Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Recurrence ad Survival After Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Liver Resection in Very-early to Early (BCLC 0-A) Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The objective of the study is to investigate the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive liver surgery (robotic vs laparoscopic) for hepatocellular carcinoma patients of stage BCLC 0-A. Data from two tertiary centers for liver surgery will be retrospectively reviewed. Patients will be divided in two cohorts (robot; laparoscopy). The primary endpoint will be recurrence-free and overall survival; secondary endpoints were incidence, pattern, and treatment of recurrences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic resections
• Histology-confirmed HCC of stage BCLC 0-A
• Preserved liver function (Child score A-B)
• Patients >18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hand-assisted procedures
• Non-elective surgery
• Intraoperative switch to locoregional therapies (like radiofrequency or microwave ablation)
• Non-histologically confirmed HCC
• Mixed hepato-cholangiocarcinoma.