Single port robotic hepatectomy: an initial European experience

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Single port (SP) robotic surgery represents an advancement in minimally invasive techniques.
• Published evidence for SP robotic hepatectomy is limited, necessitating further investigation.
• This study aimed to assess the early feasibility of SP robotic hepatectomy in a European setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of single port (SP) robotic hepatectomy in Europe.
• To analyze surgical outcomes, including complications and length of stay.
• To contribute to the understanding of SP robotic hepatectomy's potential role.

Main Methods:

• A systematic data collection of true SP and SP plus one robotic hepatectomies was conducted across three European centers.
• Data included patient demographics, surgical details, blood loss, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo and ISGLS criteria), and length of hospital stay.
• The study period was from February to June 2025.

Main Results:

• Twelve SP and SP plus one robotic hepatectomies were performed, with a median incision length of 3.5 cm.
• No procedures required conversion to open surgery, with a median blood loss of 100 ml.
• The median length of hospital stay was 3.5 days, and complications were generally low grade (two grade I, two grade II, one grade IIIa), with no ISGLS posthepatectomy complications.

Conclusions:

• Single port (SP) robotic hepatectomy is feasible when performed by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons.
• Larger studies are required to establish the safety profile and definitive role of SP robotic hepatectomy.
• Findings support the concept of tailored robotic-assisted surgery (T-RAS).