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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Robotic Left Hepatectomy using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging for an Intrahepatic Complex Biliary Cyst
Published on: June 24, 2022
Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of liver tumours
Eren Berber1, Hizir Yakup Akyildiz, Federico Aucejo
1Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. berbere@ccf.org
Background:
There are scant data in the literature regarding the role of robotic liver surgery. The aim of the present study was to develop techniques for robotic liver tumour resection and to draw a comparison with laparoscopic resection.
Methods:
Over a 1-year period, nine patients underwent robotic resection of peripherally located malignant lesions measuring <5 cm. These patients were compared prospectively with 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of similar tumours at the same institution. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test, χ(2) -test and Kaplan-Meier survival. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM.
Results:
The groups were similar with regards to age, gender and tumour type (P= NS). Tumour size was similar in both groups (robotic -3.2 ± 1.3 cm vs. laparoscopic -2.9 ± 1.3 cm, P= 0.6). Skin-to-skin operative time was 259 ± 28 min in the robotic vs. 234 ± 17 min in the laparoscopic group (P= 0.4). There was no difference between the two groups regarding estimated blood loss (EBL) and resection margin status. Conversion to an open operation was only necessary in one patient in the robotic group. Complications were observed in one patient in the robotic and four patients in the laparoscopic groups. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was equivalent in both groups (P= 0.6).
Conclusion:
The results of this initial study suggest that, for selected liver lesions, a robotic approach provides similar peri-operative outcomes compared with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).
Insights
Robotic liver surgery shows comparable outcomes to laparoscopic liver resection for select tumors. This initial study found similar disease-free survival and peri-operative results between the two surgical approaches.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Limited data exists on robotic liver surgery techniques and outcomes.
- This study addresses the need for comparative data between robotic and laparoscopic liver resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop techniques for robotic liver tumor resection.
- To compare robotic liver resection with traditional laparoscopic liver resection.
Main Methods:
- Nine patients underwent robotic resection for peripheral malignant liver lesions (<5 cm).
- Prospective comparison with 23 patients who had laparoscopic resection of similar tumors.
- Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, or resection margin status between robotic and laparoscopic groups.
- Similar complication rates and disease-free survival (mean follow-up 14 months) were observed.
- Only one conversion to open surgery was needed in the robotic group.
Conclusions:
- Robotic liver resection is a viable option for selected liver lesions.
- Peri-operative outcomes are comparable to laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).
- Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of robotic liver surgery.
