An initial report of robotic-assisted anatomical liver resection with indocyanine green fluorescence navigation using the ultrasound-guided preoperative positive staining technique

Introduction

Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular because of its potential benefits. Anatomical liver resection (ALR) is a valuable strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management. ALR with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation was reported as an effective solution for segment identification. We reported a simple and convenient “preoperative positive staining technique” for laparoscopic ALR to overcome some limitations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of robotic-assisted surgery in which ALR was performed using this technique.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 69-year-old man presented with a 12-mm HCC in segment 8. Preoperative three-dimensional simulation images showed that the fourth-order branch of the portal vein was a tumor-bearing portal pedicle. After anesthesia induction, 1 mL of 0.025 mg/mL ICG was injected percutaneously into this branch under B-mode ultrasound guidance before pneumoperitoneum. A robotic laparoscope was inserted. The preoperative positive staining area was clearly stained on the liver surface with the Firefly mode on the da Vinci Xi system. Based on the demarcation line, the liver parenchymal resection was started. The ICG fluorescence staining area was checked frequently on the resected side of the liver transection plane. Subsequently, the fourth-order portal branch was identified with the ICG fluorescence technique and ligated. Finally, the specimen was resected. The operation took 352 min, with 10 mL of blood loss, and was completed without any operative problems.

Discussion

Although many cases are required, the proposed preoperative positive staining technique appears useful for accurate and precise surgery given the increasing application of robotic-assisted hepatectomy.