Robotic liver surgery: preliminary experience in a tertiary hepato-biliary unit

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive liver surgery, particularly laparoscopy, is increasingly performed with outcomes comparable to traditional methods.
• Robotic surgery offers enhanced visualization, dexterity, and precision, potentially overcoming laparoscopic limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the preliminary experience and evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic liver resection.
• To identify optimal indications for robotic-assisted liver surgery.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive series of 20 robotic liver resections were analyzed.
• Data collected included surgical indications, operative details, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Robotic liver resection was performed safely in all 20 patients without conversion to laparotomy or pedicle clamping.
• Indications included colorectal liver metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hemangioma, among others.
• Median operative time was 141 minutes, with no mortality and 10% morbidity. Median hospital stay was 5.7 days.

Conclusions:

• Robotic liver surgery is safe and feasible for experienced hepatic surgeons.
• Resections of posterior segment lesions and those near major vessels are prime indications for robotic assistance.
• Further research is necessary to define the definitive role of robotics in liver surgery.