Robotic resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Institutional outcomes of bile duct cancer surgery using a minimally invasive technique

Background and Objectives The purpose of this study is to report our early experience and outcomes, the first in North America, of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (EHC) resection with Roux-en Y Hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction via the robotic approach. Methods With Institutional Review Board approval, 15 patients who underwent robotic resection of EHC were studied. Results Patients were 74 (73 +/- 8.9) years of age. There were 9 men and 6 women. Average body mass index was 24 (27 +/- 6.3) kg center dot m(-2). Mean & Median ASA class was 3. Median Tumor size was 2 (2 +/- 1.3) cm. There were no intraoperative complications. Operative duration was 453 (443 +/- 85.0) minutes and the estimated blood loss was 150 (182 +/- 138.4) ml. No patient required admission to the intensive care unit. Hospital length of stay was 4 (6 +/- 3.2) days. There was one patient with Clavien-Dindo Class 3 or greater complication. No mortality was seen in this series. Discussion Robotic resection of EHC is safe, feasible, and reproducible with excellent clinical outcomes. Consequently, the robotic technique should be considered in some patients requiring EHC resection.

Automated summary

This study reports the early experience and outcomes of robotic-assisted resection of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (EHC) in North America for the first time. The results show that the robotic technique is safe, feasible, and reproducible with excellent clinical outcomes.