Robot-assisted laparoscopic liver resection: A review

Abstract

Surgery using a robotic platform is expanding rapidly today, with a notable surge since its authorization on the international medical market by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2000. The first hepatectomy by a robotic approach was reported in 2002, 10 years after the first laparoscopic hepatectomy. Yet, in hepatic surgery, series are scarce and the lack of relevant data in the literature is an obstacle to the development of robot-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy (RALH). Based on a review of the literature, this update focuses on current indications, short-term and oncologic outcomes following RALH.

Keywords: Cost; Hepatectomy; Laparoscopic; Morbidity; Robotic.