Short-Term Surgical Outcomes After Robotic Liver Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis With Conventional Open Liver Surgery at a High-Volume Centre in Denmark

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the perioperative outcomes of robotic liver surgery (RLS) and Open liver surgery (OLS) in a centre with a high number of operations. Methods: A 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) analysis of a retrospective database of RLS and OLS was performed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed to identify learning curves. Result: After PSM analysis, operative time was significantly longer in the RLS group (p < 0.001). Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the RLS group (p < 0.001). Transfusion rates were significantly lower in the RLS group. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the RLS group (3.5vs6.3 days, p < 0.001). Readmission rates were significantly lower in the RLS group (p < 0.049). CUSUM analysis showed a learning curve for at least 8 low—intermediate RLS procedures and 27 advanced—Expert RLS procedures. Conclusions: RLS has many advantages, including being safe to perform, less blood loss and faster postoperative recovery compared with OLS.