Liver Surgery with the Assistance of Da Vinci Robot

Liver surgery with the assistance of Da Vinci Robot is a relatively new topic. Although many publications exist on the subject it is still difficult to establish rules and real indications and especially contraindications to the use of this technique. Progress and evolution are limited by several external factors such as limited access to the machine and the absence of hepatobiliary standardized robotics training. In addition there is lack of support by many hospital administrators who see no cost advantage of robotic hepatobiliary surgery when compared with traditional laparoscopy. At the moment there are no randomized studies that show the superiority of postoperative outcomes and the advantage in cost or length of stay.The latest development of the new technology EndoWrist®, the appearance of new instruments and mechanical staplers allow section of vessels and liver parenchyma, aspiration of blood and stabilization of all tissues controlled by the surgeon operator. Visualization done by a 3D camera with magnification options allows identification of even the smallest bile leaks and sources of hemorrhage. Freedom and flexibility of movement as well as the cancellation of surgeon’s tremor offers a simple way of suturing of the pancreatic stump or creation of anastomosis as well as liver parenchymal transection never known by traditional laparoscopy. The hepaticojejunal anastomosis becomes feasible although access to small bowel and the construction of the Roux-en-Y limb have another special technical challenge due to the rigidity of the machine and a complete inability to turn the camera and instruments 180°.In conclusion, liver surgery with the Da Vinci system continues to evolve. There are still many technical, academic and administrative obstacles. Scientific progress and implementation of the robot in hepatobiliary surgery require patience, careful preparation, integration and supervision of young surgeons from the beginning of their training and the establishment of criteria and guidance that will enable proper selection of the best surgical cases.