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Updated: May 7, 2026
Robotic Taj Mahal Hepatectomy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Published on: July 14, 2022
Laparoscopic robot-assisted major hepatectomy
Ugo Boggi1, Fabio Caniglia, Gabriella Amorese
1Division of General and Transplant Surgery, Pisa University Hospital, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy. u.boggi@med.unipi.it.
Background:
We herein present a systematic review of English literature on robot-assisted major hepatectomy (MH).
Methods:
Major hepatectomy was defined as resection of three or more liver segments. A literature search was performed using the Pubmed database. Articles containing more than five robotic MH were selected. In case of multiple publications from the same institution, only the most recent article was considered in order to avoid double counting of patients between series.
Results:
Five articles were included in this review. A total of 68 robotic MH were analyzed, including 38 right hepatectomies and 30 left hepatectomies. There were no deaths. Two right hepatectomies (5.2%) and one left hepatectomy (3.3%) were converted to open surgery. Weighted average of operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 418.6 min and 411.4 ml, respectively. Four patients received blood transfusions (6.3%) and 17 developed postoperative complications (26.9%). Information on tumor type were available for 57 patients of whom 42 were diagnosed with malignant tumors (73.6%) and 15 with benign diseases (26.3%). No port site metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis, or intrahepatic recurrence were reported. Three patients had microscopic margin positivity.
Conclusions:
Major hepatectomy can be performed under robotic assistance. Further experience is needed before final conclusions can be drawn.
Insights
Robot-assisted major hepatectomy (MH) is feasible, with no reported deaths in 68 cases. This minimally invasive approach shows promise for liver resections, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Robot-assisted major hepatectomy (MH) is an evolving surgical technique.
- Systematic review of English literature on robotic MH was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the English literature on robot-assisted major hepatectomy (MH).
- To analyze outcomes of robotic MH procedures.
Main Methods:
- Literature search performed using the Pubmed database.
- Included articles with more than five robotic MH cases.
- Defined major hepatectomy as resection of three or more liver segments.
Main Results:
- Five articles and 68 robotic MH cases (38 right, 30 left) were analyzed.
- No deaths reported; low conversion rates (5.2% right, 3.3% left) to open surgery.
- Average operative time 418.6 min, blood loss 411.4 ml; 26.9% postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted major hepatectomy is a viable procedure.
- Further clinical experience is required to solidify conclusions on robotic MH efficacy and safety.
