Early experiences of robotic-assisted laparoscopic liver resection

Purpose: The surgical robotic system is superior to traditional laparoscopy in regards to 3-dimensional images and better instrumentations. Robotic surgery for hepatic resection has not yet been extensively reported. Patients and Methods: Between March and May 2007, we performed 3 robot-assisted left lateral sectionectomies of the liver. Case l had a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), case 2 had colon cancer with liver metastasis, and case 3 had intrahepatic duct stones. Results: All patients had successful operation and recovered without complications. Shorter length of hospital stays, earlier start of oral feeding and less amount of ascites were found. However, case 1 had recurrent HCC at 3 months after operation. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted liver surgery is still a new field in its developing stage. In patients with small malignant tumors and benign liver diseases, robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection is feasible and safe. Through experience, the use of robotics is expected to increase in the treatment of benign diseases and malignant neoplsms. However, careful patient selection is important and long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.