Robotic repair of the inferior vena cava during hepatobiliary resection

Abstract

Presenter: Emanuel Shapera MD | AdventHealth Tampa Background: Robotic hepatobiliary surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of a variety of liver tumors. Intraoperative bleeding continues to be a major concern and cause of unplanned open conversion. Such conversions, done to control life-threatening hemorrhage and to effect emergent vascular repair, are associated with worse perioperative outcomes. Methods: With technical advances along the robotic learning curve, vascular handling during minimally invasive liver surgery has increased significantly and major vascular injuries can be repaired without open conversion. This maintains the improved perioperative outcomes associated with a minimally invasive approach. Results: We demonstrate two cases of expeditious inferior vena cava repair with minimal blood loss during robotic cholangiocarcinoma resection. Conclusion: Robotic repair of Inferior Vena Cava injuries during Hepatobiliary resection is safe, feasible and if done expeditiously can maintain the superior outcomes of a minimally invasive approach