Surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: milestone changes in the last two decades potentially affecting current guidelines

Abstract

The aim of this review is to describe the relevance of minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) for the treatment of most common primary liver tumors. The uptake has been slow but steady, and thus MILR has become a well-established field of hepatobiliary surgery and is considered a landmark change of the past 30 years. There is evidence that the advantage of MILR regarding specific complications of liver surgery for HCC (reduced incidence of postoperative hepatic decompensation and ascites) can be a tool to potentially expand the indications to surgical treatment. Evidence for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is early and exploratory; however, it is beginning to be documented that the fundamental principles of surgical oncology for this tumor can be respected while offering patients the advantages of minimal invasiveness.