Robotic Central Hepatectomy.

INTRODUCTION

Central hepatectomies for giant liver tumors are one of the most complex procedures in liver surgery. The use of minimally invasive techniques using the robotic platform for centrally located liver tumors is rarely reported.1-3 PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We herein report a case of a 69-year-old female patient who presented with a solitary lesion from metastatic breast cancer in liver segments 4, 5, and 8. A primary systematic treatment was delivered before a surgical resection was considered by the multidisciplinary tumor conference in this selective case, although evidence for survival benefit after locoregional therapy in isolated liver metastasis of breast cancer remains controversial.4,5 We performed a pure robotic central hepatectomy with anatomical resection of segments 4, 5, and 8 using the Da Vinci Xi-system.

RESULTS

An extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach was carried out. Segment 4 pedicles were accessed through the umbilical ligament and taken down with clips. The right anterior pedicle was clamped after lowering of the hilar plate, and the demarcation line between the anterior and posterior portion was visualized. Parenchymal transection was performed using robotic scissors and bipolar forceps with intermittent Pringle maneuver.6 The middle hepatic vein and the right anterior pedicle were transected using robotic staplers. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient had normal liver function and no signs of recurrent hepatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic central hepatectomy is a feasible and safe option for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.