Robotic anatomic isolated complete caudate lobectomy: Left-side approach and techniques.

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• The caudate lobe presents unique surgical challenges due to its anatomical location.
• Robotic surgery offers potential advantages for complex liver resections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the surgical procedures and techniques for robotic anatomical isolated complete caudate lobectomy.
• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of this approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of seven patients undergoing robotic anatomical isolated complete caudate lobectomy (January 2018 - November 2019).
• Detailed description of the left-side robotic approach, including crucial steps like mobilization and parenchyma transection.
• Definition of anatomical complete caudate lobectomy based on exposure of key vascular structures.

Main Results:

• All seven patients successfully underwent the procedure with no conversion to laparotomy.
• No Clavien-Dindo Grade III or higher complications were observed.
• Average tumor size was 65mm, with a mean operative time of 212 minutes and median blood loss of 100mL. Average hospital stay was 8.7 days.

Conclusions:

• Robotic anatomical isolated complete caudate lobectomy via a left-sided approach is safe and feasible.
• This technique is suitable for selected patients requiring caudate lobe resection.