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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Robotic Whole-graft Liver Transplant: Lesson Learned And Outcomes After 45 Cases
Fabrizio Di Benedetto1, Paolo Magistri1, Joao Santos Coelho2
1Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Modena "Policlinico", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Annals of Surgery
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Robotic whole-graft liver transplantation (RLT) shows promising safety and reproducibility, meeting benchmark outcomes for key perioperative and early post-transplant measures. Further research is needed to optimize operative times in this advanced surgical technique.
Area of Science:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Organ transplantation
- Robotic surgery
Background:
- Robotic liver transplantation (RLT) is an emerging technique in solid organ transplantation.
- Limited data exists on clinical outcomes compared to established standards.
- This study evaluates perioperative outcomes of whole-graft RLT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perioperative and early post-transplant outcomes of whole-graft RLT.
- To determine if RLT can achieve benchmark performance against established standards.
- To assess the safety and reproducibility of RLT in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter cohort study.
- Inclusion of consecutive patients undergoing whole-graft RLT at 2 European centers.
- Comparison of outcomes against liver transplantation (LT) benchmark criteria.
Main Results:
- 44 patients included; 47.7% had hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Median operative time was 551 minutes; median warm ischemia time was 60 minutes.
- Benchmark thresholds met except operative time; 9.1% conversion rate, 2.3% mortality.
Conclusions:
- Robotic whole-graft liver transplantation achieves benchmark outcomes for major perioperative and early post-transplant parameters.
- RLT is safe and reproducible in specialized centers, despite a learning curve impacting operative time.
- Advanced robotic hepatobiliary expertise is crucial for successful RLT implementation.
