Benchmark Outcomes in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Multicenter Analysis of 80 996 Transplants From 126 Centers.

Background: We defined clinically relevant benchmark values in deceased donor kidney transplantation (KT), to assess the best achievable results in low-risk patient cohorts from experienced centers. Methods: We identified the "ideal" cases from the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files from centers performing ≥50 KT per year between 2010 and 2018. Cases have been selected based on the kidney donor profile index values (<35%), a cold ischemia time (CIT) ≤18 h, a HLA mismatch ≤4, and excluding blood group (ABO) incompatible, dual and combined transplants. The outcomes of the benchmark cohort have been compared with a group of patients excluded from the benchmark cohort because but not meeting 1 or more of the abovementioned criteria. Results: The 171 424 KT patients in the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files were screened and 8694 benchmark cases of a total of 80 996 KT (10.7%) from 126 centers meeting the selection criteria were identified. The benchmarks for 1-, 3-, and 5-y patient survival are ≥97%, ≥92.5%, and ≥86.7%, and ≥95.4%, ≥87.8%, and ≥79.6% for graft survival. Benchmark cutoff for hospital length of stay is ≤5 d, ≤23.6% for delayed graft function, and ≤7.5% and ≤9.1% for 6-mo and 1-y incidence of acute rejection. Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-y actuarial graft survivals were 96.6%, 91.1%, and 84.2% versus 93.5%, 85.4%, and 75.5% in the benchmark and comparison groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-y actuarial patient survivals were 98.1%, 94.8%, and 90.0% versus 96.6%, 91.1%, and 83.0% in the benchmark and comparison groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: For the first time, we quantified the best achievable postoperative results in an ideal scenario in deceased donor KT, aimed at improving the clinical practice guided by the comparison of center performances with the ideal outcomes defined.

Robotic 8-mm trocar fascial wounds: To close or not to close?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate 8-mm robotic trocar site hernia (TSH) rate over the short and long term, providing aids to manage the related fascial wounds. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 320 patients undergoing robotic surgery was conducted. The primary outcome was 8-mm TSH rate with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The secondary outcome was the rate of haematomas and infections related to 8-mm wounds and their association with patient comorbidities and trocar position. RESULTS: One case of TSH was observed (0.31%). There were 15 cases of wound infection (4.68%) and 22 cases of wound haematoma (6.87%). Trocar related complications were significantly associated with patient comorbidities, not with trocar position. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not justify the 8-mm fascial wound closure. Data concerning the association between trocar-related complications and patient comorbidities strengthen the need to implement the control of metabolic state and correct administration of perioperative therapy in high-risk patients.

Local recurrence risk factors and outcomes in minimally invasive thermal ablation for liver tumors: a single-institution analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally Invasive thermal ablation (MITA) of liver tumors is a commonly performed procedure, alone or in combination with liver resection. Despite being a first-option strategy for small lesions, it is technically demanding, and many concerns still exist about local disease control. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing MITA from 1-2019 to 12-2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Risk factors of local recurrence were investigated through univariate and multivariable cox regression analysis. RESULTS: At the multivariable analysis of the 207 nodules undergoing MITA, RFA was associated with worse local Recurrence Free Survival (lRFS) than MWA (HR 2.87 [95 % CI 0.96-8.66], p = 0.05), as well as a concomitant surgical resection (HR 3.89 [95 % CI 1.06-9.77], p = 0.02). A concomitant surgical resection showed worse lRFS in the subgroup analysis of both HCC (HR 3.98 [95 % CI 1.16-13.62], p = 0.02) and CRLM patients (HR 2.68 [95 % CI 0.66-5.92], p = 0.04). Interestingly, a tumor size between 30 and 40 mm was not associated to worse lRFS. CONCLUSION: MWA may reduce the risk of local recurrence in comparison to RFA, while MITA associated to liver resection may face an increased risk of local recurrence. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm such results.

Preoperative planning and intraoperative real-time navigation with indocyanine green fluorescence in robotic liver surgery.

PURPOSE: We aimed at exploring indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence wide spectrum of applications in hepatobiliary surgery as can result particularly useful in robotic liver resections (RLR) in order to overcome some technical limitations, increasing safety, and efficacy. METHODS: We describe our experience of 76 RLR performed between March 2020 and December 2022 exploring all the possible applications of pre- and intraoperative ICG administration. RESULTS: Hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases were the most common indications for RLR (34.2% and 26.7% of patients, respectively), and 51.3% of cases were complex resections with high IWATE difficulty scores. ICG was administered preoperatively in 61 patients (80.3%), intraoperatively in 42 patients (55.3%) and in both contexts in 25 patients (32.9%), with no observed adverse events. The most frequent ICG goal was to achieve tumor enhancement (59 patients, 77.6%), with a success rate of 94.9% and the detection of 3 additional malignant lesions. ICG facilitated evaluation of the resection margin for residual tumor and perfusion adequacy in 33.9% and 32.9% of cases, respectively, mandating a resection enlargement in 7.9% of patients. ICG fluorescence allowed the identification of the transection plane through negative staining in the 25% of cases. Vascular and biliary structures were visualized in 21.1% and 9.2% of patients, with a success rate of 81.3% and 85.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RLR can benefit from the routine integration of ICG fluoresce evaluation according to each individual patient and condition-specific goals and issues, allowing liver functional assessment, anatomical and vascular evaluation, tumor detection, and resection margins assessment.

Role of preoperative 3D rendering for minimally invasive parenchyma sparing liver resections.

BACKGROUND: 3D rendering (3DR) represents a promising approach to plan surgical strategies. The study aimed to compare the results of minimally invasive liver resections (MILS) in patients with 3DR versus conventional 2D CT-scan. METHODS: We performed 118 3DR for various indications; the patients underwent a preoperative tri-phasic CT-scan and rendered with Synapse3D® Software. Fifty-six patients undergoing MILS with pre-operative 3DR were compared to a similar cohort of 127 patients undergoing conventional pre-operative 2D CT-scan using the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: The 3DR mandated pre-operative surgical plan variations in 33.9% cases, contraindicated surgery in 12.7%, providing a new surgical indication in 5.9% previously excluded cases. PSM identified 39 patients in both groups with comparable results in terms of conversion rates, blood loss, blood transfusions, parenchymal R1-margins, grade ≥3 Clavien-Dindo complications, 90-days mortality, and hospital stay respectively in 3DR and conventional 2D. Operative time was significantly increased in the 3DR group (402 vs. 347 min, p = 0.020). Vascular R1 resections were 25.6% vs 7.7% (p = 0.068), while the conversion rate was 0% vs 10.2% (p = 0.058), respectively, for 3DR group vs conventional 2D. CONCLUSION: 3DR may help in surgical planning increasing resectability rate while reducing conversion rates, allowing the precise identification of anatomical landmarks in minimally invasive parenchyma-preserving liver resections.

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Liver Resections for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare minimally invasive (MILR) and open liver resections (OLRs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). BACKGROUND: Liver resections for HCC on MS are associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. No data on the minimally invasive approach in this setting exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter study involving 24 institutions was conducted. Propensity scores were calculated, and inverse probability weighting was used to weight comparisons. Short-term and long-term outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 996 patients were included: 580 in OLR and 416 in MILR. After weighing, groups were well matched. Blood loss was similar between groups (OLR 275.9±3.1 vs MILR 226±4.0, P =0.146). There were no significant differences in 90-day morbidity (38.9% vs 31.9% OLRs and MILRs, P =0.08) and mortality (2.4% vs 2.2% OLRs and MILRs, P =0.84). MILRs were associated with lower rates of major complications (9.3% vs 15.3%, P =0.015), posthepatectomy liver failure (0.6% vs 4.3%, P =0.008), and bile leaks (2.2% vs 6.4%, P =0.003); ascites was significantly lower at postoperative day 1 (2.7% vs 8.1%, P =0.002) and day 3 (3.1% vs 11.4%, P <0.001); hospital stay was significantly shorter (5.8±1.9 vs 7.5±1.7, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: MILR for HCC on MS is associated with equivalent perioperative and oncological outcomes to OLRs. Fewer major complications, posthepatectomy liver failures, ascites, and bile leaks can be obtained, with a shorter hospital stay. The combination of lower short-term severe morbidity and equivalent oncologic outcomes favor MILR for MS when feasible.

Model to predict major complications following liver resection for HCC in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is rapidly growing as risk factor for HCC. Liver resection for HCC in patients with MS is associated with increased postoperative risks. There are no data on factors associated with postoperative complications. AIMS: The aim was to identify risk factors and develop and validate a model for postoperative major morbidity after liver resection for HCC in patients with MS, using a large multicentric Western cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The univariable logistic regression analysis was applied to select predictive factors for 90 days major morbidity. The model was built on the multivariable regression and presented as a nomogram. Performance was evaluated by internal validation through the bootstrap method. The predictive discrimination was assessed through the concordance index. RESULTS: A total of 1087 patients were gathered from 24 centers between 2001 and 2021. Four hundred and eighty-four patients (45.2%) were obese. Most liver resections were performed using an open approach (59.1%), and 743 (68.3%) underwent minor hepatectomies. Three hundred and seventy-six patients (34.6%) developed postoperative complications, with 13.8% major morbidity and 2.9% mortality rates. Seven hundred and thirteen patients had complete data and were included in the prediction model. The model identified obesity, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, portal hypertension, open approach, major hepatectomy, and changes in the nontumoral parenchyma as risk factors for major morbidity. The model demonstrated an AUC of 72.8% (95% CI: 67.2%-78.2%) ( https://childb.shinyapps.io/NomogramMajorMorbidity90days/ ). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing liver resection for HCC and MS are at high risk of postoperative major complications and death. Careful patient selection, considering baseline characteristics, liver function, and type of surgery, is key to achieving optimal outcomes.

Systematic review, meta-analysis and single-centre experience of the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative near-infrared indocyanine green-fluorescence in detecting pancreatic tumours.

BACKGROUND: During pancreatic resections assessing tumour boundaries and identifying the ideal resection margins can be challenging due to the associated pancreatic gland inflammation and texture. This is particularly true in the context of minimally invasive surgery, where there is a very limited or absent tactile feedback. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging can assist surgeons by simply providing valuable real-time intraoperative information at low cost with minimal side effects. This meta-analysis summarises the available evidence on the use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with ICG for the intraoperative visualization of pancreatic tumours (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021247203). METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and Web Of Science electronic databases were searched to identify manuscripts where ICG was intravenously administered prior to or during pancreatic surgery and reporting the prevalence of pancreatic lesions visualised through fluorescence imaging. RESULTS: Six studies with 7 series' reporting data on 64 pancreatic lesions were included in the analysis. MINOR scores ranged from 6 to 10, with a median of 8. The most frequent indications were pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumours. In most cases (67.2%) ICG was administered during surgery. ICG fluorescence identified 48/64 lesions (75%) with 81.3% accuracy, 0.788 (95%CI 0.361-0.961) sensitivity, 1 (95%CI 0.072-1) specificity and positive predictive value of 0.982 (95%CI 0.532-1). In line with the literature, ICG fluorescence identified 5/6 (83.3%) of pancreatic lesions during robotic pancreatic resections performed at our Institution. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis is the first summarising the results of ICG immunofluorescence in detecting pancreatic tumours during surgery, showing good accuracy. Additional research is needed to define optimal ICG administration strategies and fluorescence intensity cut-offs.

Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide, with approximately 50% of patients developing colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) during the follow-up period. Management of CRLM is best achieved via a multidisciplinary approach and the diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making process is complex. In order to optimize patients' survival and quality of life, there are several unsolved challenges which must be overcome. These primarily include a timely diagnosis and the identification of reliable prognostic factors. Furthermore, to allow optimal treatment options, a precision-medicine, personalized approach is required. The widespread digitalization of healthcare generates a vast amount of data and together with accessible high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be applied. By increasing diagnostic accuracy, reducing timings and costs, the application of AI could help mitigate the current shortcomings in CRLM management. In this review we explore the available evidence of the possible role of AI in all phases of the CRLM natural history. Radiomics analysis and convolutional neural networks (CNN) which combine computed tomography (CT) images with clinical data have been developed to predict CRLM development in CRC patients. AI models have also proven themselves to perform similarly or better than expert radiologists in detecting CRLM on CT and magnetic resonance scans or identifying them from the noninvasive analysis of patients' exhaled air. The application of AI and machine learning (ML) in diagnosing CRLM has also been extended to histopathological examination in order to rapidly and accurately identify CRLM tissue and its different histopathological growth patterns. ML and CNN have shown good accuracy in predicting response to chemotherapy, early local tumor progression after ablation treatment, and patient survival after surgical treatment or chemotherapy. Despite the initial enthusiasm and the accumulating evidence, AI technologies' role in healthcare and CRLM management is not yet fully established. Its limitations mainly concern safety and the lack of regulation and ethical considerations. AI is unlikely to fully replace any human role but could be actively integrated to facilitate physicians in their everyday practice. Moving towards a personalized and evidence-based patient approach and management, further larger, prospective and rigorous studies evaluating AI technologies in patients at risk or affected by CRLM are needed.

The Role of Robotic Visceral Surgery in Patients with Adhesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abdominal adhesions are a risk factor for conversion to open surgery. An advantage of robotic surgery is the lower rate of unplanned conversions. A systematic review was conducted using the terms "laparoscopic" and "robotic". Inclusion criteria were: comparative studies evaluating patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic surgery; reporting data on conversion to open surgery for each group due to adhesions and studies including at least five patients in each group. The main outcomes were the conversion rates due to adhesions and surgeons' expertise (novice vs. expert). The meta-analysis included 70 studies from different surgical specialities with 14,329 procedures (6472 robotic and 7857 laparoscopic). The robotic approach was associated with a reduced risk of conversion (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12-2.10, p = 0.007). The analysis of the procedures performed by "expert surgeons" showed a statistically significant difference in favour of robotic surgery (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03-2.12, p = 0.03). A reduced conversion rate due to adhesions with the robotic approach was observed in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.20-5.72, p = 0.02). The robotic approach could be a valid option in patients with abdominal adhesions, especially in the subgroup of those undergoing colorectal cancer resection performed by expert surgeons.

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy with biodegradable ductal stenting (Archimedes BPS®).

BACKGROUND: Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula (POPF) development remains a challenge after pancreaticoduodenectomy, occurring in 3-45% of cases [1]. The placement of a trans-anastomotic Wirsung stent is usually done in high-risk patients to decrease incidence and severity of POPF. METHODS: Herein, we present a fully robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy with a biodegradable ductal stent interposition in a 47 y.o. female with a main duct IPMN of the pancreatic head and a fistula risk score of 6 (Moderate-risk). VIDEO: After gastrocolic ligament division and hepatic flexure and duodenum mobilization, the loco-regional lymphadenectomy was performed. Following gastric transection with endo-GIA, the bile duct and gastroduodenal artery have been divided, and the cholecystectomy performed. The neck of the pancreas has been transected, the jejunum divided with endo-GIA and mobilized from the Treitz ligament, and the uncinate process dissected from the mesenteric vessels. A Blumgart anastomosis has been performed between the soft-texture pancreatic stump and the jejunal loop with the interposition of a 6 Fr/60 mm long, medium degrading stent (20 days) in the 2 mm duct (Archimedes BPS®, AMG Int., Winsen-Germany). The hepatico-jejunostomy and gastro-jejunostomy have been performed distally on the same loop. Three abdominal drains have been positioned. RESULTS: Surgery lasted 480 min, with 175 mls blood loss. The patient postoperatively developed a biochemical leak and was discharged home by day 12. She was readmitted a month later for an amylase-negative intra-abdominal abscess that was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSION: Biodegradable pancreatic stent positioning could be an effective strategy in reducing POPF occurrence in high-risk patients.

Robotic central pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Central pancreatectomy is usually performed to excise lesions of the neck or proximal body of the pancreas. In the last decade, thanks to the advent of novel technologies, surgeons have started to perform this procedure robotically. This review aims to appraise the results and outcomes of robotic central pancreatectomies (RCP) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web Of Science identified studies reporting outcomes of RCP. Pooled prevalence rates of postoperative complications and mortality were computed using random-effect modelling. RESULTS: Thirteen series involving 265 patients were included. In all cases but one, RCP was performed to excise benign or low-grade tumours. Clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 42.3% of patients. While overall complications were reported in 57.5% of patients, only 9.4% had a Clavien-Dindo score ≥ III. Re-operation was necessary in 0.7% of the patients. New-onset diabetes occurred postoperatively in 0.3% of patients and negligible mortality and open conversion rates were observed. CONCLUSION: RCP is safe and associated with low perioperative mortality and well preserved postoperative pancreatic function, although burdened by high overall morbidity and POPF rates.

Robotic versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomies: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: When oncologically feasible, avoiding unnecessary splenectomies prevents patients who are undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP) from facing significant thromboembolic and infective risks. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web Of Science identified 11 studies reporting outcomes of 323 patients undergoing intended spleen-preserving minimally invasive robotic DP (SP-RADP) and 362 laparoscopic DP (SP-LADP) in order to compare the spleen preservation rates of the two techniques. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: SP-RADP showed superior results over the laparoscopic approach, with an inferior spleen preservation failure risk difference (RD) of 0.24 (95% CI 0.15, 0.33), reduced open conversion rate (RD of -0.05 (95% CI -0.09, -0.01)), reduced blood loss (mean difference of -138 mL (95% CI -205, -71)), and mean difference in hospital length of stay of -1.5 days (95% CI -2.8, -0.2), with similar operative time, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (ISGPS grade B/C), and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Both SP-RADP and SP-LADP proved to be safe and effective procedures, with minimal perioperative mortality and low postoperative morbidity. The robotic approach proved to be superior to the laparoscopic approach in terms of spleen preservation rate, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital length of stay.

Liquid biopsy in cholangiocarcinoma: Current status and future perspectives.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are a heterogeneous group of tumors in terms of aetiology, natural history, morphological subtypes, molecular alterations and management, but all sharing complex diagnosis, management, and poor prognosis. Several mutated genes and epigenetic changes have been detected in CCA, with the potential to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Accessing tumoral components and genetic material is therefore crucial for the diagnosis, management and selection of targeted therapies; but sampling tumor tissue, when possible, is often risky and difficult to be repeated at different time points. Liquid biopsy (LB) represents a way to overcome these issues and comprises a diverse group of methodologies centering around detection of tumor biomarkers from fluid samples. Compared to the traditional tissue sampling methods LB is less invasive and can be serially repeated, allowing a real-time monitoring of the tumor genetic profile or the response to therapy. In this review, we analysis the current evidence on the possible roles of LB (circulating DNA, circulating RNA, exosomes, cytokines) in the diagnosis and management of patients affected by CCA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic renal disease: Challenges of interventional treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer related death. Many risk factors, leading to liver cirrhosis and associated HCC, have been recognized, among them viral hepatitis infections play an important role worldwide. Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on maintenance dialysis, show a higher prevalence of viral hepatitis than the general population what increases the risk of HCC onset. In addition, renal dysfunction may have a negative prognostic impact on both immediate and long-term outcomes after malignancy treatment. Several interventional procedures for the treatment of HCC are currently available: thermal ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, liver surgery or even liver transplantation. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system provides an evidence-based treatment algorithm to address different categories of patients to the most-effective treatment in consideration of the extension of disease, liver function and performance status. Liver resection and transplantation are usually reserved to patients with early stage HCC and acceptable performance status, while the other treatments are more indicated in case of impaired liver function or locally advanced or unresectable tumors. However, there is no validated treatment algorithm for HCC in CKD patients, mainly due to the rarity of reports in this cohort of patients. Hereby we discuss the available evidences on interventional HCC treatments in CKD patients, and briefly report up-to-date pharmacological therapy for HCC patients affected by viral hepatitis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of local ablative therapies for resectable colorectal liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Local ablative therapies (LAT) have shown positive but heterogenous outcomes in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate LAT and compare them with surgical resection. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were searched for reports published before January 2019. We included papers assessing radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation (CA) and electroporation (IRE) treating resectable CRLM with curative intention. We evaluated LAT related complications and oncological outcomes as tumour progression (LTP), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The literature search yielded 6767 records; 20 papers (860 patients) were included. No included studies related mortality with LAT. Median adverse events percentage was 7%: (8% RFA;7% MWA). Median 3y-DFS was 32% (24% RFA; 60% MWA); 5y-DFS was 27%: (18% RFA; 38.5% MWA). Median 3y-OS was 59% (60% RFA; 70% MWA; 34% CA), 5y-OS was 44.5% (43% RFA; 55% MWA; 20% CA). Surgical resection showed decreased LTP, improved DFS and OS than those reported with LAT, with RFA accounting for reduced 1y-DFS (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.71-0.98), 3y-DFS (RR 0.5, 95%CI 0.33-0.76), 5y-DFS (RR 0.53, 95%CI 0.28-0.98) and 5y-OS (RR 0.76, 95%CI 0.58-0.98) in comparison with surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: Low quality evidence suggests that both RFA and MWA seem superior to CA. MWA presents similar adverse events when compared to RFA with a possible increase in DFS and OS. Surgical resection still seems to provide superior DFS and OS in comparison with LAT.

Robotic approach to the liver: Open surgery in a closed abdomen or laparoscopic surgery with technical constraints?

The application of the minimally invasive approach has shown to be safe and effective for liver surgery and is in constant growth. The indications for laparoscopic surgery are steadily increasing across the field. In the early 2000s, robotic surgery led to some additional improvements, such as tremor filtration, instrument stability, 3D view and more comfort for the surgeon. These techniques bring in some advantages compared to the traditional OLR: less blood loss, shorter admissions, fewer adhesions, and a faster postoperative recovery and better outcomes in case of further hepatectomy for tumor recurrence has been shown. Concerning which is the best minimally invasive approach between laparoscopic and robotic surgery, the evidence is still conflicting. The latter shows good potential, since the endo-wristed instruments work similarly to the surgeon's hands, even with an intact abdominal wall. However, the technique is still under development, burdened by important costs, and limited by the lack of some instruments available for the laparoscopic approach. The paucity of universally accepted and proven data, especially concerning long-term outcomes, hampers drawing univocal acceptance at present. Furthermore, the number of variables related both to the patient and the disease further complicates the decision leading to a treatment tailored to each patient with strict selection. This review aims to explore the main differences between laparoscopic and robotic surgery, focusing on indications, operative technique and current debated clinical issues in recent literature.