Background: Currently, hepatic resections are being performed with robotic-assisted systems. There is little evidence regarding the outcomes of this surgical approach. This study aims to systematically review the outcomes related to robotic-assisted hepatic resections.
Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was completed. All human studies, limited to adults, published between 2000 to August 2011 were included.
Results: Eight studies yielded a total of 170 procedures. The overall morbidity rate was 11.6% (range 0-39%). There were no mortalities reported following robotic-assisted hepatic resection. Mean operative time was 264.8 minutes, with a mean hospital length of stay of 7.8 days. Rate of conversion was 6.6%. Cost was greater than either laparoscopy or open hepatic surgery.
Conclusions: Our systematic review suggests robotic-assisted hepatic resection is safe and feasible, with low mortality and morbidity rates. Further research is needed to determine if oncological outcomes are similar.
Keywords: hepatic; robotic; systematic review.
Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.