Radiation Therapy and Fluorouracil Before Surgery in Treating Patients With Primary or Recurrent Bile Duct Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed primary or recurrent biliary duct carcinoma from the proximal, middle, or distal bile ducts Measurable or evaluable disease that is considered resectable No distant metastases No non-contiguous liver metastases Resectable extension into adjacent liver allowed No metastasis to peritoneal cavity No Bismuth type 4 lesion or metastasis to celiac axis or para-aortic lymph nodes No tumor encasement of portal vein or hepatic artery No gross ascites PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: No cirrhosis No active cholangitis No fever or signs of infection in biliary drainage system Measurement of C-reactive protein optimal Bilirubin less than 3 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception during and for 3 months after study No weight loss greater than 20% ideal body weight No active duodenal or gastric ulcers No other prior or concurrent primary malignancy except adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell carcinoma PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics