Robotic radical surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A single-centre case series

Background Radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is considered one of the most complicated abdominal operations. We report our initial experience with robotic radical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Between March 2017 and February 2019, the perioperative outcomes of 48 patients were analysed. In addition, there were two techniques for hepaticojejunostomy in the robotic approach. Comparison of the conventional and novel methods for hepaticojejunostomy was also performed to assess the efficacy of the technique. Results The operative duration and intraoperative blood loss volume was 276 minutes and 150 mL, respectively. The overall morbidity was 58.3% and the major morbidity was 10.4%. The overall mortality was 0%. No significant differences in the perioperative outcomes of hepaticojejunostomy were found between the 2 groups. Conclusion Robotic resection is a potential alternative to open surgery for appropriately selected patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Further studies are required to detect the long-term outcomes of this procedure.