pre-operative Assessment and Preparation for Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary Tract Surgery” (Pre-operative assessment and HPB patient preparation – the role of the anesthetist) by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Pakdeesongkram, Srinakharin Hospital.
This was followed by a multidisciplinary team meeting and pre-surgical visits to bile duct cancer patients. Three bile duct cancer surgeries were performed on January 23rd. This project involved a multidisciplinary team from the Bile Duct Cancer Research Institute, the Center of Excellence in Medical Sciences, Srinakharin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Loa TPHI; Mahosot Hospital; Savannakhet Hospital; and Champasak Hospital, enhancing the capacity for bile duct cancer patient care in Laos.