Setting up a robotic hepatectomy program: a Western-European experience and perspective

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Open liver resection remains the predominant surgical approach.
• Minimally invasive liver surgery, particularly conventional laparoscopy, shows benefits but has limitations.
• Limitations of conventional laparoscopy include straight instruments, 2D visualization, and ergonomic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the implementation of a robotic hepatectomy program.
• To highlight the advantages of robotic systems in overcoming conventional laparoscopic limitations.
• To share initial institutional experience with robotic liver resection.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of the procedural steps for establishing a robotic hepatectomy program.
• Leveraging robotic surgical systems with wristed instruments and 3D magnified visualization.
• Comparative analysis of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic techniques in liver surgery.

Main Results:

• Robotic systems provide wristed instruments with enhanced range of motion.
• Robotic surgery offers a 3D magnified view, improving surgical conditions.
• Potential for broader indications for minimally invasive liver resection using robotic assistance.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgical systems address key limitations of conventional laparoscopy in liver surgery.
• Implementation of a robotic hepatectomy program can optimize minimally invasive liver resection.
• Robotic assistance may expand the applicability of minimally invasive approaches for liver resections.