This piece reflects on the significant evolution in liver surgery over the past five years, building upon a previous series we published in your journal in 2020. We discuss the current state of robotic liver surgery, presenting data on its adoption in Italy and the United States, outcomes compared to open and laparoscopic techniques, and its groundbreaking potential in liver transplantation. The editorial is based on robust, recent literature and aims to provide a balanced and insightful perspective for your readership.
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KrenzienF, SchmelzleM, PratschkeJ, et al.; International robotic and laparoscopic liver resection study group investigators. Propensity score-matched analysis of laparoscopic-assisted and hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection versus pure laparoscopic liver resection: An international multicenter study. Surg Endosc, 2023; 37(7):5482–5493; doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10028-7
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RaymanS, SucandyI, RossSB, et al.A propensity score matched analysis of robotic and open hepatectomy for treatment of liver tumors. Clinical outcomes, oncological survival, and costs comparison. J Robot Surg, 2023; 17(5):2399–2407; doi: 10.1007/s11701-023-01674-z
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ValverdeA, AbdallahS, DanoussouD, et al.Transitioning from open to robotic liver resection. results of 46 consecutive procedures including a majority of major Hepatectomies. Surg Innov, 2021; 28(3):309–315; doi: 10.1177/1553350620954580
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JangEJ, KangSH, KimKW. Exploring the feasibility of robotic liver resection in a limited resource setting. J Robot Surg, 2024; 18(1):187; doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-01901-1
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HaugenC, NoriegaM, AndyC, et al.Complete transition from laparoscopic to robotic liver surgery achieves superior outcomes in difficult hepatectomies: A seven-year retrospective study. Surg Endosc, 2025; 39(3):1600–1608; doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11474-7
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PietrosiG, VizziniGB, GruttadauriaS, et al.Clinical applications of hepatocyte transplantation. World J Gastroenterol, 2009; 15(17):2074–2077; doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2074
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BroeringDC, RaptisDA, MalagoM, et al.; MIOT Collaborative. Revolutionizing organ transplantation with robotic surgery. Ann Surg, 2024; 280(5):706–712; doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006460
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GruttadauriaS, Saint GeorgesChaumetM, PaganoD, et al.Impact of blood transfusion on early outcome of liver resection for colorectal hepatic metastases. J Surg Oncol, 2011; 103(2):140–147; doi: 10.1002/jso.21796
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GruttadauriaS, PaganoD, LucaA, et al.Small-for-size syndrome in adult-to-adult living-related liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol, 2010; 16(40):5011–5015; doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i40.5011
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GruttadauriaS, VizziniG, BiondoD, et al.Critical use of extended criteria donor liver grafts in adult-to-adult whole liver transplantation: A single-center experience. Liver Transpl, 2008; 14(2):220–227; doi: 10.1002/lt.21359
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CintorinoD, SpadaM, GruttadauriaS, et al.In situ split liver transplantation for adult and pediatric recipients: an answer to organ shortage. Transplant Proc, 2006; 38(4):1096–1098; doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.02.146
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MazzaferroV, CitterioD, BhooriS, et al.Liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma after tumour downstaging (XXL): a randomised, controlled, phase 2b/3 trial. Lancet Oncol, 2020; 21(7):947–956; doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30224-2
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VizziniG, AsaroM, MiragliaR, et al.Changing picture of central nervous system complications in liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl, 2011; 17(11):1279–1285; doi: 10.1002/lt.22383
