Complete hepatic caudate lobe resection: is robotic approach safe? Report from experienced centers.

Abstract

Minimally invasive liver surgery has become widely accepted as a safe and effective approach, especially with experienced surgeons. Robotic hepatectomy may offer significant benefits in challenging procedures like caudate lobe resection. The caudate lobe's intricate anatomy and deep-seated location make its resection particularly challenging, with limited reports on minimally invasive techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic isolated complete caudectomy and to provide a detailed description of the different technical approaches available. This retrospective multicenter study was conducted across eight experienced hepatobiliary robotic surgery centers between June 2020 and March 2024. All patients who underwent elective RICC during this period were included. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed, focusing on demographics, intraoperative variables, postoperative outcomes, and histopathological results. The primary outcome was the feasibility and safety of the robotic approach. The study included 42 patients. The median (IQR) operative time was 180 (125-245) min, with a median estimated blood loss of 30 (0-100) ml. There were no conversions to open surgery and only one severe complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) occurred. No postoperative mortality was observed, and all resections for malignant lesions achieved R0 margins. The median time to flatus was 1 (1-1) day, time to solid diet was 1 (1-2) days, and the median length of stay was 3 (2-4) days. RICC is a feasible and safe procedure, demonstrating significant benefits in operative efficiency and patient recovery. However, further research with larger, prospective multicenter studies is necessary to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.