Is it time to define the scope of safety for robotic resection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery? A propensity score matching based analysis of a single center experience.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Robotic surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is in the developmental and exploratory phase. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes and survival rates of robotic versus open resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in a single center, and to determine the reliable scope of robotic interventions.

METHODS

A comparative analysis of outcomes from open and robotic resections at a single center was conducted using propensity score matching (PSM). The balance of covariates was assessed using standardized mean differences, and the robotic resection procedures adhered to the standards of open surgery.

RESULTS

PSM was effectively applied between 41 robotic and 82 open resections. No differences were observed in blood loss, overall and severe morbidity, 90-day mortality, or length of hospital stay. Robotic resections were longer but resulted in better immediate oncological outcomes. Median overall survival for the robotic and open groups was 44 and 30 months ( = 0.259) before PSM and 44 and 29 months ( = 0.164) after PSM respectively. Conversion was required in 8 cases. A subgroup analysis excluding conversions revealed no differences in immediate and long-term outcomes. All patients undergoing robotic resection for Bismuth types I and II were alive at a mean follow-up of 37 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The robotic approach is comparable to open resection regarding immediate outcomes and survival in select patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. For patients with Bismuth type I and II tumors and early (stages I and II) TNM stages, robotic resection is a reliable treatment option when aligned with the principles of open surgery.