My dad is 76, he was just diagnosed with klatskin tumor. he had several strokes in the past. his doctor concluded that he will not have surgery nor ch?

Risk vs. Benefit: Modern medicine + surgery allows us to give treatments that may not really be helping the patient. Very invasive surgery that is too tough for a patient to recover from, or won't change how long the patient lives is an example. So is chemotherapy that makes a patient very ill without changing his survival. These are tough decisions and must be made between the doctor and patient/family.

Can't fix: Klatskin tumors are rarely able to be removed with surgery. This, along with your father's likely poor overall health likely rule out surgery. Similarly, results with chemotherapy ( and radiation, for that matter) are not good. There are simply some things that we can not fix, and it seems that your father's doctors wisely realize this. Nevertheless, get a second opinion from a cancer center.

Discuss: Klatskin's tumors are rare and often present where they cannot be operated on because of the amount of spread/invasion. Your dad has other medical problems that may also be putting him at greater risk if he undergoes surgery or chemotherapy. If any doubt, consider a second opinion at a cancer center. Even if no chemo/surgery, see a palliative care specialist who will ensure he is comfortable.

Radiation: I wish you father the best. He should seek an opinion from a team experienced in hepatobiliary cancers. This should include a radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and hepatobiliary/transplant surgeon. Klatskins tumors that cannot be surgically removed are often treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Palliation is poss: The best palliation for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is adequate drainage of the liver with stents. These are often slow growing tumors that produce symptoms primarily associated with obstruction. Despite him being a high risk candidate for treatment does not preclude palliation and a focus on the quality of his remaining life.