Achievements, Challenges and Promises of Minimally Invasive Liver Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Transplantation Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive (MIS) techniques in liver transplantation (LT) have evolved from advances in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
• MILT presents unique challenges specific to liver transplantation procedures.
• While a recent development, MILT has seen significant progress in the last two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current data on minimally invasive liver transplantation (MILT).
• To cover donor hepatectomy (DH), recipient hepatectomy, and graft implantation in MILT.
• To identify research gaps in the field of MILT.

Main Methods:

• Review of available data on minimally invasive liver transplantation.
• Analysis of technical skills, technological integration, and research publications related to MILT.
• Exploration of advancements in donor hepatectomy and recipient procedures.

Main Results:

• MILT has experienced rapid progress and widespread adoption globally.
• Technical skills in MILT have advanced significantly.
• Technological integration, including 3D visualization, ICG fluorescence, and robotics, is central to MILT advancements.

Conclusions:

• MILT represents a significant advancement in liver transplantation.
• Continued research is needed to address identified gaps in MILT.
• The field shows a strong upward trend in publications and clinical application.