Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Robotic Taj Mahal Hepatectomy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Published on: July 14, 2022
Robotic Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Marcel Autran Machado1,2, Bruno V Mattos3, Murillo Macedo Lobo Filho3
1Department of Surgery, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. dr@drmarcel.com.br.
Background:
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract. Surgical resection is the only curative modality of treatment. The aim of this video is to present a robotic left hepatectomy extended to caudate lobe, combined with bile duct resection, lymphadenectomy, and Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction.
Methods:
A 76-year-old female presented with progressive jaundice due to hilar cholangiocarcinoma. She underwent chemoradiation and after 5 months of treatment was referred for second opinion; imaging reevaluation showed objective response and no arterial invasion. Multidisciplinary team decided for radical treatment, which consisted in robotic left hepatectomy, caudate lobe resection, resection of bile duct, lymphadenectomy, and hepaticojejunostomy.
Results:
Operative time was 8 h. Estimated blood loss was 740 mL (received 2 U). The patient's recovery was complicated by drainage clogging resulting in fever and perihepatic fluid collection, successfully treated by change of drainage. Pathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma with free surgical margins (T1aN0). The patient is well, with no signs of disease 5 months after the procedure.
Conclusions:
Robotic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is feasible and safe. The robotic approach has some technical advantages over laparoscopic approach. This video may help oncological surgeons to perform this complex procedure.
