Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Robotic Left Hepatectomy using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging for an Intrahepatic Complex Biliary Cyst
Published on: June 24, 2022
Perioperative outcomes after robotic repeat hepatectomy: A systematic review
Gianluca Cassese1, Fabrizio Panaro2, Fabio Giannone3
1Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary, Oncologic and Robotic Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy; HPB and Robotic Surgery Research Unit, Department of Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont "Amedeo Avogadro", Alessandria, Italy.
Robotic liver resection (RLR) is increasingly used, but outcomes for repeat RLR (r-RLR) in patients with prior liver surgery are less understood. Current data suggest r-RLR is a safe and feasible option for selected patients in specialized centers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Robotic liver resection (RLR) is gaining traction in complex hepatopancreatobiliary procedures.
- Limited data exist on the outcomes of repeat RLR (r-RLR) in patients with previous liver resections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the available literature on the outcomes of robotic liver resection in patients who have undergone prior liver operations.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of r-RLR in a challenging surgical context.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases was conducted.
- Studies published up to April 2025 were included.
Main Results:
- Four studies involving 118 patients met the inclusion criteria for r-RLR.
- Malignant lesions, primarily colorectal liver metastases and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, were the main indications (92.4%).
- The procedure demonstrated low rates of open conversion (0.8%) and major complications (5%), with one postoperative death (0.8%).
Conclusions:
- Few retrospective studies currently evaluate r-RLR outcomes.
- Available data suggest r-RLR is a safe and feasible alternative to open or laparoscopic redo hepatectomy for select patients in high-volume centers.
- Larger studies are required to validate these preliminary findings.
