Eric C.h. Lai, MBChB FRACS, Chung Ngai Tang, MBBS FRCS, George P.c. Yang, MBBS FRACS, Oliver C.y. Chan, MBChB FRCS, Michael K.w. Li, MBBS FRCS. Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong SAR, China
INTRODUCTION
Due to the fear of intraoperative bleeding and technical difficulty, laparoscopic major hepatectomy remain a challenge for liver surgeons. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. Hopefully, its development can overcome the limitation of conventional laparoscopic surgery for major hepatectomy. Currently, the use of robotic system in laparoscopic major hepatectomy was rarely reported.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
Between December 2010 and September 2011, 8 right hemi-hepatectomies and 4 left hemi-hepatectomies were performed by robot-assisted laparoscopic approach in a single tertiary center. A prospectively collected data was analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Overall mean duration of the operation was 325.2±92.7 (SD) minutes. Mean duration of the operation for right hemi-hepatectomy was 332.4±102.4ml, while mean duration of the operation for left hemi-hepatectomy was 321.3±67.8ml. Overall mean operative blood loss was 393.3±286.5 ml. Mean operative blood loss for right hemi-hepatectomy was 456.3±306.4ml, while mean operative blood loss for left hemi-hepatectomy was 156.9±40.7ml. No open conversion was needed. Three patients (25%) had postoperative complications. There was no mortality. Mean hospital stay was 6.3±3.4 days.
CONCLUSION
Our series indicate that in experienced hands, robot-assisted laparoscopic approach for major hepatectomy is feasible and safe in appropriate selected patients. As experience grows, this procedure will be more common.
Session Number: SS22 – Robotics
Program Number: S124